Ten things you don’t know about hybrids
Three years ago, I knew nothing about hybrid vehicles. Then in 2004, when gas prices topped $2 a gallon for the first time, I started hearing about the Toyota Prius (the same year it won multiple “Car of the Year” awards), the Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Honda Insight. . Since my interest had always been in off-road vehicles, it wasn’t until I saw the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid that hybrids really caught my eye. That was at the end of 2004.
Fast forward three years and now I’m spending several hours a week learning all about hybrid SUVs. This is a very exciting time for anyone interested in owning a hybrid as we have quickly gone from just a few hybrid options to a future where we will likely have over 100 hybrids to choose from. Several automakers have recently announced that they will soon offer hybrid versions of most or all of their new models, including Toyota, GM, Volkswagen, and Chrysler.
While hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs are currently all the rage, most people still don’t know much about hybrids. In an effort to dispel some of the common myths and shed some light on these “green machines,” we’ve put together a list of the 10 things you may not know about hybrids.
1. Hybrid vehicles are powered by a gasoline engine, in combination with an electric motor, not just one or the other. For a great demo of how these systems work together, check out this article on HowStuffWorks.com.
2. Hybrids don’t need to be plugged in. So-called “plug-in” vehicles are coming, but today’s hybrids recharge their batteries while slowing down and during braking.
3. Hybrids don’t skimp on power. The 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV and its non-hybrid counterpart sport a 270-hp engine. (Need more power? The Lexus LS 600h has 438 hp and goes 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.)
4. Hybrids are not too expensive. There are several makes and models of hybrid and SUV cars priced between $20,000 and $25,000, including Prius, Civic, Escape, Altima, Vue, and Aura. Many of these vehicles also come with federal and state tax credits. Factor in fuel economy, resale values, and lower maintenance costs, and hybrids are pretty affordable.
5. Hybrid batteries last for many years. In fact, most manufacturers guarantee their hybrid vehicle batteries for 80,000 to 100,000 miles. (Under California regulations, the battery warranty is extended to 10 years or 150,000 miles.)
6. Not all hybrids are the same. While the Hybrid Prius gets around 50 mpg, the Saturn Vue Green Line averages around 30 mpg. Hybrid versions of the soon-to-be-released 2008 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon are expected to achieve 23 mpg (though 25 percent better than the gas versions of these potentially future-saving full-size SUVs).
7. Hybrid vehicles are reliable. Because hybrids are relatively new and often misunderstood, many people assume that they are untested and unreliable. In fact, the Honda Civic Hybrid was recently ranked most reliable by Consumer Reports. See soultek.com). Additionally, the Highlander Hybrid, Accord Hybrid and Prius all ranked at or near the top in their respective reliability categories. In fact, Toyota’s Prius Hybrid was the most satisfying vehicle for the third year, with 92 percent of owners saying they would buy or lease again. In last year’s survey, 95 percent of owners said they would buy or lease a Prius again. Read more here.
8. Hybrids aren’t going away anytime soon. In 2005, more than 200,000 hybrids were sold. Last year that number was closer to 250,000. While there are only 13 hybrid cars, trucks and SUVs on the market today… most experts agree there will be close to 50 available by 2010.
9. Hybrids are green vehicles. It sounds like a no-brainer, but many people believe it’s a myth that hybrids are better for the environment, with some even arguing that they’re worse than gasoline or diesel vehicles. The fact is that many hybrids on the road today are capable of producing 50% to 90% less harmful emissions than non-hybrids.
10. Hybrids can be luxurious. The first hybrid I saw on a dealer lot was the Honda Insight. While it was futuristic, it was anything but luxurious. That was just a few years ago. I recently researched the new 2008 Lexus RX 400h SUV and in my opinion it is the epitome of luxury hybrid, luxury SUV and luxury vehicle.
10.5. The idea for this article came from a story I found yesterday on Esquire.com. Connie Britton’s “Ten Things You Don’t Know About Women” included the fact that women think hybrid cars are sexy (followed by a note that walking six blocks to avoid paying a valet isn’t sexy). So… get a hybrid and pay the valet, gentlemen.