Our roads have been graced with modern hybrid and electric vehicles for more than 20 years now. So naturally, the pre-owned market around these cars have grown considerably. With the eco-friendly vehicle gaining in popularity, hybrid and electric cars have become more popular than ever. If you’re looking at second hand cars in Dubai in terms of hybrid or electric cars, you might find yourself wondering if it’s a smart investment. Choosing to go green is, in itself, a smart investment, and buying a used hybrid car from a top class marketplace like OneClickDrive is a cost-effective way to do just that. Before heading to the nearest dealership, though, here are some things we’d like you to know:
1. Knowing the Difference Between Hybrids and EVs: Hybrid Cars: These use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, switching between the two for better fuel efficiency. Examples include the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These can run exclusively on electricity for short ranges before reverting to gasoline. These have a larger battery than standard hybrids and it enables a longer electric driving range when plugged in. They are kind of in-between being a hybrid and a full EV.
Fully Electric vehicles (EVs): Run exclusively on electricity, removing the requirement for fuel but also needing charging infrastructure—examples include Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, and even a Ford Mustang used in Dubai.
2. Battery Health Is the Most Important Factor: The battery is the most expensive part of a hybrid or electric vehicle, unlike traditional cars. Over the course of long periods of time, batteries may lose some of their capacity and driving range. Keep in mind that their batteries are made to last, and the popularity of EVs has increased the availability of their parts. It is also possible to replace individual cells rather than the whole battery, which can bring the cost of replacement right down.
3. Charging Infrastructure and Range Considerations: With fully electric vehicles, charging accessibility becomes a big factor. Do you have a home charging station, or would you depend on public chargers? Besides, older EV models may have shorter ranges, so check if the range and charging speed meet your daily needs and won’t be a source of inconvenience to you. If charging infrastructure is a problem, then a hybrid or plug-in hybrid would be the better option as they don’t run exclusively on electricity.
Final Thoughts
Getting a used hybrid or electric car is a fantastic way to tap into its many fuel-saving, lower-emission, and reduced maintenance-cost benefits. Of course, issues like battery health and charging and availability need to be weighed. But if you do your homework and shop around to really look at the car, a used EV or hybrid can be a very savvy purchase—one that works both for your wallet and the environment.
