The launch of the first mass-market hybrid car – the Toyota Prius – in 1997, over 20 million Toyota hybrids have been sold globally, transforming the way we drive. Today, models like the Corolla, C-HR, and Yaris Cross continue this tradition, merging cutting-edge technology with the dependability Toyota is renowned for.
However, with hybrid cars becoming more popular on Malta’s roads, many drivers are wondering whether these eco-friendly vehicles are worth their higher price tag. For Maltese drivers where short distances, rising fuel costs, and stop-start traffic are everyday realities, understanding the real costs of owning a hybrid is essential.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know, from upfront expenses and fuel savings to maintenance and environmental benefits. With this information, it should help you decide if a Toyota hybrid, or even a fully electric car like the Toyota bZ4X, is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
How do hybrid cars work?
First, let’s understand how hybrid cars work. Hybrid cars combine both the power of a traditional combustion engine with the efficiency of an electric motor. The combustion engine handles heavy-duty tasks, like brisk acceleration or situations where extra power is needed, whilst the electric motor takes over during low-speed trips or stop-start traffic, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
In modern hybrid cars, a standout feature is regenerative braking. Every time you slow down or stop, regenerative braking captures energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat. It then stores this energy in the battery. In Malta’s stop-and-go traffic, this means less time and money spent at the petrol station, making these vehicles cheaper to run.
Upfront costs: are hybrids more expensive to buy?
Yes, hybrids are often costlier upfront. However, they do provide advanced engineering, two power sources, and a vehicle built for efficiency, and for Maltese drivers, this initial investment often pays off. Malta’s relatively high petrol prices and frequent urban commutes means that the savings on fuel alone can add up to hundreds of euros annually.
Then if you factor in lower maintenance costs and the potential for eco-incentives, you’ve got a car that is as smart for your wallet as it is for the environment. In addition, whilst they may cost more upfront, their lower running costs and excellent resale value make them cheaper to run over the vehicle’s life. For example, after three years, a Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid can still hold up to 70% of its original value, compared to equivalent petrol models, which typically retain only about 55% – 60% of their worth.
Read more about hybrid resale value.
Running costs: saving fuel with a hybrid
Hybrid cars are game changers when it comes to fuel efficiency. With a hybrid like the Toyota Corolla, the engine’s smart ability to switch between the electric and combustible engine means you are saving fuel and cutting down on your petrol bills. In fact, a hybrid could save you hundreds of euros annually. If you drive 15,000 km a year, switching to a Corolla Hybrid could cut your fuel costs by as much as €580 compared to a petrol car.
For Maltese drivers, hybrid cars are a perfect match for local roads, from cruising through Valletta’s narrow streets on electric power to recharging your electric battery through Marsa’s busy stop-start traffic. Toyota hybrid offers the best solution for a fuel efficient and eco-friendly journey. When buying a car for Malta, it’s worth considering how much you’ll save on fuel in the long run.
Maintenance and repair costs
Simplified maintenance:
Hybrid cars are built to last – and in fact, over their lifespan, many components will actually suffer less stress than their petrol-only counterparts, meaning they’ll last longer.
- Longer Engine Life: Because the petrol engine shares the workload with the electric motor, it doesn’t experience the constant strain of an engine in a petrol-only car. This means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan – as well as less frequent oil changes and servicing.
- Brake Longevity: Every time you brake, hybrids like Toyota’s convert energy into electricity to recharge the battery. This clever system reduces wear on the brake pads, helping them last significantly longer and saving you trips to the mechanic.
Specialised repairs:
While there are areas where you can expect to do less maintenance than a traditional car, a hybrid does feature more advanced technology and battery systems that will also need to be maintained. Many people are also concerned about expensive hybrid battery failures.
While this is a common worry, the reality is far less concerning because of the extended warranty that Toyota offers on all hybrid cars. We warranty the hybrid battery for up to fifteen years for long-term peace of mind, renewed every year when serviced at your local Toyota dealer. It is also good to know that among all manufacturers (even those who don’t have such a guarantee against their hybrid systems) battery replacements are rare, especially with regular servicing.
Learn more about Toyota hybrid warranties.
Environmental benefits: the hidden savings
Reduced emissions
Toyota hybrids cut CO2 emissions by up to 30% compared to traditional petrol cars. Every kilometer you drive in a hybrid contributes to cleaner air, healthier cities, and the preservation of Malta’s stunning landscapes. It’s a small choice with a big impact, not just for today but for the generations to come.
Toyota’s commitment to sustainability
When you choose a Toyota hybrid, you’re driving a vehicle built with sustainability in mind. Many of Toyota’s manufacturing plants operate using 100% renewable energy, and recycled materials are integrated into the production of hybrid models. This means your car isn’t just reducing emissions on the road, it’s part of a global effort by the company to protect the planet from the moment it’s built.
Toyota Malta makes hybrid ownership affordable
Variety of Models: Toyota Malta offers a wide range of hybrid models, from the compact Toyota Yaris Cross to the spacious RAV4 Hybrid, ensuring options for every budget. Explore our hybrid models.
Flexible Financing: Worried about the upfront cost? With Toyota Malta’s flexible financing options, owning a hybrid is easier than you think. Discover low-interest monthly payments designed to work with your budget, whichever car you choose. Learn more about financing options.
Warranty Coverage: Every Toyota hybrid comes with extensive warranty coverage, including up to 15 years for hybrid batteries. This means you can drive with confidence as you know your vehicle is backed by Toyota’s commitment to quality and reliability. View Toyota Malta’s warranty details.
So, are hybrids more expensive to run?
The answer is simple – not really. With fewer trips to the pump, lower repair bills, and excellent resale value, hybrids pay for themselves over time. They’re an investment that delivers long-term savings while keeping running costs low. But the benefits don’t stop there. Hybrids also make a difference to the environment, reducing emissions and contributing to cleaner air for Malta. Every drive in a hybrid helps build a more sustainable future.
Now’s the time to be part of the hybrid revolution. Book your test drive with Toyota Malta today and discover how a hybrid can transform the way you drive. A Toyota hybrid isn’t just a smarter financial choice – it’s a decision that benefits you and the world around you.
