Buying a second hand Hybrid in NZ - what you need to know

Is a Hybrid car worth it?

Hybrid cars in New Zealand used to be driven only by taxi drivers who had a Toyota Prius, but now they're for every day Kiwi families too - but what's changed? Well, not only are they better for the environment, but they also use less fuel!

Thinking of a buying a second hand hybrid? Here’s a quick list summary of some information that might help you with deciding whether a Hybrid car is right for you and your family.  

Enterprise New Lynn Customer with Mitsubisher Outlander PHEV

How does a hybrid work?

Hybrid electric cars have both an electric motor that uses energy kept in a battery and an internal combustion engine (ICE) - like most traditional cars. The battery of a hybrid electric car is automatically charged by the ICE and through regenerative braking. The car automatically switches between the electric motor and the ICE, using whichever of the two is most efficient for the driving conditions.

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How often do Hybrid batteries need replacing and what does a replacement cost?

How long the battery will last depends on how often it has been used and what condition it was in when it was purchased. Generally speaking however, the prices for these batteries has come down tonnes over the last few years. Replacement (reconditioned) batteries start from as low as $850 however price will vary depending on the make & model. Depending on battery’s condition, there is also the option of just replacing faulty cells in the batteries as opposed to replacing a whole battery, which is generable more affordable.

Is the cost of servicing a hybrid the same as a normal car?

Yes, it’s the same. There are generally no extra servicing requirements.

Enterprise New Lynn Customer with Nissan Note Hybrid

How does my Hybrid battery charge?

The battery of a hybrid electric car is automatically charged by the engine and through regenerative braking and does not need charging by the driver.  

How do I know the condition of the electric battery?

State of health checks are available for Hybrid batteries at all EMG branches. This is an independent test carried out by an EV specialist that states the condition of the battery. The price of the Hybrid or EV usually takes into account the condition of the battery in the vehicle.

Are Hybrids covered under the EMG 4 year warranty?

Yes, Hybrids are covered under EMG’s comprehensive 4 year warranty. At the end of the 4 year term, consumers also have the options to extend the policy by another 2 years.

To what extent does EMG warranty the batteries?

Lithium-ion battery cover is included in cover for Hybrids vehicles purchased with a 4 year warranty. The cover provided will repair or replace the lithium-ion battery to a maximum limit of $4,000 per claim on Hybrid vehicles. These limits are set at a level that they will generally cover most, if not all of the replacement cost.

If I don’t choose the EMG warranty, do most mechanical breakdown insurances cover battery faults?

Yes.

Are there different types of batteries or are they all the same?

Most hybrids have Llithium-ion batteries.

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