Top 5 Hybrid Myths

A "hybrid" vehicle is a vehicle that has both an internal-combustion (usually gasoline) engine and a battery-driven motor. Under hybrid theory, the two power sources are not used simultaneously; depending on its need for acceleration or speed the hybrid will switch between the gas engine and the electric motor.
Since Hybrids were introduced to consumers in 2000, there has been much misinformation published about these vehicles and that has led to misunderstandings. Following is a look at what are often considered to be the top 5 hybrid myths followed by explanations of how hybrids really work.


Myth 1: You need to constantly recharge your hybrid's batteries.

Not true! Your hybrid batteries are automatically recharged through a process known as "regenerative braking." Here's a simple explanation of how that works! An electric motor when it runs in one direction can create the torque required to move the vehicle, when it runs in the opposite direction it becomes a generator, creating electricity. When you apply the breaks in a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor that created the torque to move the vehicle is reversed, effectively using that same torque to power the generator and recharge the hybrid's batteries. Some systems use two motors, one only provides the drive and the other only recharges the batteries.


Myth 2: Hybrid cars are more expensive to maintain

Not true! Not only do hybrid cars use most of the same parts as your gas-only car, they have smaller engines and, over the long run, require less repair because there is less wear on the engines and brake systems. Also, the same mechanic that works on your car now will be able to do most of the work on your hybrid. There are specialized services but many mechanics realize that hybrid technology is the 'wave of the future' and are making sure they learn all they can so that all your hybrid service needs can easily be met in one place.

Batteries for hybrids are, as you have no doubt heard, expensive but the good news is if you buy a new hybrid you should be able to drive it for the life of the car without worrying about replacing the battery; remember also, if the battery or any hybrid-specific component needs replacing it will be covered by either an 8 year/100,000 mile or 10 year/150,000 mile warranty.


Myth 3: Hybrids cost too much

Not really! In 2007 there are hybrids available from Ford, Mercury, Honda, Toyota and Lexus. The manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) on these cars range from $22,175 for the Toyota Prius to $54,900 for the Lexus GS450H. (The 2006 Honda Insight had an MSRP of $19,330 but there is no 2007 version of this sub-compact car.) When considering whether these cars cost "too much," be sure to consider the following: these are "suggested" retail prices that are often undercut by dealers; the increased savings on fuel and maintenance will make many hybrids competitive with conventional gas-only fueled cars in their class; and finally, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy website (http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm), most of the federal tax credits "for purchasing fuel-efficient hybrid-electric vehicles" that were enacted under the "The Energy Policy Act of 2005" remain in effect through 2007 (consult your tax expert or the IRS to verify that this applies to the hybrid vehicle you intend to purchase). Aside from all this, the economies of mass production and the technological advances that occur virtually every day will be driving the cost of these vehicles way down in just a few short years.


Myth 4: Hybrids are all tiny and don't give you enough power

That used to be true, but not any longer! When hybrids first started appearing in 2000 they were pretty small and underpowered but they were well received by the public and the auto makers knew that introducing larger, more powerful hybrids would be a winning proposition. Today there are hybrid pickups and hybrid SUVs as well as the many hybrid sedans.

Power is no longer a concern either. Today's hybrid will easily merge with expressway traffic, pass slow-moving vehicles and keep the pace of the HOV lanes. Most of today’s hybrids, have a top speed of over 100 mph and acceleration comparable to most gas-only vehicles in their class.


Myth 5: Fuel-cell technology will obsolete hybrid technology in just a couple years.

Very unlikely! Hydrogen fuel-cell designs are in the works at all the major auto manufacturing design centers and fuel-cell technology is indeed far superior to hybrid technology, but if you buy a hybrid today you should have at least 8 to 10 years to drive it before you see any realistically priced fuel cell vehicles on the market.
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For additional hybrid car information, go to HybridCars.com (http://www.hybridcars.com/) or visit Wikipedia's page on the "Petroleum electric hybrid vehicle" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_car) either page will give you most of the information you need to evaluate your hybrid options and understand how hybrid cars work.