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