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With rising fuel prices and the ever prevalent pollution emitted by the conventional vehicle adding to our Greenhouse effect, the need for a more efficient vehicle is a must for today. Recognizing this, scientists have developed what they call ‘Hybrid Cars’ that run mainly on inputs other than regular fuel, reducing emissions and pollution.
There have been cars that run purely on Electricity or Gas, but they had their limitations and therefore the onset of the Hybrid car which has a combination of fuel and an electric motor as the source of power. They have been found to be more fuel efficient than gas cars and more practical for day to day use than purely electric cars. Hybrids have the power to travel on the expressway at the recommended speeds, while at the same time being able to handle the stop-start driving of most cities.
The demand for the Hybrid car arose from the dual problems faced by the conventional car. Firstly, the rising fuel prices which made the car expensive and the environmentalists who voiced the need to clean up the atmosphere.
These Hybrid cars are not plug ins and don't need to be charged through an electric socket. The cars recharge themselves while they are being driven. The engine generates the necessary power that is stored in the batteries for future use, especially during the non-powered motoring while coasting and braking.
Here’s a comparison of the two vehicles stressing the advantages.
Pollution is reduced
The fact the greenhouse gasses cause damage is established. Reducing these gasses will have a positive effect on the atmosphere in the long run. Hybrid vehicles have been found to have far less emissions than conventional cars due to their hybrid nature, thus making a big contribution towards saving the earth.
While the engine of the Hybrid car does consume a combination of fuel and electricity, the proportion is so small that the resultant emissions are relatively minute in comparison, and therefore does not threaten the environment.
Higher Mileage
This is one of the main advantages of the Hybrid car. If you use less fuel to start with, you are already cutting down on pollution. Add to that the total lack of pollution when the car is being powered by the electric engine where there are no emissions. The difference is amazing.
Reduction in taxes
Sure, the Hybrid cars being produced today do lack in some ways when compared to the looks and speed of some gasoline powered vehicles. To counter this, the tax credits applicable on Hybrid vehicles have been reduced to make the deal more attractive to the buyer. This tax credit is a direct saving for you.
Value retention
The resale value of any vehicle begins a slide the moment the car is out of the showroom. The same happens in the case of the Hybrid car, but because of the construction and components of the car, the resale value goes down much slower, and your money retains most of its value for longer. At times a resale car could get you more in return than what you paid for it in the first place.
Efficiency and performance
Since the Hybrid car has two sources of power, each of the components has to be smaller to be accommodated within the same confines. With this combination the power generated and the performance of the car is very close to a conventional car with the added advantage of greater efficiency and better performance.
‘Hybrid car technology’ - the ideal solution
Reduction of fuel consumption directly contributes to controlling emissions, but add to that the greater efficiency and performance of the Hybrid engine, it could be the perfect solution to the woes that face the world today.
The only consideration to be taken into account is that since these Hybrid cars are not yet produced in great mass, the price tag is on the high side and sometimes can't fit into the budget of the average person. The day is coming when the prices of the Hybrids will become lower and the number of Hybrid cars manufactured will match the conventional car, and the prices too will be on par.