Is Hybrid Theory = Mix Feelings?

Many of us have experienced the effects of soaring gas prices. For most of us who are conventional gas engines owners are really struggling with the gas prices because we are paying at least 50 dollars for gas every 10 days or so. As the technology advances and the gas prices going sky high, hybrid cars have become popular in the last several years. This trend seems to be going to the direction that might give us some relief at the gas pump because many people have claimed that they will consider buying a hybrid in the next couple years.

Basically, the way a hybrid car works is that it combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by batteries for the car to run one of the other depending on the road condition. Because the battery will be operated at some point, it decreases the time the conventioanl engine runs, therefore, cutting down the gas. When the two are combined, this interface would give the ability to drive long distance without charging the battery or stopping at a gas station.

I think the hybrid theory is a great solution for pushing us away from gas usage. And of course, the hybrids are supposed to cleaner, leaving a trail of clean air. However, the rising popularity has several things we need to address before we pay over $ 20,000 on a match box size car that runs on batteries half of the time.

There are some pros and cons of driving a hybrid. As we all know, hybrid cars are environmentally friendlier than conventional gas engines, and of course, have lower emissions. Nowadays, manufacturer gives an 8-year warranty on the hybrid, which is slightly longer than the traditional car. The hybrid is best when the route has frequent stopping and slow traffic speeds. And in some cities, a hybrid car is allowed to drive in the HOV lane even with one passenger. That might get you to places faster.

On the other hand, there are some bad things about hybrid. If you are driving long distance at high speeds, then you are not going to see much difference with a hybrid. For example, a Toyota 2008 Prius, the gas mileage in city is 48 MPG while the gas mileage in highway is 46 MPG. They are both great numbers in terms of gas efficiency, however, there isn't much imporvement, actually worse driving in the highway. The maintenance of the hybrid can be doubled in price because not every mechanic around the area is certified to fix the car. And lastly, here is the catch for be the first one to own a hybrid. Even though you might save money using “less gas”, gas prices won’t go down unless everyone drives a hybrid. The demand for gasoline is just as high with or without hybrid. So future buyers might as well wait for a little longer.

This information is taken from http://www.carbuyingtips.com/hybrid-cars.htm.

I believe it is more important for people to be conscious about their driving habits more so than buying a hybrid car. Even though the idea is very good for our problems and to make us more independent in oil, we need to make sure the outcome is really going to save us all in the end.

To know more about hybrid cars. and the nomenclature of the hybrid family, go to http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-center-how-hybrid-cars-work-under-the-hood.html.