Hybrid Car Types

Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools. Compare Hybrids Side by Side

Hybrid Technolgy


Basic Hybrid Types - Electric Models - Hybrid Systems - Series-parallel Hybrid - System Components - Driving

Is a Hybrid Car Right for me?

I suppose the best way to answer that question is by first figuring out the pros and cons of buying an operating a Hybrid car and then using those to narrow down whether a Hybrid would be right for you. Of course any ultimate desire might sway you one way or the other even if the pros out way the cons. For example you may base your entire opinion solely upon looks and status. If this is the case you already know what is right for you and have you own reasons for going the direction you wish.

  • Fuel Mileage
  • Emissions
  • New Technology
  • Green Image
  • Tax Incentive
  • Fuel Mileage
  • Price
  • Maintenance Costs
  • Available Repair Stations
  • Snow Driving
  • Double the Drive Train(2 motors)
I have to admit for myself that after looking at the pros and cons it does seem a bit vague so let me touch on a few points. The fuel mileage of a Prius is awesome if you rely of city driving. Now look at a Ford Focus, pretty good gas mileage at half the up front cost. Emissions, well, the hybrid has about 25% less emissions than a gas only, so if you buy into the Al Gore global warming deal, this may be a no brainer for you. Moving on to more relevant issues like cost of operation and repairs. The cost of maintenance short term or under warranty would be about the same as a gasoline only car. After the warranty is up... watch out, the cost goes up as the hybrid has 2 motors and electric and a gasoline and in most cases other than brakes and tires, your off to the DEALER for repairs. As far as driving, in a dry climate, not much of an issue. Snow driving in a hybrid on the other hand can be quite a different story. Lets take the Honda insight for example, the battery is very heavy and located toward the rear of the vehicle and causes the rear of the car to want to slide out similar to when you would operate the park brake to make it slide only this will happen without encouragement.

For me, The Price alone out ways any of my thoughts of buying a hybrid brand new. I have owned and operated an Auto Repair Service Center and come across may different vehicles and seen many different hybrids already in need of costly repairs. I feel I can buy two non hybrids for the price of a hybrid. So for me, The Hybrid is not my choice for the future. Just my opinion, nothing else.

In certain driving modes, hybrid electric gas cars offer you no better fuel efficiency than standard cars. Also the fuel efficiency of Hybrid cars and SUV's works counter intuitive to what you would expect. Your gas mileage could be more volatile with a hybrid vehicle due to the way it operates in different driving modes, and how much time you spend in each driving mode. In some driving modes, your fuel efficiency can be better, and in some modes your fuel efficiency can offer you no benefit at all. We will give you enough information here to help you decide if a hybrid vehicle is right for you. But first, let's clear the air on the common myths and misconceptions of hybrid vehicles.

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