| In the past few years, hybrid electric vehicles | | | | be decidedly inconvenient when you're traveling. In |
| (HEVs) have been getting a lot of press, both | | | | the future, as HEVs become more prevalent, you |
| good and bad. As with any new technology-that | | | | can expect charging stations with the capacity to |
| is, any technology newly offered to the | | | | charge batteries in a fraction of that time will to |
| public-there are proponents and opponents to the | | | | become available. Another drawback is that while |
| wide use of HEVs. Pros and cons are bandied | | | | hybrids do vary somewhat in the distance that |
| about freely, and it can be difficult for the | | | | they can travel on a fully charged battery, the |
| average person to weed out any useful | | | | average is about 60 miles per charge. Again, this |
| information. Here is a brief, simple synopsis of the | | | | isn't much of an obstacle for a hybrid vehicle, |
| advantages and disadvantages of HEVs. The | | | | which can switch over to gasoline power at |
| most obvious benefit of HEVs is lowered | | | | need-but decidedly inconvenient for a car with |
| environmental impact. A vehicle that's powered | | | | fully electrical propulsion (EV). In addition, the |
| solely by electricity produces absolutely no | | | | batteries have a limited shelf life-roughly three |
| emissions. Admittedly, a hybrid vehicle does emit | | | | years-and are extremely expensive to replace. |
| some carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, | | | | Researchers are experimenting with other types |
| but only from the gasoline-driven engine. If your | | | | of battery, such as nickel-metal hydride, nickel |
| vehicle is powered by electricity 50% of the time, | | | | cadmium, and lithium-ion batteries. At present, |
| it will reduce harmful exhaust emissions by 50%. | | | | these types could offer better performance, but |
| Hybrid vehicles are quieter, and cause less noise | | | | the costs are prohibitive. Lastly, the purchase cost |
| pollution-an important consideration in urban areas. | | | | of a hybrid vehicle is a major deterrent for many |
| The engine only runs when the vehicle is being | | | | people who are considering "switching over." HEVs |
| actively propelled forward. Over time, this trait | | | | are still more significantly more expensive that |
| also cuts down on overall energy consumption. | | | | their gasoline-driven counterparts. To some |
| Another obvious benefit is that HEVs run on a | | | | degree, decreased fuel consumption, better fuel |
| fuel source that is already readily available, and | | | | economy, and reduced maintenance costs serve |
| that does not depend on foreign oil. The United | | | | as a counterbalance to the higher cost. There are |
| States already has numerous electrical power | | | | also governmental tax credits, at the federal and |
| plants that are already producing vast amounts of | | | | sometimes even at the state level, for individuals |
| electricity. For the most part, hybrids are easy to | | | | who purchase hybrid vehicles. Is it worth it to |
| fuel up. The majority of hybrid vehicles on the | | | | replace your current vehicle with an HEV? That |
| market today have batteries that can be plugged | | | | depends. Only you can say. Do your research, and |
| in and recharged; an adaptor allows most hybrid | | | | do the math. Look at all of the different factors |
| owners to "fuel up" their vehicles at home. Some | | | | involved, and make an educated decision. Only |
| cities make charging stations available, as well. | | | | you can know if an HEV is the best choice given |
| However, there are downsides, as well. HEVs use | | | | your life, your preferences, and your budget. |
| a lead-acid battery. These can take a long time to | | | | Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage |
| charge, sometimes as long as 10 hours. This is not | | | | you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips |
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