Hybrid Cars in Ireland: How Do They Work?

By David Tait Reviewed by Cormac Breen

Editorial Manager

Hybrid vehicles combine a petrol engine with an electric motor to power the car. This dual system leads to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to vehicles powered solely by petrol. On average, a new hybrid car in Ireland costs between €35,000 to €60,000.

What Is a Hybrid Car?

A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses a combination of an internal combustion engine (usually powered by gasoline) and an electric motor to propel the vehicle.

This combination allows hybrid cars to achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only cars.

There are three types of hybrid cars:

• Full hybrids - Can run on electric power alone for short distances.
• Mild hybrids - Electric motor provides limited assistance to the engine.
• Plug-in hybrids - Can be charged from an external source, offering a longer electric-only range.

In contrast, electric cars depend solely on electrical propulsion and have no alternative fuel source should their battery run out.

There is no denying that electric cars are cleaner and have greater cost savings from fuel, but their range is more limited. If you regularly have to drive longer distances, then a hybrid car may be a better choice for you.

What is a Plug-In Hybrid Car?

In Ireland, plug-in hybrid cars and electric cars are normally charged at home. While technically you could just plug your car directly into the mains through a regular socket, we don’t recommend it for safety reasons. Your plug-in hybrid will also charge much faster if you charge it through a suitable charging station.

Charging stations can be installed by ESB and come in two different charging speeds, so make sure you opt for one which will leave your battery fully charged for when you need it.

Some workplaces in Ireland also provide plug-in points, and Ireland has a well-developed infrastructure of free plug-on points.

You can check this map to see if there are any near you. However, we do not recommend depending on free public charging points, as they may be occupied or malfunctioning when you most need them.

How Does a Hybrid Car Work?

Hybrid vehicles combine a petrol engine with an electric motor to power the car. This dual system leads to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to vehicles powered solely by petrol.

1. Starting and low speeds:
   The electric motor often powers the car at low speeds and during initial acceleration, providing instant torque and reducing fuel consumption.
2. Cruising and higher speeds:
   The petrol engine typically takes over at higher speeds and during steady cruising, providing efficient power for longer distances.
3. Acceleration:
   Both the engine and electric motor can work together to provide maximum power during acceleration, enhancing performance.
4. Regenerative braking:
   When you brake, the generator captures some of the kinetic energy and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery.
5. Charging while driving:
   Some hybrids can also use the petrol engine to generate electricity and recharge the battery while driving.

Which Is the Best Hybrid Car To Buy?

There are a lot of factors to consider when determining which is the best hybrid car, budget, comfort, efficiency, and much more.

• Type of hybrid - Do you want a mild hybrid, full hybrid, or plug-in hybrid? This will impact fuel efficiency, electric-only range, and price.
• Budget - Hybrid cars have a wide price range.
• Driving needs - City driving, long commutes, family car?
• Features - What features are important to you?
• Brand preference - Do you have a preferred brand?

Below we have compiled some the most popular hybrid cars on the market at the moment:

Can Hybrid Cars Save You Money?

While the upfront cost of a hybrid car can be higher, the long-term savings on fuel, maintenance, and taxes can make it a worthwhile investment for many drivers.

Here's a breakdown of the factors to consider:

1. Upfront cost:
   Hybrid cars typically have a higher purchase price than comparable gasoline-only cars. You need to factor this into your calculations to see if the long-term savings outweigh the initial cost.
2. Driving habits:
   If you primarily drive short distances in the city, you'll likely see greater fuel savings with a hybrid. If you do a lot of highway driving, the savings might not be as significant.
3. Electricity costs:
   If you have a plug-in hybrid, you'll need to factor in the cost of electricity to charge the battery. However, even with electricity costs, it's usually still cheaper to "fuel" a plug-in hybrid than a gasoline car.
4. Battery life:
   Hybrid car batteries have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced eventually. This can be a significant expense, although battery technology is constantly improving.

Below we have compiled some the most popular hybrid cars on the market at the moment:

What Are the Benefits of Hybrid Cars?

While becoming more affordable all the time, hybrid cars are still nowhere near as cheap as the more economical petrol or diesel-run cars.

So if you’re willing to shell out that bit more to do your bit for the environment, what exactly are the benefits of a hybrid car?

• Better for City-Driving
  Hybrids are even more efficient and well-suited to driving in the city, due to the stop-and-go nature of driving there.
• Better Resale Value
  Have a look at any second-hand car listings and you’ll see that you can still take back a decent amount of the initial investment when it comes to time to sell your car.
• Drive More Efficiently
  Although many of us know that cars get better mileage when we accelerate and brake gently, hybrid cars actually show you on the display that this is true. This can lead to you driving more efficiently.
• Environmentally Friendly
  On average, hybrid cars use 30% - 60% less fossil fuel than regular petrol-powered cars, meaning 30% - 60% less harmful emissions.
• Fast Take-Off
  Like electric cars, hybrid cars have instant torque, which translates to speeding away swiftly when the light goes green, leaving petrol and diesel cars in your dust.
• Quieter
  Hybrid cars are silent when the engine isn’t running. Therefore, you’ll no longer be contributing to urban noise pollution.
• Less Maintenance
  Hybrid cars require less maintenance as there is less wear and tear on the diesel/petrol engine as it is turned off when the car is stopped or driving slowly. This means fewer parts moving and fewer oil changes.
• Long-Distance Range
  Hybrid cars maintain the benefits of a petrol car in the sense that they can easily be re-fuelled and thus driven for long-distance trips.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car?

As much as we wish it were so, it’s not all sunshine and ecological rainbows when it comes to hybrid cars. Below we detail some issues that may crop up with hybrid cars.

• Hybrid Cars Have Two Batteries
  Hybrid cars have a smaller battery to power accessories such as lights. These batteries can still be drained and need a jump start.
• More Expensive Initially
  There is no denying that until technology catches up and becomes cheaper, hybrid cars will continue to carry a heftier price tag than their less environmentally friendly counterparts.
• Not All Hybrids Are Created Equal
  While there are many advantages in general to having a hybrid car, this also depends on the quality of the vehicle you buy. Some hybrid cars, for example, cannot run heat and air-conditioning on the electric system alone, so the temperature control shuts off when the car stops at a traffic light. A massive inconvenience come wintertime.
• Less Efficiency on the Motorway
  As hybrid cars are designed to work more efficiently in the cities, you won’t see much improvement if you tend to drive mostly on the motorway.
• Performance
  Hybrid cars are built to be efficient, not racing cars. They don’t have exotic tuned suspensions and flat out are slower when compared to regular cars. If it’s high-performance you’re looking for, then you may be better off with a regular sports car.
• Grants
  As of 2022 hybrid cars don’t qualify for the tax breaks and the SEAI grants that electric cars have.
• Quieter
  Even though quieter cars offer a nicer drive, manufacturers have had to start adding noise to hybrid cars due to an increase in incidents of pedestrians stepping in front of them as they didn’t hear them coming.