Much has been written about the phenomenon of hybrid cars these days, especially as the cost of gas continues to increase and people become more concerned about their environment. For a lot of customers in the market for a new Ford vehicle hybrids are fast becoming a serious option. But is it really a good idea to purchase a hybrid car?

How Does a Hybrid Car Work?

For those who are new to the idea of a hybrid car, a brief explanation of how they work is probably required. A hybrid vehicle has two different types of propulsion, usually gas and electric power from a battery. The idea is that under certain conditions the vehicle can make use of its electric power and shut off the gas engine, therefore saving gas and carbon emissions. This is obviously very good for our planet, and the environmental impact of gas powered vehicles should certainly be considered when making your purchase.

Ford Hybrid Cars: What’s The Fuel Efficiency Difference?

It is important to note that while hybrid model of a particular vehicle will always be more fuel efficient than it’s gas powered counterpart, the fact that a vehicle is a hybrid does not always mean excellent fuel efficiency. A hybrid SUV might only get 30 mpg, which can be beaten by many traditional gas vehicles. However, there can be a big difference in fuel efficiency between the same types of vehicle. For example, a new Ford Escape gets 22 mpg in the city whereas the hybrid Ford Escape gets a whopping 34 mpg.

The actual fuel efficiency you get from your new Ford vehicle will depend on the type of driving you do most. Unlike traditional gas only vehicles, city driving in a hybrid is actually more efficient than highway driving. This is because the hybrid relies on braking to recharge the battery so the gas engine can be switched off. In highway driving where you are braking less frequently, the battery will not get recharged and you will be using the gas engine most of the time.

Whether you’re looking for a new Ford hybrid or a traditional gas powered vehicle, come and see us today at Sunset Ford.