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.
Tags: cadillac, cadillac escalade, Escalade, Ford, gasoline, gm, honda insight, honda models, Hybrid, Hybrid Camper, hybrid mode, hybrid model, hybrid models, hybrid motor, hybrid vehicle, hybrid vehicles, hybrid version, hybrids, Hyundai, Hyundai Hybrid, lexus, lexus ls, Prius, Sonata, SUV, Toyota, toyota hybrid camry, toyota prius, utility vehiclesRelated posts
Hybrid Trucks – Ford Escape Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles have been getting more popularity as the price of gas goes up. Typically if you want to get better gas mileage, you would have to get a smaller vehicle. That is no longer the case with the hybrid trucks that are on the market now.
One of the bigger hybrid trucks that is available is the Ford Escape. The Ford Escape hybrid is just like the conventional, so much so you really know the difference unless you were to open the hood. Both of them have a V6, 200hp engine. The biggest difference is that the hybrid is able to get 40 miles per gallon, which means that it can go five hundred miles between fill ups.
If you think that you wouldn’t be able to afford a Ford Escape Hybrid, think again, The price difference between the Ford Escape Hybrid and the conventional Escape is roughly $3,500. MSRP: $26,970 (FWD) and $28,595 (4WD Warranty: 3yrs/36,000 miles overall and 8 years/100,000 miles on Hybrid components. _z_trucks_z_);
It was wise of Ford to go ahead and choose it’s more popular model to make the first of the new breed of hybrids. The Escape uses what is known as a “full” hybrid drive system, which was developed for the Toyota Prius. It basically an electric car with a gasoline engine back up.
As you make your errands around town, the Ford Escape runs entirely on electric power. As you decelerate and when you use the brakes, the battery recharges itself.
Other than the hybrid drive, the vehicle is a conventional Ford Escape XLT with either FWD or 4WD. If you go ahead and take a test drive of both of the vehicles, you wouldn’t notice any difference and that includes the sounds of the engines. There is a slight pitch between the two, but most people wouldn’t even be aware of it.
The Ford Escape Hybrid are being assembled in the same plant as the conventional Escape. Located in Kansas City, Missouri.
Tags: automotive industry, chevrolet, electric car, electrical motor, ford escape, Ford Escape Hybrid, ford escape xlt, fuel efficiency, fuel savings, gas, gas mileage, gasoline, gm, GMC, GMC Sierra, Hybrid, hybrid car, hybrid cars, hybrid components, hybrid engine, hybrid highlander, hybrid pickup trucks, Hybrid Trucks, hybrid vehicles, hybrids, noise emissions, noise pollution, ozone layer, pickup truck, sierra, silverado, suvs, toyota prius, trucksRelated posts
Hybrid Trucks – Are They Worth It?
It’s always been a concern that the average gasoline-powered vehicle is a serious detriment to the environment. The big trucks make a lot of noise on the roads, and the emissions are supposedly deadly for our ozone layer. What can a person to do to make the environment better for all of us? In America our families are getting bigger and we need to have a bigger vehicle to fit all the things we need to fit in our vehicles. The SUV’s and the big trucks have been very popular, but now we can buy hybrid trucks. The hybrid truck, the next wave of the future, is known for its more positive impact on the environment.
Worried about all noise on the roads? The conventional automotive vehicles generally are responsible for a lot of noise emissions because of the sounds of their motors. However, because a hybrid car and truck uses an electrical motor, its noise emissions are greatly reduced when compared to fuel-powered vehicles. At low speeds, the noise emissions of hybrid cars are optimal for the public. Unfortunately, it does effect the visually impaired in a negative way, because they rely on the noise to be able to be aware of their presence. Lower noise pollution is a good thing overall.
These hybrid trucks and carswill help reduce the amount of smog in the air. The quality of the air will get better as more hybrids are put on the road.
The only problem is that hybrid trucks are a little more expensive. Well worth the price though when you figure that you’ll save on the fuel for the vehicle.
The cost of hybrid vehicles is higher because of extra batteries, extra electronics, and sometimes, other considerations related to design. However, there can be trade offs.
Some people think hybrid cars may be able to pay for themselves because of the fuel savings. However, that is very debatable. It depends on the number of miles traveled, the cost of fuel, and sometimes subsidies from the government.
In countries that are trying to lessen pollution and contamination, it may cost more to own any vehicle other than a hybrid car. Therefore, if you are living in another county with a pollution problem, a hybrid car may be the best choice for you.
Tags: automotive industry, chevrolet, electrical motor, fuel efficiency, fuel savings, gas, gas mileage, gasoline, gm, GMC, GMC Sierra, Hybrid, hybrid car, hybrid cars, hybrid engine, hybrid highlander, hybrid pickup trucks, Hybrid Trucks, hybrid vehicles, hybrids, noise emissions, noise pollution, ozone layer, pickup truck, sierra, silverado, suvs, toyota prius, trucks