When it comes to fuel efficiency, the hybrid cars are currently being provided with good competition by some diesel cars; the BMW diesel 3 series managed to achieve more miles to the gallon than the Toyota Pruis, which is petrol-electric.
Research has shown that more and more diesel fuelled cars are showing that they are running on a par with the hybrids. Hybrid cars are normally a higher cost to purchase than a normal diesel or petrol vehicle, as customers tend to pay a premium to purchase a hybrid but this extra cost for the vehicle is perceived as evening out the cost of the initial purchase. Yesterday, diesel prices hit a record high of £6.50 per gallon.
In the magazine Which? Car, they looked into the efficiency of fuel whilst driving, instead of the manufacturer’s claims. In these tests it was proven that the BMW 320 beat the Prius, and with more than a year’s driving or 12,000 miles it was shown a saving of £51 to run the BMW.
BMW are making changes such as lighter chassis and seats, and providing more small gains for the efficiency across the vehicle,. whereas hybrids are relying on technology.
With a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor starts the car and allows the engine to kick in when the vehicle is in motion, and from here the two engines work together to increase the efficiency of fuel and therefore reduces the emission levels.
For the average 50 litre tank, it is now costing around £8 more than it would to fill your petrol tank than over a year ago, however diesel is now costing around £10 more. This has been reported by the AA, who also advised that now a family running two cars will be spending £33.57 extra over a month to run a petrol car.