Hybrid Cars

Although this article is not directly about the oceans, I was happy to see it on the Sympatico/MSN website when I opened my internet browser. Much change is occurring in the vehicle manufacturing industry out of not only necessity for our environment, but also a general trend moving towards this new development. Not only does this article make the general public around the world aware of hybrid vehicles, it also sets the record straight to those people who choose to ignore the facts. Now there is no excuse not to buy a hybrid!!!


Exploding the myths about hybrid cars
Insuring your hybrid

Insuring a hybrid vehicle is no different than insuring a conventional car. There are no special steps or considerations and it doesn't cost extra. The premiums you pay will reflect the class of car, your driving record, how much you use your car, where you live, and how much coverage you want.
Today’s hybrid cars combine an electric motor with an internal gasoline combustion engine to produce a vehicle that gets awesome mileage.
But the misconceptions about hybrids are preventing some buyers from even considering a test drive. Here are five of the most common myths about these vehicles:

Myth #1: There isn’t much to choose from
“There are five different models of hybrids available today”, says Brad Berman, editor of www.hybridcars.com and a hybrid driver himself. They are:
Ford Escape Hybrid, the first SUV hybrid;
Honda Accord Hybrid, a family sedan;
Honda Civic Hybrid, a compact;
Honda Insight, a two-door coupe;
Toyota Prius, a mid-size sedan.
And soon there may be more. “There is a growing trend with car manufacturers”, notes Berman, “to add hybrid versions of their existing cars. For example, DaimlerChrysler and GM have announced plans to join the hybrid-car market”. Even luxury car manufacturers are jumping on the hybrid-wagon: the Lexus RX400h, billed as the world's first luxury hybrid SUV, is slated to be available this year.
Smart tip: “You may have to wait for the model of your choice”, cautions Berman, “since today supply simply doesn't meet demand”. He does stress, though, that a hybrid is well worth the wait.

Myth #2: You’ll save a bundle
“Hybrids are the most fuel-efficient cars in the world”, explains Berman. Depending on what, where and how much you drive, you may save anywhere from $200 to $1,000 a year on gas.
Smart tip: To compare the gas mileage of your conventional car with a hybrid model, use the gas mileage impact calculator at www.hybridcars.com/calculator.
The flip side, unfortunately, is that they cost more up-front. Whether the long-term fuel savings outweigh the higher sticker price will depend on a number of factors, including where you live, what you buy, and how much you drive.
But Berman advises to see beyond the cost savings at the pumps. “Since hybrids use less gas, dependency on foreign oil is reduced”, he explains. “This means that drivers will be less vulnerable to price shocks at the pumps”. The other reason, of course, is for the environmental benefits. “Simply put, less gas equals less pollution”, he says.

Myth #3: They’re expensive to maintain
“There’s no reason for maintenance to cost more for a hybrid than a regular car”, Berman declares. “One of the most popular misconceptions is that a hybrid’s rechargeable battery could wear out and be expensive to replace. But hybrid battery packs are designed to last for the lifetime of the car, and are covered by warranty for eight to 10 years”.
And you don't need to plug in your car every night to recharge the battery. “Energy is recovered during braking”, he explains.
Smart tip: For regular maintenance, take your hybrid to your dealer to get the best service. As hybrids become more and more popular, more independent mechanics will be able to provide expert care.

Myth #4: Hybrids are good for fair-weather driving only
Not so, says Berman. “Based on my own experiences, everything I’ve read and the experts I’ve consulted, there is no difference between driving a hybrid and a conventional car in bad winter weather or during scorching summer heat”.

Take a look at a manufacturer’s specifications if extreme cold or heat is a concern to you. Berman uses Honda as an example of what you can expect: “Honda specs indicate that their hybrids run just fine at temperatures as low as -30°C [-22°F] and as high as 60°C [140°F]”.
Smart tip: To provide maximum fuel efficiency, most hybrids come with low-resistance tires. As with any car, you may want to invest in snow tires.

Myth #5: Hybrids aren’t as safe as conventional cars
The misconception that hybrids aren’t as safe as conventional cars is because of their size. “People feel safer in larger cars”, says Berman. “But statistics don’t back up that claim”.
Today’s hybrids rank high in safety ratings for their weight class.
Smart tip: To check on the safety rating of most makes and models, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Website.