Hybrid Vehicle Myths

Hybrid vehicles have created a lot of hype. As a result, misinformation is all over the place. It is time to separate facts from fiction and clarify some of the myths created by the stir.

1. You can save money when you buy a hybrid car.

While you can definitely save money on gas, the amount of the hybrid car itself can set you back. Hybrid cars are not very expensive though. But if you are thinking that you can make back your investment, you got the wrong concept of buying a hybrid car. You buy a hybrid car because you want to reduce the demand for fuel, to help save the environment, and want to earn the bragging rights of one of the first to drive a hybrid.

2. Hybrid batteries need to be replaced.

The high cost of hybrid battery replacement is one of the main reasons why some may avoid buying a hybrid car. The fact is Toyota has claimed that there is not a single battery replacement reported due to wearing out or malfunction. Moreover, manufacturers issue a standard 80,000 and 100,000 miles warranty for hybrid batteries depending on the location of the dealer- though that does not mean that you have to replace your batteries after 100,000 miles.

3. Hybrid vehicles are very expensive to maintain.

Maintaining a hybrid car costs almost the same as maintaining a conventional gasoline-engine car. According to Honda website, the 5-year maintenance and repair costs for the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius are $2,056 and $1,969 respectively; while the Honda Civic Si Sedan 6-Spd MT has a 5-year maintenance and repair cost of $2,137.

4. Hybrid cars are the only solution to environmental problems.

The number of hybrid vehicles on US roads may hit the 1 million mark sometime in 2008 but that doesn't mean that is has solved the problems of the environment. There are approx. 200 million cars in the US that consumes roughly a total of 400 million gallons of fuel each day. Clearly, we have a long way to go.

5. Hybrid vehicles are small and underpowered.

If you limit your thinking to the Civic Hybrid's 1.3 L engine and disregard the 20-hp electric motor, then you may think that hybrid vehicles are small and underpowered. Think of the Toyota Camry with its 2.4 L engine or the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid with its 6.0 L Vortec V8 engine. Hybrid cars are not only powerful, they are big.