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The Latest Electric and Hybrid Model Vehicles

Have You Been Dreaming of an Electric Car? December is a Great Month to Purchase

If you’re feeling driven to consider buying a more environmentally-friendly car, SUV, or truck, it may be time to quit stalling. 

Not only are these hybrid/electric autos continuing to evolve technologically, but more and more car makers are recognizing the importance of adding these models to their lineup, so your options are expanding. And December is the best time to buy.

Best Time to Buy: Now

If you’ve ever heard the old adage that the year’s end is the best time to buy a new car, keep in mind there’s a reason: because it’s true! 

While the end of a month or almost any holiday is a good time to purchase a vehicle, waiting until the end of the year—and especially the last day of the year—can get you the best deal of all. Dealers are anxious to clear out the old inventory and bring in the new, and the sales staff has its eyes on meeting quotas that could lead to fat bonuses—so closing a good deal is more likely near December 31. 

Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance can offer you a great rate on your automobile insurance any day of the year, and we know from experience that late December can be hectic at the car lots, so contacting a local agent before you shop can save time when you find the right deal! 

Even with much of America taking road trips in lieu of flying during this year, sales of all cars have still not recovered, and getting the industry back to “normal” is not expected to happen soon, which can put car buyers in the driver’s seat. Oversupply of all makes and models has led to price drops, particularly for electric and hybrid cars. When you add the purchase incentives now available on many models, Consumer Reports magazine suggests that now may be a great time to kick some tires. 

If, like most people, you could use a little more fact-based motivation, we’re on it. 

Guidelines to Consider When Shopping for a Hybrid 

Environmentally-friendly autos primarily include electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The two are similar except that PHEVs not only run on battery power, they also have a back-up gasoline engine that kicks in when it has lost battery power, thus allowing more driving range. 

Keep these tips in mind when considering if electric cars fit your lifestyle. 

Pros 

  • They are safer for the environment
  • Maintenance is simpler, less frequent, and less expensive
  • Compared to gas-driven vehicles, they are nearly silent
  • Tax credits are available on most models 
  • Warranties are typically quite generous
  • Fuel (electricity) is cheaper than gasoline

Cons

  • Shorter driving distances become a fact of life, even with a fully-charged battery
  • Fully recharging the battery will probably take longer than you think
  • Finding charging stations may be a challenge where you live, and this could make lengthy road trips difficult (although this obstacle is lessening as EVs are growing in popularity)
  • Limited models are available 

Electric Vehicles

EVs do not have internal combustion engines and instead are propelled by a rechargeable electric battery or, in some cases, more than one battery. Drivers can recharge them by plugging them in at home or stopping at public charging stations.

Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus Rear Wheel Drive 

This very popular mid-size touts a 263-mile driving range on a single charge, and comes with a glass roof, autopilot, high-tech interior, a power trunk, and a combined 141 mpg. After an anticipated gas savings of $4,300, the price is estimated at $33,690. And you can buy it online with your credit card.

Chevrolet Bolt EV

With an estimated range of 259 miles, this spacious model offers advanced safety technologies, a 100,000-mile limited warranty and incentives worth up to $8,500. Combined mpg: 118. MSRP for a 2020 model starts under $37,000. 

Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop 

The 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop is a less expensive option made for those who don’t need 200 miles of range each day. Sporty and fun to drive, the Cooper SE’s features include a premium cabin, maximum cargo space, impressive infotainment system and multiple driving assistance tools.

A federal tax credit could potentially mean substantial savings. Can be charged at home in as little as four hours with a 240-volt outlet. MSRP starts at $29,900. 

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles run on both battery powered electricity and, occasionally, gasoline. Instead of being plugged in, the battery is charged by its internal combustion engine and what’s known as “regenerative braking.” A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle’s battery can be recharged either by plugging it into an external source of electric power, or by its on-board engine and generator.

Hyundai Veloster 2.0 

The base model for this three-door, four-passenger hatchback comes with a six-speaker sound system, an infotainment system with a seven-inch display screen and Bluetooth connectivity. It also includes one of the best warranties in the business, and complimentary scheduled maintenance. EPA city/highway/combined mileage estimates are 25/33/28. The 2021 MSRP starts at $19,895. 

Toyota Prius Prime LE 

This midsize plug-in electric vehicle alternates between gas and electric power, with an EPA estimated mpg of 54 combined. Drive range with full charge and full tank of gas is estimated at 640 miles. High-tech, multimedia interior with room for five. Ten-year, 50,000-mile warranty. The 2020 MSRP starts at $27,900.

Honda Insight

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Pick, this mid-size sedan features a sporty exterior, high-tech interior, and an advanced hybrid powertrain that allows an impressive 55 mpg in city driving. Comes with an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty. Starting 2021 MSRP is $22,930. 

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