If you're not sure whether you want to try a Ford or Lincoln hybrid, it's important to understand the benefits of these cars. The wide range of options allows consumers to choose the vehicles that fit them best, which makes today's assortment of hybrids far more flexible than those from years past.
Spend Less at the Pump
The most obvious and beneficial advantage of buying a Ford or Lincoln hybrid lies in the opportunity to save cash. The U.S. Department of Energy website allows you to compare the fuel economy of a hybrid car and its full-gasoline counterpart. The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE, for instance, gets a combined 46 mpg, while the 2016 Ford Fusion FWD SE clocks in at just 26 mpg combined.
Obviously, the fuel savings vary by the car. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid gets 40 mpg combined compared to its gasoline counterpart, which guzzles more gas at 26 mpg. Any way you slice it, however, hybrids will always save you money at the pump. This lowers the total cost of ownership; as you save money over the life of the car, your initial investment is reduced. Long-term thinking like this can add zeroes to your bank account as long as you consistently make budget-conscious purchasing decisions.
Enhance the Air You Breathe
Hybrid Fords and Lincolns don't just benefit your bank account balance. They also offer tremendous rewards for the environment because they don't produce nearly as many carbon emissions as a gasoline-only vehicle. Each time you power up your car and take it for a spin, you produce fewer negative consequences for the air around you. Over time, if more people drive hybrids, these benefits add up.
Additionally, hybrid cars use less gasoline, which means they deplete finite resources much more slowly. Gasoline prices have gone up significantly, but supply remains the same no matter what the price. If you buy a Lincoln or Ford hybrid instead of its gasoline-chugging counterpart, you'll contribute less to the world's environmental problems. While a single person's contribution might not seem very significant, every effort counts.
Get a Break From Uncle Sam
The U.S. government rewards consumers who make environmentally friendly decisions about their cars. For instance, you might be able to take advantage of tax incentives after you buy your hybrid car. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers who buy plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicles can be eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. The actual tax credit changes depending on the vehicle's battery capacity and other technical specifications.
You might also have tax-credit opportunities at the state or local level. You can check with your state government to find out how environmentally friendly vehicles are handled in terms of taxes. Just make sure to save all of your paperwork from the sale and to consult an accountant to determine exactly how to take advantage of these perks.
Influence Those Around You
It's true that a single consumer who drives a hybrid car might not have an appreciable impact on the world's environmental stability. However, the car you drive can influence other people in your life, from your friends and family members to your colleagues at work to the people who see you on the highway. If you can positively influence just one person, you can start a chain reaction that results in safer air and heftier bank accounts for everyone.
Reduce Wear and Tear
Many modern Ford and Lincoln hybrids come with special features that not only increase fuel economy, but also reduce wear and tear on the vehicle's moving parts. For instance, starting in 2013, the Ford Fusion offers stop-start technology. When you come to a red traffic light and bring the car to a full halt, the engine shuts off temporarily to reduce gas consumption and preserve the vehicle's components.
Writing for Time magazine, Brad Tuttle reports that cars with this technology can save between five and seven percent in fuel costs every year. Plus, you might not have to take your car to the shop as often because the components don't experience as much friction.
Learn to Save
Many hybrids, including the Lincoln MKZ, come with a driver's education feature that helps you learn how to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. In the Lincoln's case, it's the EcoGuide, which shows you how to improve your driving habits as you get used to the vehicle.
Driving a Ford or Lincoln hybrid offers many advantages over the often-touted money savings. Test drive a hybrid today at Ford Lincoln of Franklin.
