You’re seriously considering upgrading your car and purchasing something more energy and fuel-efficient that will cost you less in the long run. Electric or hybrid vehicles have become buzzwords in SA over the last few years, generating much debate about whether their higher purchase prices are worthwhile investments into the future of motoring. With the rising fuel price and cost of living, is it time to make the big leap of selling your car and buying a futuristic hybrid or full electric vehicle?
The dream of owning one of these vehicles is not as out of reach as you might imagine. Entry-level vehicles into the hybrid car range like the Corolla Cross sell new for a surprising R461 700 – a cheaper alternative to new ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles like the VW Tiguan, Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai Tucson.
Before we get started on the long list of pros for purchasing these electric or hybrid vehicles, let’s list some of the cons:
- South Africa is not selling a big number of electric or hybrid vehicles, largely due to their inaccessible price points, but also the lack of government incentives to purchase these cars. It’s hard to justify forking out extra money for a heavily taxed luxury electric car when the country lacks sufficient charging stations.
- ‘Range anxiety’ is a term used to describe the stress of electric vehicle drivers (particularly on longer road trips), when they need to find a charging station and wait (sometimes for 8 hours) for their vehicle to fully charge, while their gas-guzzling counterparts overtake them only stopping for 5-minute refuels at convenient petrol stations scattered along the open road.
While these are major concerns, hybrid vehicles are stepping into the gap as the in-between solution that might be an ideal compromise for an emerging country like SA.
Worried about range anxiety? Many hybrid vehicles charge themselves as you drive, reducing the need to search out a charging station.
Concerned about the higher purchase price? Hybrid cars are becoming more affordable and accessible to a larger portion of the population.
If you’re still not convinced, here are 4 more reasons to sell your car and buy a hybrid (or one-up that with a full electric vehicle):
#1 Energy efficiency
All electric vehicle batteries convert between 59 and 62% of energy into powering the car in comparison to their petrol-powered competitors which only use between 17 and 21% – making them much more energy efficient.
But perhaps a bigger consideration for the average motorist is fuel efficiency (and this is possibly the best selling point of these electric/hybrid vehicles).
While full electric cars don’t use any petrol or diesel, reducing your need to visit a petrol station entirely, hybrid vehicles boast very economical fuel consumption figures. The Corolla Cross, for example, claims a 4.3l/100km while the Honda FIT is said to only use 3.7l/100km and the larger Lexus UX 250H EX claims 4.5l/100km.
#2 Reduced emissions
Elon Musk is not the only one going on about green and sustainable car design features. A growing proportion of the population is trying to play their part in reducing their carbon footprint in order to protect our planet for future generations.
Cars are a major contributing factor to global warming. In the US, cars and trucks contribute to nearly ⅕ of all carbon emissions. This obviously needs to change.
All electric cars produce zero emissions (a major plus for planet earth), while hybrid vehicles are far cleaner, greener and kinder to the planet.
Did you know?
Hybrid cars produce the least emissions in high-traffic conditions. Hybrids function in an electric mode when waiting at robots and plodding through congested traffic at low speeds, unlike their ICE counterparts (a big plus if you stay in a big city like Joburg or Cape Town).
#3 Lower maintenance costs
When you’ve paid a higher purchase price for an electric or hybrid vehicle, you want to avoid spending more on day-to-day running costs.
This is where hybrid (or better, electric) motorists begin to reap the benefits.
Fewer trips to the petrol station, extra protection in terms of warranties from manufacturers and a higher resale value for your vehicle are some of the things that will make you (and the planet) smile.
Plus, these vehicles also incur less wear and tear (meaning less damage to brake pads and tyres than their ICE counterparts).
The only drawback is that when the car is in need of a fix, hybrids and electric cars generally cost more to repair. This is because many mechanics do not have enough specialised experience working on these vehicles, so you will need to return to the original manufacturer to restore the car.
#4 Bask in the luxury of a futuristic car
Not only can you – as a hybrid/electric car driver – rest in the knowledge that you are doing your bit to save the planet, but you can also enjoy additional benefits:
- You are driving a vehicle filled with high-end technology and innovation
- There’s less chance of a breakdown
- You are less of a contributor to noise pollution
- You are driving a car that will last longer
Sell your old ICE vehicle for the best cash price
Now that you’re (hopefully) convinced that buying a hybrid or electric car is the way of the future, you may be searching for the best way to sell your current car.
Be sure to find a reputable online marketplace that checks all of the following boxes:
- Quick, easy and hassle-free process
- Safe and secure online platform
- Professional service from an experienced team of professionals
- Competitive cash price.