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The use of hybrid technology results in less fuel being used during portions of a vehicle’s drive cycle. This translates into both fuel cost savings as well as a reduction in both smog related emissions and CO2, a greenhouse gas.
Reduced Fuel Consumption
 By utilizing an electric motor with a battery, hybrid-electric vehicles can dramatically reduce the amount of fuel used.
City MPG ratings for most hybrids are significantly better (more fuel efficient) than for similar model non-hybrids. This is due to the fact that a significant benefit of hybrid technology occurs in urban environments where the engine cycles on and off in stop/go traffic as well as reducing idling time. Owners of hybrids who drive mainly on highways may not achieve as significant fuel savings relative to comparable model non-hybrid vehicles.
Use our Hybrid Savings Calculator to estimate fuel and emission savings from a hybrid vehicle.
Reduced Emissions
A hybrid vehicle produces fewer greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions than a similar conventional vehicle.
Greenhouse Gases
Carbon dioxide emissions are directly related to the amount of fuel consumed and the lower fuel consumption of hybrids results in a vehicle that has lower greenhouse gas emissions per kilometre travelled.
According to Environment Canada each litre of gasoline used will produce 2.36 kg of CO2. For every 500 litres of fuel that aren't consumed as a result of driving a hybrid, over a tonne of CO2 is not emitted into the atmosphere.
SMOG Related Tailpipe Emissions
Hybrids have much lower emissions of Nitrous Oxides (NOx), Hydrocarbons (HC), Particulate Matter (PM) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). The reason is that hybrids substantially reduce the use of the combustion engine during a vehicle’s acceleration phase and when idling.
The dramatic benefits of hybrids can be seen in the case of a plug-in hybrid. Depending on drive cycles it is possible for a short commute application of such a technology to be used for thousands of kilometers without the combustion engine ever being used. In effect, hybrids in this application would be a Zero Emission Vehicle at the tailpipe.
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