Hybrids – Here To Stay

Unless you’ve been living somewhere other than planet Earth you have undoubtedly heard about the hybrid craze. Movie stars, college students, and every day people are grabbing them up like kids in a candy store. With the sudden increase in gasoline costs, who can blame them? The fuel economy that these little gems get are incredible. The lower emissions are just icing on the cake.

Ford Focus Hybrid

Every auto maker is on the band wagon to produce at least one hybrid in their fleet. Technology has come very quickly in this one area, and all auto makers are eager to supply. Toyota has to be considered the Granddaddy of them all with the release of the Prius almost ten years ago. Not to be out done, Honda, G.M., and Ford are rapidly playing catch up in the hybrid playing arena.

What makes a hybrid so fuel efficient? Two power plants within the vehicle. A congenital internal combustion engine, and a very large electric motor powered by batteries. The batteries are not of the usual variety, made up of mostly lead, they are made from nickel. This poses a problem that most people have concerns with. At the end of the battery life, the nickel will have to be disposed of, which is very hazardous. Another factor is the cost of replacement batteries. Some sources claim upwards of five thousand dollars. Coupled with a life span of around one hundred thousand miles, this is certainly something to think about.

Environmentalists are also excited about the hybrid. A greener foot print left on Mother Earth is certainly something to feel good about. Hybrids produce thirty to forty percent less pollutants than their congenital counterparts. Others have been working on prototypes that the only by-product produced is water. A cleaner world is in store for all of us.

So, the last question that remains is this, which hybrid is the best? That probably will boil down to brand loyalty. G.M. and Ford are both out and running with strong contenders, and the Japanese influence is there as well. All hybrids, domestic or imported, are good choices. Massive fuel economy, lower emissions. and the fact that they are the “in” thing, are all good reasons for your purchase.