The Pros and Cons of Renting a Hybrid Car Versus Conventional Car
Hybrid rental cars have grown in popularity especially in recent years. Once hard to find at airports and rental companies, hybrid cars are now readily available in most major cities. Public awareness and hybrid rental car availability are both improving. But even with better availability, travelers still are unsure about what to make of these fuel-efficient automobiles. Many wonder what the advantages and disadvantages to renting a hybrid are compared to a conventional car. Others feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the new technology and possibly new way of driving. Here are some pros and cons of renting hybrid cars on your next trip.
Fuel Efficiency Issue
The most obvious difference between hybrid and conventional cars is fuel efficiency. Hybrid cars were created to get more mileage out of every gallon of gasoline and, as such, emit much less carbon dioxide into the air. This means that less pollution is produced by these cars than the conventional cars that use strictly just fossil fuel for propulsion. For the environmentally-conscious, it is clear that hybrids are the better choice.
Rental Cost Issue
But for most people, the main deciding factor in renting a car is cost in the form of rental fees and fuel cost. Renting a car while on travel can add a huge dollar amount to the total trip expense. Hybrid cars normally command premium rental rates over conventional cars, especially for the daily rates which can exceed $150 per day including surcharges and fees. Weekend and all-week rental rates seem a little better, dropping to around $70 to $80 per day average. Of course, your rental rates can be slightly offset by the lower fuel costs expected when operating a hybrid, and possible discounts offered in certain travel destinations, such as California, for choosing a hybrid. For the most part, however, conventional cars will cost less for all but those who plan on logging heavy miles during their rental period.
Drivability Issue
An important consideration for many drivers is how safe the cars are and how simple they are to operate. This issue has less to do with the hybrid rental car than with the driver himself or herself. Driving an unfamiliar car can be an undaunted experience for many drivers in a strange locale, especially if the interior controls of the car and the way the car behaves (as in the case of a hybrid) is different than a person is used to. Between finding their ways around a foreign city and dealing with a new way to drive a hybrid, travelers are strongly advised to be fully prepared before they start driving. Here are some differences.
A hybrid car employs a conventional engine to charge up its battery packs, which in turn powers an electric motor to propel the car forward. In addition, many hybrid car models such as the Toyota Prius have an idle-off feature, which automatically shuts off the engine when a car is braked at a red light. This may be a shock to someone not expecting it, but is really a feature to help save additional energy. Once the car is put back into drive, the engine will restart. Another way to save energy is to recoup energy during slow-down and braking, called regen or regenerative braking. So while the car is in motion, as soon as the driver lifts his/her foot from the accelerator pedal, the hybrid car’s regen system kicks in to help slow the vehicle down as it charges up its battery packs.
So if you’ve never driven a hybrid car before, and are looking to rent a hybrid on your next trip, be sure to get help and guidance from the rental attendant at check out. He/she will be glad to walk you through the features and operation of your hybrid rental car. Have a safe and green trip!
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