What Is the Downside of Hybrid Vehicles?
Due to increasing awareness of our society's environmental impact, car manufacturers have developed hybrid vehicles to minimize pollution. Compared to the average car, hybrids give off fewer toxic emissions and provide better fuel economy. Although hybrid cars are gaining a reputation as a wise investment, they do have some disadvantages.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
In 1999, the Honda Insight debuted as the first hybrid car on the market. The Toyota Prius followed the next year and the Honda Civic hybrid came out in 2002. The popularity of these hybrids led other automakers to follow. In 2004, the Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram hybrids were introduced, along with the Ford Escape.
Principle of Operation
-
Hybrid vehicles combine gas and electricity to power the car. Hybrid cars also have smaller engines, so they often weigh less than non-hybrid vehicles. To the driver, they are no different than a vehicle fueled by gasoline, so there is nothing new to learn about how to drive a hybrid. Unlike some older models of electric cars, the battery pack for a hybrid does not require an external source to recharge.
-
Higher Cost
-
Because of their popularity as well as higher-quality materials, hybrid cars can cost $2,000 to $5,000 more than a similar non-hybrid car. However, they can still be a wise investment because of the gasoline savings over time.
Other Disadvantages
-
Because hybrid vehicles are still relatively new, parts may not always be readily available, and it might be difficult to find a mechanic who is familiar with working on hybrid cars. Also, because the engines are so quiet they could pose a problem for a blind pedestrian or one who is simply not looking in the right direction, requiring drivers to be extra careful.
Future of Hybrid Vehicles
-
As of 2010, hybrid vehicles have been on the market for over ten years, and their popularity is growing despite their few disadvantages. This is due to several factors including financial incentives such as tax breaks as well as improved fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness.
-
