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Pros and Cons of Renting a Hybrid Car Rental

Submitted by paul on December 28, 2011
Green Travel
Is a hybrid car rental right for your next trip?
Hybrid Car Rentals

The long-term benefits of driving green far outweigh the short-term disadvantages.

Many green travelers are embracing hybrid car rentals as the future of business and leisure travel. Are hybrid car rentals really an economical and environmentally smart choice? Car Rental Express reviews the pros and cons and whether you should go green during your upcoming rental car vacation.

The Good

  • Reduced emissions. The biggest benefit of renting a hybrid is the environmental impact. Instead of relying solely on gasoline, hybrid car rentals use electric or alternative fuel sources as their primary power, reverting to combustion engines only when the primary source is exhausted.
  • Lower operating costs. Hybrid car rentals generally get twenty percent better mileage than regular rentals. Alternative fuel sources like electricity cut travel costs considerably.
  • Practical performance. The electric portion improves fuel efficiency during city driving and stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, switch to the combustion engine for impressive highway fuel efficiency.

The Bad

  • Higher rental cost. Hybrids are still considered specialty vehicles, so expect to pay a higher premium. If you're hoping to save money, crunch the numbers first—the initial cost could cancel out any fuel savings.
  • Hard to find. Not all rental agencies offer hybrid rentals, and those that do may only have a few in stock. A rental company could buy two conventional vehicles for the price of one hybrid. Book early to lock down your hybrid rental.

The Final Verdict

Should you rent a hybrid vehicle? Most definitely. The long-term benefits of driving a green vehicle far outweigh the short-term disadvantages. Of course, you should always do your homework and compare hybrid rental options to find the best deal.

Go Green

Hybrid car rentals reduce harmful emissions while saving you money on fuel. It's a win for both your wallet and the environment.

Compare Hybrid Rentals

Find hybrid and eco-friendly car rental options from independent agencies across North America.

Compare Car Rentals

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