Recently, hybrid autos have become more and more popular for a variety of reasons. Among even the most hardened skeptics, hybrid vehicles have been acquiring traction in their appeal. When most people think about hybrid cars, they may visualize the oddly-shaped Honda Insight hybrid from the late 1990s, with its real wheels covered by over sized fenders, or maybe the popular Toyota Prius.
Recently, nonetheless, many auto manufacturers have been producing hybrid SUVs as a replacement to the gas-guzzling traditional SUVs that originally dominated the market. To a degree, this shift toward the hybrid SUV was in response to decreasing large SUV and truck sales toward the end of the first decade of the 2000s; the declining economy and rising gas prices made such vehicles too expensive to drive for many American families.
To beat this trend, manufacturers began production on more efficient SUVs. In 2004, the first SUV hybrid (the Ford Escape) hit the market, as were the first hybrid trucks (the Chevy Silverado and also Dodge Ram). The guiding principles behind hybrids are to attain the highest gas mileage possible and to have the smallest environmental impact by fuel efficiency and low emissions.
By now, manufacturers have pretty much mastered the ability to produce vehicles with better efficiency while maintaining the power and performance of the old gas-guzzling SUVs. Hybrid SUVs work by mixing an electric motor with the typical internal combustion engine. The electric motor runs off a huge battery that is recharged whenever the car coasts or brakes. The electric motor is responsible for powering the vehicle during stop-and-start travel as well as acceleration to highway speeds.
The electric motor also powers accessories that would normally run off gasoline, such as the A/C compressor. The gas engine is used primarily for increased acceleration and greater speeds. The switch from electricity to gas is managed by an advanced computer. The benefits of purchasing one of a hybrid SUV are many. For one, there are various tax incentives, which include a federal tax incentive and state incentives that may differ from state to state.
As well, drivers will be relieved by the knowledge that they are driving in a more "green" vehicle, helping to reduce carbon emissions that cause climate issues. In terms of toxic chemicals, hybrids are up to 97% lower emitters as opposed to standard cars, and half as bad in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Due to the hybrid nature of the vehicle, mileage is a lot better. In the city, where stop-and-start driving and low speeds lead to heavier reliance on the battery, hybrids get significantly better mileage.
On the highway, where the vehicle leans more largely on the gas tank, mileage is around 10% better. There are various incidental benefits which may interest the potential car buyer as well: the driving experience is no different - the vehicle takes care of shifting between gas and electricity; commutes are shortened, since hybrids are often allowed in HOV streets; the hybrid is a politically-correct talking point in social situations; and the novelty of owning one of the coolest 'gadgets'.
There are also drawbacks to hybrid SUVs, but they are few. For instance, registration fees may be higher. Additionally, the vehicles are more expensive when it comes to the initial price tag. The complexity of the powertrain increases the points at which a failure may take place, and increases repair costs. In terms of repairs, parts may be more difficult to acquire and more expensive too. In general though, a hybrid is a money- and environment-saver in the future.
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