Concierge article: What is the best choice when buying a new car.

**Concierge Article: What is the Best Choice When Buying a New Car – Fuel, Hybrid, or Electric Car?**

There are more options for car power sources available today than ever before. When purchasing a new car, it's wise to consider whether to invest in gasoline, diesel, electric, or hybrid.

The range of new car models is extensive nowadays. With the sharp rise in fuel and electricity prices due to the increase in crude oil costs, getting good advice when choosing a new car is invaluable. By considering his or her choices carefully, a customer can make a sensible and, depending on the choice, more economical car purchase for years to come.

The current significant shortage of electronic components is affecting the availability of new cars, and this must be considered. Few car owners are willing to wait years for the delivery of a new car. SCC – Sports Car Center has addressed this by acquiring cars from various Exclusive and Premium segments to improve their availability in Finland.

**The Impact of Green Values on Overall Costs**

For more and more people, the power source of a new car is a critical issue. Some of SCC – Sports Car Center's customers wish to remain loyal to a particular brand and car type. For instance, those accustomed to high active safety, spacious interiors, and four-wheel drive might be reluctant to make a radical change in their new acquisition.

On the other hand, personal values and attitudes towards climate change may increasingly influence the final purchasing decision today. Many also consider the total cost of a car over its life cycle and purchase price in relation to their daily driving distance and the possibility of charging a hybrid or electric car battery.

**Key Purchase Criteria**

Recent Finnish opinion polls reveal a clear trend: the majority of respondents consider the power source of a car an increasingly important criterion when choosing a new car. There is also greater appreciation for a car's recyclability and performance than before.

When choosing between a new—or nearly new—car, the main consideration often lies between purchase price and environmental friendliness. Finding a car that meets strict ecological criteria set by the owner at an affordable price is challenging. An environmentally friendly power source is not the top priority for all buyers. Everyday convenience still surpasses many other factors.

"Hybrid cars will not achieve the EU’s upcoming carbon-neutral emission targets for 2050."

**Environmental Friendliness of Fully Electric Cars**

For many considering a newer car, fully electric cars are more than a viable choice. Their advantages primarily include low operating costs, minimal noise disturbances, and reduced environmental impact in everyday use.

The main drawbacks of electric cars are their relatively short driving range (significantly influenced by usage and weather conditions), challenges in charging, and the environmental impact of battery production, which isn’t very eco-friendly.

Additionally, purchasing a fully electric car is supported by the fact that hybrid cars won’t help achieve the EU's carbon-neutral emission targets for 2050. Acquiring a fully electric car, however, requires careful consideration of how to maximize its driving range and where to charge it when needed.

**Hybrid Cars as a Sensible Compromise**

For those not ready to commit to a fully electric car, there are compromises available, such as self-charging, plug-in, and mild hybrids. Hybrid cars offer mostly familiar technology to drivers, or at least it's easy and quick to understand. Thanks to their relatively good environmental performance, transitioning to hybrid cars isn’t a large mental leap, and there’s no need to change the familiar habit of refueling the car.

Plug-in hybrids are an important intermediary step for many drivers on their way to committing to a fully electric car. Although they account for a significant portion of new car sales, they remain marginal compared to the overall Finnish car fleet. The fuel tank of a hybrid car offers an extended driving range if the battery is kept fully charged. Without using the battery, the fuel consumption of a hybrid does not decrease.

**Potential of New Power Sources**

Given the current rise in fuel prices, buying a new gasoline or diesel-powered car is not sensible or economically justified. It should be remembered, though, that not all drivers purchase a new car for reasons of logic or maximum economy.

Opinion polls show that many would be more willing to consider a fully electric car if the purchase price decreases, the charging infrastructure expands, and the driving range improves. The high cost of battery technology has kept purchase prices high, especially in the premium car class. It's also crucial for new hybrid and electric car owners to have access to efficient charging stations at home, work, and in shopping centers.

**Concluding Thoughts**

Recent tests of electric cars have shown that in Finland's often Arctic conditions, the driving ranges announced by car manufacturers fluctuate considerably, creating uncertainty among potential new customers for electric cars.

Few fully electric car owners look forward to worrying about their car's battery charge when embarking on a longer holiday journey. Moreover, charging breaks can sometimes become unexpectedly long for various reasons. Good upfront planning and patience go a long way in these situations. Accidents might also bring unexpected extra costs, especially if the battery pack is damaged.

Nevertheless, a fully electric car can be a sensible long-term investment. It doesn’t require as much maintenance as a gasoline or diesel car. Despite the rising cost of electrical energy, its use remains cheaper than fuel. In hybrid cars, the total life cycle costs are largely determined by usage volume—the more you drive, and the more diligently you charge, the more you save.

Fortunately, the development of cars and their technology does not stand still. As hybrid and electric technology advances further, their benefits are likely to flow more toward drivers. Charging infrastructure will become more common, driving ranges will extend, and safety technology will improve.

Text: Juhani Nurmi

Read the entire Spring 2022 Concierge Magazine here.