How to Buy a Hybrid Car

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Before you buy a hybrid car, learn about the car. The hybrid car is a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

There a 5 types of hybrid technologies available for the hybrid car. 1. Idle-off capability--the engine turns off when the vehicle is stopped and turns back on when you move from the brake to the gas. 2. Regenerative braking--The electric motor helps to slow the car and functions as a generator to convert energy into electricity to recharge the battery. 3. Power assist and engine downsizing--The electric motor and engine share the power load. 4. Electric only drive--the electric motor can power the car at low speeds and when the car is first started. 5. Extended battery-electric range--Car runs solely on electric power for 20 to 60 miles before engaging the gasoline engine. You have to recharge the car's battery.

Step2

Mild Hybrids use the first 3 technologies. Honda's Insight and Civic Hybrid are examples of Mild Hybrid Cars. Full Hybrids feature the electric only drive. Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid are examples of Full Hybrid Cars. Hybrids that use all 5 technologies are not currently available as passenger cars.

Step3

Hollow hybrids are conventional cars that have one or two of the technologies. The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid have idle-off capability but fuel economy is limited.

Step4

Now, how do you choose a hybrid car? The Toyota Prius ranks high among the hybrid cars. It gets some of the best gas mileage and has been around for awhile. The Honda Civic and Accord have been well received, but Toyota dominates the market.

Step5

Hybrid Cars equal Hybrid Tax Breaks. The government will give a tax credit depending upon the fuel conservation of the car in its lifetime. Of course there is a catch. As auto makers reach 60,000 hybrids, the credit drops to 50%. Toyota has reached the threshold. For more information, go to the following site: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=157557,00.html

Tips & Warnings

Read, Read, Read about Hybrids
Check out Consumer Report as well as car review magazines.
Talk to people who have bought one.

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Comments

imagery said

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on 6/26/2008 Good article. I am still concerned about the amount of nickel in a Hybrid vehicle but feel that real soon the gas electric car will be the way to go. Battery technology is improving dramatically.

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