Why You Should Drive or Park a Hybrid Vehicle

Green is in. Due to the rising concern for global warming, different pro-environmental measures have been adopted to mitigate the alarm and destruction brought about by pollution. Every aspect of human’s lifestyle has been double-checked and cars are definitely part of the top of the list to help combat global warming, thus, environmentally friendly cars have been manufactured. A type of these green cars is the hybrid vehicle.

Hybrid vehicle technology has been existent since 1899 by Ferdinand Porsche, but it was not until the 1990s that hybrid vehicles have been manufactured for personal use.  In comparison to cars run solely by gasoline, hybrid cars run on both gasoline and electric battery. With the difference in the source of power between the two, various responses have been elicited on the hybrid vehicle in contrast with internal combustion engine cars.

• Environmental Benefits

Harmful emissions by hybrid vehicles have been reported to be reduced 25% to 35% than ordinary cars run by fuel. They help lessen smog and lessen the hazards brought about by a normal car in terms of air pollution. Hybrid cars are also known for reducing noise pollution, since they run on low speeds and produce lesser noise.

• Gas Mileage and Driving Performance

Since hybrid cars, mostly utilize the power from electric batteries rather than gasoline and with their aerodynamic design, they obtain better gas mileage. Hybrid vehicles are very efficient for use in the city. However, when used in freeways, they don’t compare with gasoline-powered cars since their optimum speed is not as fast as the regular vehicles.

• Fuel Costs and Battery Concerns

With hybrid cars, E85 oil is used to fill up the tank which is cheaper and if the oil is not available, one can opt to load up on the regular gas. On the other hand, battery cost and benefits have been an impending issue. Hybrid vehicles operate on metal hydrides and lithium batteries, which are known to be less toxic to the environment than lead-based batteries. Despite these environmental benefits, it has been studied that metal hydrides and lithium batteries have carcinogenic components, which can be hazardous to one’s health.

• Product Price

There is a glaring discrepancy when it comes to the price of a normal car and a hybrid one. Hybrid cars are more costly than regular cars. This has been countered though that the environmental advantages reaped from hybrid vehicles are more rewarding.

• Warranty and Repair

When in comparison to a normal vehicle, hybrid cars have longer warranties. However, though the cost of repair once a hybrid vehicle breaks down is notably higher. Hybrid vehicles can’t be repaired on a regular auto repair shop due to the complexities of its engine. This has to be brought back to the dealer’s lot which can be costly.

• Accidents and Production Materials Concern

Due to the high voltage present in electric batteries, the safety of hybrid cars in accidents has been one of the primary concerns. Another concern with hybrid cars is that since the components are more complicated than ordinary cars, they take longer manufacturing time which warrants more harm to the environment. This, however, have been counteracted, by pointing out that the environmental benefits out stand the longer manufacturing time. An additional issue brought about by hybrid vehicles is the presence of raw materials for its components. It has been argued that there can be a shortage of its raw materials due to its rarity. This has raised the apprehension that hybrid vehicles might not be manufactured for a very long time.

• Perks in Taxation

In certain countries, they offer tax credits for using a hybrid vehicle, and you can enjoy of advantages such as free parking spaces. This is in line to help various countries’ advocacy to reduce global warming.

There are a lot of benefits and disadvantages that one can obtain from using a hybrid vehicle. From one’s perspective, the pros might outweigh the cons or the other way around. This would all boil down on one’s priorities and needs. If your inclination is to help the environment and the future generation, then drive a hybrid vehicle, but if it’s not, then park the thought.