Pros And Cons Hybrid Service Vans

Without a doubt, the environment and company pocket books benefit from using hybrid vehicles. Still, there are disadvantages to a hybrid service fleet. Wise business people will look at both the pros and cons of hybrid service vans before deciding if buying one is appropriate for their needs.

Pros Of Hybrid Service Vans

From a financial point of view, increased fuel efficiency is by far the biggest pro of hybrid service vans. In 2012 Bright Automotive, a subsidiary of General Motors, will unveil a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) capable of traveling 100 miles per gallon (mpg); a similar vehicle powered only by gas would get an estimated 15 miles per gallon. Ford is working on a PHEV version of its Transit Connect which could well compete with the Bright Automotive vehicle’s mpg. Learn more about the latest developments in all types of hybrid vehicles at the website for Clean Fleet Report found here: http://www.cleanfleetreport.com. 

In addition to gas mileage, most of the new hybrid service vans will also be smart vehicles. Smart vehicles can be recharged in a variety of ways, thus offering their owners even more fuel savings. Some manufacturers are also experimenting with subscription plans which would make it less expensive to replace the batteries required for hybrid vehicles. Many hybrid vehicles are manufactured using lighter materials. Thus, when the van is damaged due an accident or just daily wear-and-tear, body work may be less expensive.    

Additional emphasis on the environment means many business owners see advertising their use of hybrid service vans as a pro. Public goodwill is often one of the reasons municipalities use hybrid vehicles. Some state and local governments prefer to work with businesses that use hybrids. Fees for road use and/or vehicle inspection may also be lower for hybrid vehicle users. In some cases, there are also subsidies and/or tax credits available for those who choose environmentally friendly service vans. Without a doubt, many business owners also pick hybrid vehicles in the belief that they are truly better for the environment.

Cons Of Hybrid Service Vans

The biggest con encountered when considering hybrid service vans is usually the price. Hybrid vehicles generally cost more than a comparable vehicle powered solely by gas. Used hybrid vans also hold their value well, which is a pro for the original owner but a con for a prospective buyer. In addition, due to their recent introduction there is a smaller secondary market in hybrid vehicles than there is in totally gas powered vehicles. However, as more hybrids hit the roads there should be more used vehicles available and their prices should be slightly lower than they currently are.

Hybrid service vans have an ever expanding driving distance capability. Still, they remain unable to equal many conventionally powered vans when it comes to long haul driving. Also, while the number of charging stations is on the rise, there are still many areas of the country that are underserved. Many hybrid vehicles are thus best suited to in-town usage or short local runs. 

Lighter bodies and frames mean that some facets of repair work cost less; however, replacing the batteries for hybrid service vans can be quite expensive and must be done on a regular basis. It may also be more difficult and more expensive to find mechanics certified to work on hybrid vehicles, although this will change in the coming years. The chemicals used in the making of hybrid batteries may also be hazardous if the vehicle is involved in an accident. Special care must also be taken with in-house maintenance of the batteries.

Many companies will find that in order to charge hybrid vehicles their current electrical grids must be updated or even expanded. It is wise to have a business’s charging capabilities checked out before investing in a hybrid vehicle or fleet of vehicles. Businesses which maintain their vehicles themselves will also have to invest in additional training and equipment for their mechanics.

Popular Hybrid Service Vans

General pros and cons of buying hybrid service vans are often best answered by looking at specific vehicles. A business owner may be totally against purchasing a van simply because it is a hybrid but find that a particular hybrid van meets all of the company’s needs. Conversely, a business owner may wish to purchase a hybrid vehicle but find that no current model meets the company’s specifications.

Ford has added an electric vehicle (EV) model to its already popular Transit Connect brand. The Transit Connect Electric, Azure can be recharged using either a 240 or 120 volt outlet. It has a top speed of 75 miles an hour and a range of 50 to 80 miles. Ford has also assimilated its reliable Force Drive ™ electric powertrain into the Transit Connect EV. Many businesses will find this light-duty hybrid service van a good fit for their local driving needs. For daily travel, small business owners may also favor the Ford Escape Hybrid. Take a tour of the Transit Connect Electric, Azure and the Escape Hybrid at Ford’s website located at http://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/transitconnect-commercial/models/.

Check out General Motors for hybrid versions of their big, tough SUVs. The GMC Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid get 50 percent better gas mileage than comparable gas only models without losing the power for which the Yukon is known. The hybrid version of Sierra, GMC’s workhorse truck, gets more than 20 miles per gallon both in the city and on the open road. It can still tow more than 6,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of over 1,500 pounds. Chevrolet’s legendary Silverado can also be configured as a hybrid. The Silverado Hybrid has class leading fuel efficiency coupled with power and maneuverability. Check out the all of the hybrid vehicles in the GM line-up by visiting its website at http://www.gm.com/vehicles.