Acting in favor of the environment is today a duty. By opting for clean cars for your business, you contribute, at your own level, to the preservation of the planet. Several choices are available to you, including a hybrid vehicle. Here is all you need to know.
What is a hybrid vehicle?
Definition of hybrid vehicle
Let's start with the most important thing: what is a hybrid vehicle? What are we talking about ? In short, it isa vehicle halfway between a thermal car and an electric car. Generally, the operation is as follows: the heat engine drives the wheels and the electric motor supports its acceleration. For low-speed travel (in a parking lot, in a traffic jam, in a 30 zone, etc.), the car runs in 100% electric mode and therefore does not consume fuel.
Hybrid vehicle operation
A hybrid vehicle is equipped with battery, often placed in the trunk, under the rear seat or the floor. This is autonomous in the sense that it recharges during braking and deceleration phases thanks to the kinetic energy of the vehicle. When drivers do not need the engine's resources, the latter produces electricity which will be stored for later, on the same model as a generator.
Different types of hybrid vehicles
Note that there are several types of hybrid cars:
- Simple hybrid vehicles;
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The classic hybrid car has a low-range battery that only allows it to run exclusively on electricity for a very short distance (approximately 5 km). This is recharged by the thermal engine and via the kinetic energy recovery device. As for the plug-in hybrid car, the battery capacity is greater. It allows you to travel around fifty kilometers on average on electricity, depending on the model. Then, it is the heat engine which takes over. However, you must recharge the battery regularly at a mains socket or a dedicated terminal in order to benefit as much as possible from the electric motor.
What are the advantages of a hybrid vehicle for businesses?
For a business, purchasing a new or used hybrid vehicle offers its share of advantages.
Low consumption
First of all, thanks to its two engines, a hybrid vehicle consumes less than a gasoline or diesel thermal vehicle. At low speeds and on a short journey, it is very likely to only consume electricity. So you will significantly reduce your expenses related to the purchase of fuelor even reduce them to nothing.
Less pollution
Another advantage of the hybrid vehicle lies in its ecological character. In fact, by driving it, you emit much less CO2 and participate, at your own level, in preserving the environment. Beyond your personal convictions, having a fleet of “clean” vehicles gives a better image to your company.
An exemption from TVS
The TVS (tax on company vehicles) has recently been replaced by two taxes:
- The annual tax on CO2 emissions;
- The annual tax on the age of the vehicle.
In the case of a hybrid vehicle, if the tax on seniority remains due, that on CO2 emissions is not required if the car meets the criteria linked to the energy source and the level of energy. 'CO2 emissions. Generally, hybrid vehicles, especially plug-in models, emit very low amounts of CO2 compared to other vehicles. They therefore benefit from temporary or definitive tax exemption.
Higher depreciation limits
The deductibility ceilings for depreciation are set according to the purchase price of the car and its CO2 emission rate. A hybrid vehicle thus benefits from higher ceilings than a thermal vehicle. This means that if you buy this type of vehicle for professional use, you can reduce your taxes more significantly.
Reduced registration fees
Other good news: registration fees are reduced or completely eliminated on hybrid vehicles. This varies depending on the region. In other words, you save a significant amount of money when purchasing a new hybrid car for your business.
Superior driving comfort and reduced maintenance
Users of a new or used hybrid vehicle benefit from a superior driving comfort (absence of noise pollution, fluidity of propulsion, ease of maneuvering, etc.). Besides that, maintenance is easier, less expensive than that of a thermal car (absence of manual clutch, gasoline engine less stressed and regulated by the on-board computer, saving on brake pads, etc.) and the vehicle benefits from a longer lifespan.
Compliance with Crit'Air stickers
Finally, with hybrid cars, you have no worries about Crit'Air stickers, introduced by the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and the Sea, jointly with the Ministry of the Interior in 2016. The latter receive Crit'Air 1 stickers in the majority of cases. In other words, you can travel anywhere in France, even during pollution peaks.
What are the disadvantages of a hybrid vehicle for businesses?
Purchasing a hybrid vehicle can, however, present some disadvantages for businesses.
A significant cost
On the one hand, purchasing a hybrid car is quite expensive compared to a thermal vehicle. In addition to the cost of the car, you must anticipate the cost of the battery. In fact, some manufacturers do not include it in their prices. You must either buy it in addition, which can increase the overall price of the vehicle, or rent it, in which case the amount depends on the duration and mileage traveled. In addition, in the case of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it is also necessary to provide a charging station, which involves an additional expense.
A vehicle especially suitable for the city
On the other hand, hybrid vehicles are mainly designed for travel over short distances, with frequent stops and starts, therefore in an urban environment. They are of little interest if your business is located in the countryside or if your employees mainly drive on major roads, such as motorways.
Loss of onboard space and greater weight
The loss of space in the passenger compartment due to the presence of the battery in the trunk is another disadvantage of the hybrid car. However, this phenomenon tends to disappear on the latest hybrid models. Manufacturers actually manage to store the battery under the rear seat or very low in the floor. The battery also increases the weight of the car; something to consider if you are a fan of light cars.
Greater risk of accidents with pedestrians
To finish, if the silence of the engine is appreciable, it can constitute a danger for pedestrians. They are likely not to hear you and cross unexpectedly. You must therefore be even more vigilant when driving a hybrid car.
Business: what if you opted for an electric vehicle instead?
As a company, you also have the option of opting for a fleet of electric vehicles. These automobiles have numerous advantages, not only from an environmental point of view (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, etc.) but also from a financial point of view (no fuel-related expenses, less expensive insurance, exemption of the tax on registration documents, capping of advantageous depreciation, etc.). Purchasing an electric car also allows you to benefit from ecological bonusof the conversion bonus against the scrapping of an old polluting vehicle,local aid from communities or even a subsidy from the ADVENIR program to help businesses finance the installation of electric charging stations.
(Photo credit: iStock / Halfpoint Images)