Overview
Hybrid vehicles provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered engines. As governments tighten emissions standards to protect the planet and gas prices continue to rise, demand for hybrid vehicles is likely to increase. Modern hybrids often look identical to standard cars, and offer similar performance and features while helping lower your gas bills.
Features
A hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline-powered combustion engine with an energy-efficient electric motor. In addition to the standard gas tank, the car features a rechargeable battery pack to power the motor. In most models, the electric motor and combustion engine run simultaneously to produce a smooth, fuel-efficient ride. The gas engine supplies power to the motor as needed for recharging, eliminating the need for drivers to charge the battery themselves.
Types
Hybrid technology is used in passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, trucks and commercial vehicles. Many popular consumer vehicles have a virtually identical hybrid counterpart produced by the same manufacturer. For example, the Honda Corporation offers its popular Honda Civic with a gasoline engine or with a hybrid operating system under the name “Honda Civic Hybrid.”
According to Edmunds Inc, all hybrids on the market as of 2010 rely on one of two basic technologies. Parallel hybrids use the motor and engine in relatively equal ratios, and are the most simple and economical. In a series-parallel hybrid, a computer decides whether the bulk of energy should come from the motor or engine depending on riding conditions, which produces a more efficient ride.
Benefits
One of the primary benefits of the hybrid car is its high gas mileage, which is often 20 to 35 percent better than the mileage of a comparable gas vehicle, according to Physorg Science. Hybrids are particularly efficient when it comes to city driving, and actually get better mileage in the city than they do on the highway. This improved mileage means you’ll pay less for gas and reduce your dependency on foreign oil. By reducing your gas consumption, you also help lower pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Drawbacks
Buyers looking for hybrid vehicles will find a relatively limited selection compared to the selection of gas-powered cars on the market. Hybrids also tend to cost more upfront, and may be more difficult to repair and maintain due to lack of trained mechanics. A 2008 New York Times article also draws attention to the potential health risks associated with hybrids. The magnetic field produced by hybrid vehicle batteries could potentially produce health effects similar to those associated with magnetic fields found near power plants.
Considerations
Physorg Science urges buyers not to choose a hybrid based solely on economic benefits. Hybrid vehicles cost $19,000 to $25,000 on average, while gas-powered cars average $14,000 to $17,000. While some tax credits can help offset this cost, the maximum federal tax credit for hybrids is $3,000 for 2010, and is unlikely to offset the full cost premium of a hybrid. While gas savings over time can also lower costs, even 10 years of reduced gas consumption is unlikely to give the hybrid a financial advantage over a standard vehicle. For example, Physorg Science estimates that a Honda Civic Hybrid will save buyers $230 on fuel each year compared to a regular Honda Civic. Over 10 years, this amounts to $2,300, which still isn’t enough to offset the higher cost of some models.
About this Author
Bambi Turner works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008, and is the process of working towards a Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She is a graduate of Goucher College in Towson, MD.
