Pros & Cons Of Owning A Hybrid
With the advent of the new Hyundai hybrid version of the popular 2011 Sonata arriving in the new-car marketplace, it bears repeating that choosing a hybrid motor vehicle over a conventional gasoline-powered motor vehicle is not a simple matter. Hybrids boast advantages over conventional vehicles in a number of respects, but there are also disadvantages to be considered when buying a hybrid. Compact hybrid vehicles have been on American roads since the introduction of the first-generation Honda Insight and Toyota Prius models in the early 2000s.
Over time, these automakers refined hybrid technology and introduced it into more compact and midsized models, such as the Honda Hybrid Civic and the Toyota Hybrid Camry, even as other automakers, such as Nissan, Ford, and General Motors, were introducing a number of hybrid vehicles of their own — in some cases, “greening” large sport-utility vehicles with enough power to haul a trailer or a hybrid camper.
Thus, today one can find hybrid models at almost anywhere on the price and size spectrum, from a compact 2010 Honda Insight at an average price of around $20,000, to a hybrid GM Cadillac Escalade SUV at an average price about $75,000, to a Lexus LS luxury sedan at a suggested retail price of $110,000. What is good about owning a hybrid?
First, depending on the make and model, one can potentially claim a federal income-tax credit after acquiring a hybrid vehicle, although this perk is limited to those who buy models offered by automakers who are relatively new to the American hybrid market, such as General Motors and Nissan; current Toyota and Honda models do not qualify for such tax incentives.
Second, hybrid vehicles are entitled to occupy high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes of major highways in some cities and states regardless of how many passengers are being carried, which can cut minutes off one’s commute. Also, hybrid vehicles, as a rule, produce less noise and emit fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants than similar conventional motor vehicles, and almost inevitably use less gasoline than comparable standard vehicle models. That difference can yield a sense of pride in hybrid owners, who may chuckle when they pass gas-guzzling vehicles parked at service-station pumps, in the throes of being refueled yet again.
Yet buying a hybrid, and owning one thereafter, is not always a bed of roses. There is not much of an external difference between a 2010 Honda Civic hybrid version and a 2010 Honda Civic conventional version apart from labeling, but at an average price of $27,750 for a trim including a navigation system and leather interior, the hybrid version represents at least a $3,000 cost increase before leaving the lot. And after leaving the lot, a hybrid vehicle may require expensive repairs over the course of its lifetime — repairs that conventional automobile mechanics often are reluctant to perform, necessitating often costly dealer service.
For example, a Nissan Altima hybrid owner who transports her vehicle from, say, California to a state with more relaxed emission standards than those in which such vehicles are typically sold (say, Tennessee) may have to travel hundreds of miles just to obtain service. What is more, hybrid automobiles typically require special parts when systems fail, which are often not made in sufficient bulk quantities by multiple suppliers to make their prices competitive, leading to potential sticker shock after one’s new hybrid’s vehicle warranties have expired.
Finally, the same quiet engines that hybrid-car manufacturers tout can be dangerous, even deadly, when children or blind persons who may be unaware of such a vehicle’s approach and who unwittingly cross its path. Hybrid vehicles, once absent from American highways and byways, are increasingly prevalent as more motorists succumb to the attraction of owning one. However, as in many things, the Latin maxim caveat emptor — “let the buyer beware” — certainly applies.
Deciding to buy any motor vehicle, including a hybrid, should never be undertaken lightly, and one would do well to consider the pluses and minuses of hybrid-automobile ownership before making a final decision to purchase one.
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Hybrid Trucks 101
Hybrids are becoming more popular in today’s changing world. There are many types of cars on the road. But what if you are a truck fan, are there hybrid trucks for you? The answer would be yes. Toyota, Ford, and Lexus have made many different kinds of hybrid trucks. When looking for a hybrid truck there are the basic things you need to consider.
