Have You Ever Considered Owning a Hybrid Vehicle?
Whether or not you plan to buy one, gasoline-electric hybrid cars are the wave of the future.
Despite the promotional hype, many Americans are still a bit squeamish about driving this automotive new breed. If we’re honest, we’re not even sure we know what a hybrid is.
A hybrid car is only a “hybrid” because it uses both a gasoline-powered engine and an electric motor to accelerate the car.
For example, the electric motor can draw energy from the batteries to accelerate the car. Also acting as a generator, it can slow the car down and return energy to the batteries. The gasoline engines acts like any other engine.
So a hybrid is a car where a gasoline-powered engine and electric motor work together to make this baby run!
For those who want more under-the-hood information on hybrids, check out How Stuff Works.
Will a hybrid car save me gas? The last time I gassed up, the cost of regular fuel was over $3.00 a gallon. The way I see it, any vehicle that saves us on gas is worth looking at.
Hybrid cars, according to some resources get up to 60 mpg, due to their advanced aerodynamics, engine efficiency and tire technology. The tires on a hybrid are made of a special rubber that reduces friction.
Will a hybrid car actually save the environment?
We all want to do our part on cutting back on fossil fuel emissions which pollute the air. Due to its electric motor and batteries, hybrids have reduced gas emissions which mean less CO2 emissions -a harmful pollutant.
In addition, hybrid cars are smaller and their overall lesser weight increases its efficiency.
Will it cost more to maintain a hybrid car?
A further benefit it that there are low maintenance costs due to the electric motor and the batteries.
Every time you apply the brakes, the brake system stores some of the energy back to the batteries. Also, the gasoline-powered engine can recharge the batteries. Right away the electric motor is cutting costs despite the presence of a gasoline-powered motor -though it is smaller than a standard car.
Will the hybrid cost more than a regular car?
People often argue against purchasing a hybrid because of the greater cost compared to a non-hybrid car. The difference between some hybrids and a non-hybrid is about $2000.
Consumers once believed it would take years before a customer would “break even” on the amount saved on fuel costs. Most recently, with the rising costs of gasoline, and with hybrid car prices dropping, it’s very likely you will recoup that up-front premium in just a few short years.
The government has added an incentive to purchase a hybrid. For hybrid cars there’s a federal tax deduction: the tax credits can range from $400 to $3,400.
Before you jump into a hybrid, take one for a demo spin at some of the car dealerships that make them. You’ll find they drive the same as gasoline powered cars. The acceleration is just as efficient and they can cruise just as fast as a standard car.
Bottom line? Buy a hybrid- it’s the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road. They’re also fun to drive!
John
Email John: johnsblog@teshmedia.com
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FYI: John: Great article. I thought you'd be interested in this recent news piece on the safety of the hybrids. Yesterday a news item appeared on the DenverChannel.com website stating that "Hybrids Hold Hidden Dangers. Here's the address where you can read the online article: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/15361088/detail.html?rss=den&psp=news
According to the article one hybrid certified mechanic said that if a hybrid is involved in a serious accident, there is risk of electrocution.
The hybrid technician noted there are 300 volts of electricity running through the lines of the car and it only takes 50 to 100 to kill a person. The danger of high voltage is an issue for the driver when an accident occurs, the emergency response people who arrive at the scene of an accident and any mechanic who works on the vehicle. Emergency responders will need special hybrid auto training for their own protection when approaching a disabled hybrid car. According to the Denver article, there is danger of a voltage flash from a disabled hybrid. Any personnel approaching a hybrid that has been in an accident will need to access the car's kill switch to turn off the battery power and eliminate the risk of electrocution.
I am sure the hybrid manufacturers will address this issue. Like . . . very soon.
Posted by:Louis Lapides | February 21, 2008 at 11:57 AM
I own a Toyota Prius, and I love it. The purchase price was very reasonable and I have seen an immediate drop in my cost at the pump.
Furthermore, I don't feel I have sacrificed any significant performance. The electric motors have such a high torque that the acceleration off the line is comparable to other cars within the same price range.
If you're looking for a new car, consider a hybrid. Or at least test drive it.
Posted by:Gib | February 21, 2008 at 11:11 AM