When pulling next to another car at a stoplight, drivers have become used to the sound of an idling motor. As more hybrid cars appear on the roadway, drivers instead will hear silence as the hybrid's gasoline engine turns off and its electric battery takes over. Hybrid purchases accounted for about 2.5 percent of all U.S. car sales in 2009 as automakers continued to venture into this emerging market.
How Hybrids Work
Unlike a traditional gasoline-powered car or an electric-powered car, hybrid vehicles use two different power sources that kick in depending on the car's needs. An electric, battery-powered motor supplements the internal combustion engine found in a normal car. When a hybrid car stops at a light or moves at lower speeds, the gas engine automatically shuts off to save fuel. When more power is required for higher speeds, both sources work together.
Hybrid Advantages
When a hybrid uses its electric motor, the car burns less fuel and cuts down on emissions. Drivers also tend to make fewer trips to the gas station because of hybrids' high fuel economy. When hybrids are driven in the most efficient way, manufacturers estimate that auto owners may be able to drive an impressive 45 to 50 miles per gallon. Mileage for city driving tends to lag estimates for highway driving to account for more frequents stops and starts.
Hybrid Disadvantages
Because hybrid technology is still evolving, questions remain about key components of hybrid cars. Consumers may have to wait for answers because the cars have not been around long enough to fully test. For example, how long will a hybrid battery last? Will it be costly to replace? Can the batteries be recycled, or will they become an environmental challenge? Automakers offer 8- to 10-year warranties on batteries and are working to develop plans for recycling or safely disposing of batteries.
Relative Costs and Benefits
Consumers who choose hybrids usually pay a premium for the car of $1500 to $4000 at the dealership. As they drive, however, savings at the fuel pump begin to whittle away at the initial investment. Hybrid car owners receive other perks aimed at rewarding environmentally friendly behavior. Choice parking spaces, access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes, reduced car insurances and even tax credits are awarded hybrid owners, depending on their state of residence.
Other Considerations
According to "Car and Driver," to optimize fuel efficiency in a vehicle such as the Honda Civic Hybrid or the Toyota Prius, consumers must "drive like a grandmother." This means accelerating gradually rather than too quickly, thus relying more on the electric motor and less on the gasoline engine. Cautious use of the throttle and timed cruising speeds also will maximize the energy-saving features of a hybrid vehicle.
Future of Hybrids
With a global push to reduce gasoline consumption, most automakers are vying for a share of the hybrid arena. U.S. legislators are tightening emissions and fuel economy requirements. According to "The Detroit Free Press," the U.S. has set a goal for new vehicles of 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016. A National Academies of Science panel estimated that hybrid technology could boost an engine's efficiency by 50 percent for a cost of $9000, the newspaper reported.
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