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