For instance how big is the engine? If the engine is too small it will not be able to pull or haul the heavier items. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid for instance has a 3.3 liter and a V6 engine. Even though this is not as strong as a V8 it will still get the job done. Another point to know is what is how long can you drives before having to fill up the truck?
The Ford Escape Hybrid with its 200hp V6 engine wills the truck to travel 500 miles before having to stop and recharge or refill. Other hybrid trucks are also fuel efficient. With a 27.6 of a normal vehicle being the target point to surpass you know that you will need to look for a hybrid with a number higher then that. There is also the fuel economy to consider. In other words how much money is you actually saving compared to a conventional car.
The Lexus RX 400h has a MRPS of $49,000. That is a lot of money to be saving. Of course there are the basic ideas for a truck to consider. Do you want an SUV or a full-size truck? That is right a full truck is now available for purchase as a hybrid.
The Toyota FTX concept truck was invented in 2004 and is now available for purchase. With the sleek custom wheels the FTX truck is a perfect match for those who need a full bed in the back. Don’t forget to make sure the truck has a front wheel drive or even a 4X4 system. If not then you won’t be able to haul things through rough terrain. Of course these trucks should have a special calculating feature that will let you know how much fuel you are using. Along with other features such as a monitor that will let you know the gas level as well as the electric power level. Without these you could end up going out of energy on the highway and not know it.
Tags: Escape, Ford, ford escape, Ford Escape Hybrid, fuel economy, gas, Hybrid, Hybrid Trucks, hybrids, lexus, lexus rx 400h, SUV, Toyota, toyota ftx concept, toyota ftx concept truck, Toyota Highlander, toyota highlander hybrid, trucksRelated posts
Hybrid Trucks
Most Americans have more then likely heard about or inquired about Hybrid trucks. This seems impossible to have such a big vehicle be eco friendly. In the beginning of the hybrid era, there where only hybrid compact cars. Stylish and roomy models where impossible to find. I’m a big guy so I like a big vehicle. A vehicle that gives me the space and comfort that I need when driving for long periods of time. So when I heard that auto makers where coming out with a new line of Truck and SUV hybrids, it really peaked my interest. I own my own construction company and I always look for ways to cut my expenses. If I could save money on gas and help out the environment the process I would buy in a heart beat. That is exactly what I did.
I went to the Chevy dealership to get more information and to see if I qualified for a loan. I was interested in the 2009 Chevy Silverado pick up truck. My first concern that I told the authorized dealer was the loss of towing power due to the V-6 engine. He explained to me that the truck drives in the V-4 power most of the time to conserve gas. But it instantly switches over to the V-6 mode when it needs the extra power. Also the V-6 engine performs like the standard V-8 engine that I’m used to. To my surprise the hybrid version of the Chevy weighs 300 pounds more the original Chevy Silverado truck. This is due to the weight of the hybrid system and a heavier battery.
After this he pulled my credit report and took my financial information. I was approved for the loan and ready to hit the road. I suggest to any new hybrid truck customers that you ask questions to know what you are buying. Here are a few questions I you should ask. How many MPG does my truck get in the full hybrid mode? Often time’s gas consumption can improve 50% and more during hybrid mode. When does my truck exit hybrid mode? Many trucks have a speed limit on the full hybrid mode. For example My Silverado truck exits full hybrid mode at 31 MPH plus.
How many MPG does my truck receive when it is not in full hybrid mode? This will help you determine if the truck benefits you if you are a expressway driver. Lastly do you receive a tax credit for purchasing this hybrid truck? Hybrids should give you some type of tax break for the year you purchased it. I hope my experience helps out anyone that is interested in hybrid trucks. I personally love my truck and will only buy hybrids, until better technology comes out.
Tags: Chevy, Chevy Silverado, chevy silverado truck, gas, Hybrid, hybrid mode, hybrid system, Hybrid Trucks, hybrid version, hybrids, pick up truck, silverado, SUV, trucks