Hybrid Cars

A new type of vehicle that gets exceptionally high mileage is the hybrid. A hybrid car has an electric motor as well as an ordinary gasoline-powered engine. While some hybrids run their electric motors from solar panels on the exterior of the vehicle, most of the models on the market right now use regenerative braking to capture the energy normally wasted during braking and coasting.

This energy is then stored in the onboard batteries and used when driving at low speeds, and to supplement the gasoline engine when accelerating or climbing hills. Many models provide additional energy conservation by automatically shutting off the engine when the car stops and starting it up again when the accelerator is pressed.

Some people worry that a hybrid might not have enough power to run very fast. However, the models on sale now are highly engineered and researched, and are built for just as much speed and strength as a conventional vehicle. If the batteries ever run out of juice temporarily, the conventional gasoline engine will automatically kick in so that there is no loss of power even if you are traveling at high speed.

Just about all the major automotive manufacturers are launching hybrid models now. Many vehicles are available in both regular and hybrid formats. Some consumers may hesitate to consider a hybrid because they think it will be poorly built and strange-looking, or that hybrids are only driven by “hippies” or “tree-huggers”. This reputation stems from the days of the experimental electric cars that did look like metal boxes on wheels and could only go a few miles between charges.

These days, however, hybrids are just as safe, stylish and well-appointed as any other vehicles. It is usually not even possible to tell the difference between a hybrid and a regular car just by looking at them. There are now hybrid versions of SUVs and trucks as well as the more familiar small cars, so you are bound to find a model that suits your needs and taste.

You do have to pay more to buy a hybrid than the equivalent gasoline-driven car, though, but you will use significantly less gas, particularly in city driving. In contrast to regular vehicles, many hybrids actually get higher mileage in town than on the highway since the gasoline engine often does not need to be used when driving at low speeds.

The federal and state governments offer tax incentives for buyers of hybrids and other non-standard vehicles, to help compensate for the higher purchase price. There are both tax credits and deductions available for people who buy hybrids, FFAs (flexible fuel vehicles) that can use E85 or gasoline, electrical and natural gas-powered vehicles, and even certain diesel models. For up-to-date details, see this website:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_afv.shtml

Aside from the obvious economic benefits of driving a hybrid, a lot of people who buy one do so for its green credentials as well. Since it uses smaller quantities of oil-based fuel than a normal car, a hybrid emits less of the harmful greenhouse gases that are being blamed for causing global warming and climate change.

Hybrids are in such high demand now that you might have to join a waiting list in order to buy one. The main reason why manufacturers cannot produce hybrids fast enough to meet current demand is the shortage of certain vital elements that are used in the production of hybrid engines. The most important of these is dysprosium, which is found mainly in China and is highly sought after for use in other electronic products.

These are a few of the most popular hybrid vehicles on sale now:

Ford:
Escape Hybrid FWD: 34 city/31 highway
Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29 city/27 highway
Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD: 34 city/31 highway

Honda:
Civic Hybrid: 40 city/45 highway

Mazda:
Tribute Hybrid 2WD: 34 city/31 highway
Tribute Hybrid 4WD: 29 city/27 highway

Nissan:
Altima Hybrid: 35 city/33 highway

Toyota:
Prius: 48 city/45 highway
Camry Hybrid: 33 city/34 highway
Highlander Hybrid 4WD: 27 city/25 highway

For the most up-to-date comparisons of hybrid vehicles, see:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml