Say No To Hybrids – Three Common Reasons Why Some People Won’t
Buy Hybrids
There is at least one non-believer for every person who preaches the benefits of hybrid cars. Hybrids are said to be environmentally friendly cars that also help save gas costs and require less maintenance. Some people do not agree with this argument and firmly believe that hybrids are not worth the extra money or cost.
At first, when hybrid cars became popular in the 1990s, people started taking notice. Consumers bought the idea of having lower emissions and at the same time saving a bundle on gas. In the 2000s, even auto manufacturers took notice of hybrids. Technology advanced and even more styles and options are now available for hybrid consumers. Even then, some people say, “Just say no to hybrids”. Here are the top three reasons they give.
Cost: Though hybrid cars are supposed to be cheaper both in terms of purchase price and fuel use, it is not always so. The price of a hybrid can be anywhere between $3000 to $5000 more than that of a traditional vehicle of the same model. This means that the money you may save on fuel by buying a hybrid is dependent on the gasoline prices. It will take a few years to actually see the savings in gas on a hybrid. It could, in fact, take between 10 to 15 years to make up for the increased price consumers pay when buying a new hybrid.
When you compare the ultimate gas mileage of a hybrid car with a traditional car, there is hardly any difference. It is estimated that for normal use, that the difference in gas consumption between a hybrid and a non-hybrid car is less than 10 percent.
To add to this, consider the tremendous cost of insuring a hybrid. Obviously, more expensive cars cost more to insure. Most insurance companies aren’t yet giving any sort of discounts for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. In fact, some insurance companies refuse to insure them at all.
Special parts and maintenance: Hybrid cars are completely dependent on the latest computer technology. New technology usually translates to a bigger price when it comes to maintenance or new parts. A hybrid runs on both a small engine as well as a battery, which is powered by the generator. Though many auto companies offer drivers longer warranties for their hybrids, what happens when the warranty runs out? The battery that a hybrid runs on is much more expensive than a traditional car battery. These batteries can cost anywhere from $1000 right up to $8000. It is possible that the higher prices now are because the demand for hybrids is so high. So maybe prices will drop in the future.
The newer technology used in the hybrid also means special training and maintenance. If an owner driver takes his hybrid to any car repair shop, chances are they will be turned away. Specially trained technicians and new computer software experts are often needed while repairing a hybrid. This also leads to more expensive repairs and usually means having all the maintenance done at the car dealership.
Driving Habits: You can get great gas mileage from a hybrid car, but all drivers must remember a few road rules to allow their hybrid to be as efficient as possible. Stopping and starting will decrease the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car and end up making it no more efficient than a traditional car. Hybrid drivers must drive slower. The aerodynamic drag on a hybrid may increase at higher speeds. It is therefore recommended that while driving a hybrid, drivers should not go at high speeds. Also, drivers must maintain a constant speed. Each time you speed up or slow down a hybrid, it consumes vital energy. Staying at a constant speed level helps to keep the car efficient. Also, drivers must avoid abrupt stops. Whenever a driver stops a hybrid, the electrical motor starts behaving like a generator. This takes away some energy from the car as it slows down. It is therefore recommended that when driving a hybrid, you must take more time to gradually slow the car down so it can recover more energy. Stopping and starting often and abruptly will waste energy in a hybrid.
The point of this article is that you do some research before buying a hybrid car. Decide what matters most, an expensive hybrid car that is environmentally friendly or a less expensive, traditional car that is not.