5 Hybrid car myths busted!

With new technology comes controversy, and the hybrid car has contented with its fair share of doubting toms. As with any new innovation, scepticism abounds, and below we bust some of the most prevalent myths surrounding the hybrid vehicle – the cleanest, most fuel-efficient car on the road today.

Myth #1: Hybrid car batteries have a short lifespan

One of the first questions raised by motorists considering buying a hybrid car is whether the battery is reliable – or whether it would need to be replaced every few years.

Fears of costly battery replacements are unfounded: The Prius’ battery has been designed to last for the lifetime of the car, and by keeping batteries charged at their optimal level (between 40% and 60%), Prius drivers can help to ensure the longevity of the batteries. In fact, no maintenance is ever scheduled on the Prius battery, as these nickel-metal hydride batteries never need to be checked or serviced by the owner!

Myth #2: Hybrid technology is so new that hybrid cars must experience mechanical problems

This is certainly not the case! First of all, hybrid technology is by no means a new innovation: At the turn of the last century, vehicles were powered by steam, fuel or electricity in equal measure. It took only a few years for forward-thinking engineers to merge various sources of power – and the original patent for a hybrid-electric engine was filed in 1905!

Moreover, Toyota has been researching and developing its hybrid car for more than 30 years, with the first Prius going on sale in Japan over a decade ago. There are no maintenance problems unique to the Toyota Prius – and in fact, it has been widely acknowledged that Priuses actually present far fewer mechanical problems than regular petrol or diesel-powered cars.

Myth #3: Hybrid cars are underpowered

Some motorists believe that adding an electric component to a petrol engine “dilutes” the vehicle’s power and hence hampers the performance of a hybrid car. Not so with the Toyota hybrid car! The Toyota Prius has been designed to harness the power of the advanced hybrid engine in order to maximise the efficiency of city or town driving.

Boasting seamless acceleration, powerful overtaking and an acceleration potential equivalent to that a 2.0ℓ petrol engine vehicle, the Prius combines superb performance with smooth, efficient motoring.

Myth #4: A hybrid car loses out in the style stakes

Creating a vehicle that was fuel efficient but didn’t compromise on style, comfort or design was Toyota’s aim when researching and developing the Prius hybrid car. The end result – a vehicle that boasts world-beating emissions and exceptional fuel economy, as well as a stylish, attractive design – proves that fuel efficiency and aesthetic innovation need not be mutually exclusive.

In South Africa, the Toyota Prius comes standard with leather seats, power steering, a world-first electric air-conditioner and Bluetooth compatibility. And, thanks to its sleek, aerodynamic design, the exterior looks as good as the interior does!

Myth #5: A hybrid car is unaffordable

There is a misconception that hybrid vehicles are very expensive to purchase. In South Africa, the Prius is priced from R284 000. In many instances, this price is comparable with the cost of traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles of the same size and class.

The cost of the Toyota Prius includes an 8-year or 195 000 kilometre service plan, as well as a 3-year or 100 000 kilometre warranty. What this means is that you get a lot of value for the money you’re spending – as well an array of advanced features that further boost the Prius’ value-for-money appeal, including an Electro Multi Vision (EMV) touch screen, satellite navigation system, stability control and Bluetooth cell phone integration.

And lastly, there are the proven fuel savings to take into account. As one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today, with an impressive fuel economy of 4.6ℓ/100km combined, the Toyota Prius helps motorists to slash their fuel bills significantly – while enjoying a cleaner, healthier driving experience.

Book a test drive now, or visit your nearest Toyota dealership to experience the Prius hybrid car for yourself.