In recent times, the automotive industry has been revolutionized by the arrival of new technologies. Fuel-powered cars are no longer the only ones on the market, and new models are now available, including hybrids. In fact, for road trip enthusiasts in France and elsewhere, using this type of vehicle is advantageous in more ways than one. From cost savings to driving comfort to a reduced ecological footprint, let's take a look at the 3 advantages of hybrid travel.
Lower costs when traveling in a hybrid vehicle
Before looking at the comfort and ecological benefits of hybrids, let's take a moment to consider the savings made by travelers who use this type of vehicle for their road trips. As a reminder, a hybrid car is equipped with a main combustion engine and a secondary electric motor. Most models operate as follows: the fuel-powered engine drives the wheels, while the electric motor supports acceleration. Another advantage of a hybrid car is that when travelling at low speeds, in traffic jams, parking lots, 30 km/h zones or in town at less than 50 km/h, the vehicle operates in 100% electric mode, thus consuming no fuel.
In view of the current rise in fuel prices, in France as in many other European countries, using a hybrid for a road trip is a very good option from a financial point of view. A hybrid vehicle consumes less fuel than a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. And this applies just as much to stops, starts and slow-moving traffic as it does to acceleration, where the electric motor supports the petrol engine. For travelers, these are savings that can be reinvested in activities or restaurant visits.
A more comfortable road trip than a traditional car
Hybrid cars are very comfortable to use. And that's a real advantage for road-trippers who have to drive for long hours. It's easy to handle and smooth to drive, on the freeway as well as in town and in traffic jams. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of an automatic transmission and the absence of a clutch pedal. It's also quieter than a conventional car, especially during deceleration and at low speeds, when it's almost completely silent.
Another good thing about using a hybrid car on a road trip is that there's no need to recharge the battery. The battery automatically manages the engine assistance and energy regeneration phases.
What's more, many hybrid cars have ergonomic, comfortable interiors. They are also equipped with the latest technologies, such as a connected touch screen, parking radars, lane departure warning and active emergency braking. All of which make driving a safer and more pleasant experience on a road trip.
A responsible holiday: the environmental benefits of hybrids
It's no secret that cars powered by petrol or diesel engines are bad for the environment. By using a hybrid vehicle for your road trip, the presence of an electric motor reduces fuel consumption. Driving a hybrid car helps reduce CO2 emissions. It's the perfect choice for road trip enthusiasts who want to reconcile respect for the environment with reduced fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
A hybrid car is therefore well worth considering for all nomadic travellers who like to criss-cross the roads of France, Europe and many other parts of the world.
