Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars

Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars will save the planet. That's what you might think after experiencing the hybrid-mania that is currently popular. Rising gasoline prices have gas-addicted consumers scrambling for ways to save both gas and money. Cars are the main users of gasoline, so it makes sense to start there. Those willing and able to switch vehicles are often choosing hybrid cars. The advantages of hybrid cars are generally well known. What are the disadvantages of hybrid cars?

One of the disadvantages of hybrid cars is the cost. Hybrids generally cost more than their gasoline-only counterparts. It is expected that these specialty cars would cost more. After all, they have two power plants: a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This is one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars that is easy to overcome.

Hybrid cars begin paying for themselves immediately in reduced gas usage. In the U.S., many hybrids come with a tax credit for the customer, resulting in additional savings. Hybrid costs are steadily reducing as the technology matures. Cost appears to be one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars until you examine it more closely.

Service, parts and maintenance can be one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars. Any garage or mechanic you pass can probably fix your gasoline car. Who will fix your hybrid? Will you have to take it back to the dealer or to an expensive specialty shop? Smart consumers can negate this particular one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars with careful research.

Another of the disadvantages of hybrid cars is that not all hybrids are built alike. Not all hybrids provide phenomenal gas mileage. Some hybrid models only provide a 20% to 30% fuel efficiency increase over the non-hybrid model. Some of the all-gasoline compact cars with manual transmissions are rated for higher fuel efficiency than some hybrids. Once again, diligent research can get rid of most of the disadvantages of hybrid cars related to fuel efficiency.

This may sound strange, but one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars is that they still burn gasoline. They burn much less gas than internal combustion cars. However, hybrids burning gasoline still require a stop at the gas station, and they still create pollution. Research on better hybrid batteries and on fuel cell cars is promising. Perhaps even the disadvantages of hybrid cars involving gasoline will eventually be beaten.

What really are the disadvantages of hybrid cars? There don't seem to be any substantial ones at this time. Big changes are due in the near future. Until then, any of the disadvantages of hybrid cars can be neutralized with careful planning and research.