Hybrid car

The hybrid car is becoming more popular as gas prices continue to break record highs. The basic definition of this automotive technology is a vehicle that blends two different means of propulsion together.

The latest wave of these vehicles uses the electric motor coupled with the standard internal combustion gas engine. This should not be confused with alternative fuel vehicles such as fuel cell vehicles that are hydrogen powered or even a straight up electric car that has only an electric motor for propulsion.

I have been a student of alternative fueled vehicles for the last decade. I currently hold an ASE certification in alternative fueled vehicles. Back ten years ago the fad was CNG (compressed natural gas) powered vehicles and propane vehicles. This has now fallen by the wayside due to the prices of both of these fuels have increased right along with gasoline.

I am disappointed in the popularity of the hybrid car. I have driven and worked on several different models of these vehicles and the technology is unimpressive. The vehicle also continues our dependency on foreign oil. When all is said and done yes you do get better fuel economy but it is not that drastic of an increase.

The fleet company I work for has a Toyota prius that is struggling to get 50 mpg and we also have a ford escape that pulls in around 30 mpg in city driving. My girlfriends Toyota corolla gets about 35 mpg gallon without carrying around a golf cart motor.

I mean no disrespect to the hybrid car buyer. There is no other choice at this time. It is my opinion that this car is distracting automakers from finding a better solution. The carmakers will build what is popular and sells well even if it is not in our best long-term interest. I will now get off my soapbox and tell you what I know about hybrids.

The hybrid car will save me money right?

The main financial advantage is the tax credits. These hybrid car tax credits range between $ 2,000 and $3,500 dollars.

The discount is not a tax deduction, but a tax credit, which means it's subtracted directly from your tax bill. To make this even more complicated, if a taxpayer takes the tax credit and trades or sells his vehicle before the useful life of the vehicle has expired, a portion of the credit will be refunded to the IRS on a pro rated basis.

But again the higher ticket price of the vehicle mostly offsets this financial gain. Also note that this tax credit will be coming to end. The discount expires in 2009 and is based on a sliding scale on vehicle popularity.

The more the unit sells the lower the tax credit. The government designed this program to stimulate sales and drive the hybrid car forward. The fascinating thing to me about the cars themselves is the different implantations of the hybrid power train across the different manufactures.

For example the Toyota uses a technique that stalls the gas engine when the vehicle is stopped. When you move again the electric motor gets you moving and the gas engine starts up and helps out all automatically.

I mention this because it�s strange to feel the gas engine cut out at stoplights. And if you plan on buying a hybrid car you should road test them around town to make sure your ok with the different quirks about each vehicle.

I should also mention the Toyota prius was recalled for computer system control issues recently (not all models) our fleet unit was included in this recall and the control system computer was replaced. The manufacturers are still learning how to build these cars. My advice is to get the best-extended warranty available upon purchase. Get a FREE Quote now!

Give this page a then explore all the links!

This next link takes you to my favorite website for green living. Get your house and your car off the grid. Save money and the planet at the same time. Visit off grid living by Clicking Here

We do not know at this time what the long-range maintenance costs will be on today�s hybreds. For more information and to hear stories from the general public and vehicle owners visit the hybrid car website

My most recent and updated article about the current state of alternative fueled vehicles. The united States almost silent effort to move the alternative fuel program forward

I have just added an update page that talks about the Honda offerings with the latest techknoledgy. The fleet company I work for has purchased and is now testing Honda's latest economical entry. Take a look at this suprising short article. Honda hybrid vehicles Article

Three more hybrid car articles

Yes three opinions from 3 different authors and one article about flex fuel vehicles that is pointing toward a cover up coupled with a scam.

Saturn has had modest success with their product line. They hope to add some sparks with the Saturn Aura electric gas hybrid

General Motors and Toyota are the bigest car makers in the world. They have now steped into the hybred car arena to do battle. One persons opinion about the Aura versus Prius heavyweight championship

With the lack of available e-85 fueling stations and the unclear vehicle emissions standards the flex fuel cars might be a scam

Everybody's talking about high gas prices. The hybrid car is not the answer. The solution is Water4Gas. This device provides you with Hydrogen-On-Demand to be mixed with your regular gas and increases fuel economy (A Lot) and will not void your warranty. Note* works best with extended highway driving on 4 cylinder engines. View some testimonials by Clicking Here

I have recieved many e-mails requesting information about the water4gas system. I purchased the product and provide my opinion on if water4gas is a scam

Use the search box to find the automotive information your looking for!

Find out more about me and this automotive website on the homepage. This next link takes you to car questions answered

footer for hybrid car page