The Environmental Benefits of Hybrid Cars

environmental benefits of hybrid cars

by: Marcos Teixeira

Gasoline, when burned, produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide, the major gas causing global warming. Hybrids which are not totally dependent on gasoline as source of power have therefore reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and other particulate matters. A concrete example is the best selling Toyota Prius which only consumes 4 liters of petrol to run 100 kilometers. The Prius emits approximately 104 grams of carbon dioxide each kilometer.

Auto emission is 1/3 of the world's total carbon dioxide emission, bigger than the emissions produced by homes and factories all over the world. If the emissions of these pollutants are not reduced, mankind will face the terrifying effects of global warming sooner than we may be prepared for. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere deplete the ozone layer, the earth's protection from too much heat from the sun. Some of the effects of global warming are melting of the ice from the arctic region causing floods, death of plants and animals sensitive to too much heat, other regions in the United States and all over the world will have prolonged summer and shorter winter days which can cause human death.

Another environmental hybrid car pro is the reduced exploit of non renewable sources of energy like gasoline and other petroleum products. These products are generated from fossil fuels and are not recyclable. With less gasoline use, these natural resources can be conserved and can serve its other purposes aside from being used as automotive fuels. Every day, the United States consumes a total of 8.2 million barrels to drive cars and light trucks. If demand for oil is reduced, the country will also be less dependent on petroleum import to support their everyday driving needs.

Preference, trend, and price may not just be the considerations a car shopper should make when buying a vehicle. Increase fuel efficiency will save tons of greenhouse gases leading to fewer floods, lesser death of plants and animals, and other effects of unusual climate changes. Aside from these environmental effects, driving a hybrid can save dollars and at the same time decrease hassle visits to gasoline stations.

understanding parallel hybrids

Exclusive summary about Understanding Parallel Hybrids by Thomas Ajava

Most people think a hybrid is a hybrid when it comes to cars. The parallel hybrid is the classic hybrid most people picture when the subject is brought up. The vehicle runs on a both an internal combustion engine and an electrical power plant. The most popular hybrid ever built is a parallel hybrid. Many people mistakenly believe the Prius was the first hybrid on the market. Honda put the first hybrid out, but failed to market it aggressively for some bizarre reason that the board must now seriously regret. Regardless, the Prius is the dominant hybrid even though it no longer qualifies for a big tax credit like many hybrids.

The car usually goes into electric motor mode. The parallel system actually charges the batteries of the vehicle in two unique ways. Parallel hybrids have become the dominant form of alternative fuel vehicle on the road, but technology is forever moving forward.

Hybrids Vs Regular Fuel Cars

Exclusive summary about Hybrids Vs Regular Fuel Cars by Bond Mejeh

Whatever your priorities are when purchasing a car, fuel economy isn't the only thing to consider when looking to purchase a hybrid car vs. gas car.

Most hybrid cars average between 33 and 60 miles per gallon during normal city driving, and between 36 and 68 miles per gallon with highway miles. However, hybrids come with a higher sales price than similar gas models. Hybrid car owners also get a relief in insurance payments. Thanks to recent technology, hybrid brakes last a lot longer than those of regular fuel cars.

Regular cars are cheaper, but tend to cost more to run. Hybrid cars are a lot higher in price, but are a lot easier to run.

tax credits for plug in hybrids

Exclusive summary about Tax Credits for Plug in Hybrids by Bond Mejeh

Plug in hybrids do not use gasoline to operate. Plug in hybrid vehicles can cost two or three times more than regular automobiles. Typical tax credits for consumers who purchase plug in hybrids could start at $2,500 and above.

Typical tax credits for consumers who purchase plug in hybrids could start at $2,500 and above.

Plug in hybrids can help to better the environment because they would reduce pollution. If we got people to convert their regular automobiles to plug in hybrids, we would reduce the country's pollution problems. Plug in hybrid vehicles can help to better the environment because of their ability to reduce pollution. If more people purchase plug in hybrids, then we can lessen our need for foreign oil. Tax credits for plug in hybrids is a win-win situation because it will help consumers and automakers.

New Energy Tax Credits for Hybrids

Exclusive summary about Tax Credits for Plug in Hybrids by Levi Quinn

At present, the US Government is running a tax credits scheme, whereby if you buy a hybrid car you will be eligible for a reduction of up to $3,400 in the cost of your income tax.

The first is in terms of timing; if you purchased a hybrid car before December 31st 2005, you will not be eligible for the income tax reduction. If you do have an older hybrid, you may be eligible for a $2,000 so-called "clean fuel" reduction. Returning to the new vehicle purchase, numerous cars and manufacturers are covered. The Toyota Prius ranks the highest in terms of discounts, if bought in 2006 - again, you will need to submit an amended tax return for the time of purchase.

Hybrids Battery Price Drops

hybrid car batteries

By: Bond Mejeh

As studies have proven, gasoline-powered cars are indeed bad for the environment. 19.6 pounds of carbon dioxide is sent into the atmosphere for every gallon of gasoline that is burned, but measures have been taken to lessen the carbon output. One such measure has been the invention of the hybrid car-that is, a car that uses two different forms of power to operate, rather than relying on just one source. While this invention has reduced gasoline consumption, it has had one significant drawback-the batteries for a hybrid car are very expensive, ranging up to $3,000, as oppose to the regular vehicle battery which is only $150. The range in price is simply a vast difference.

However, automakers have announced a drop in the price of hybrid car batteries, down to around $2,500 dollars. These batteries will run a car until the 100,000 mile mark, and so replacing the battery really isn't more expensive than replacing the transmission, as you would need to do with a regular car after hitting that high mile mark. As the car buyer, what does this mean for you?

You can purchase a hybrid car for roughly the same amount you would spend on the higher-end model of the same car. For instance, a Toyota Camry runs from $19,000 to $28,000, depending on your dealer, and a hybrid Camry sells for around $26,000. This keeps hybrid cars very competitive in price with their gasoline using counterparts. But when a hybrid uses a smaller percentage of gasoline, and when the battery is now so much more affordable, this puts the purchase of a hybrid into the reach of those who might have thought they could never afford it.

As more and more consumers decide to save in the future by purchasing hybrids, our air will become cleaner and easier to breathe. Imagine if there were more hybrids on the road, and more people carpooling with hybrids? We cannot solve the greenhouse effect overnight, but hybrid car manufacturers are doing their part. We as consumers can do our part and now more than ever due to the decreases in prices.