3
Reasons Why Some People
Won’t Buy Hybrid Cars
by SolveYourProblem.com
For
every person who hails the benefits of buying an environmentally
friendly hybrid car, there is at least one critic. Hybrids
are supposed to be good for the environment, cheaper than conventional
cars and require less maintenance. Some people do not buy this
argument and believe hybrids are not worth the extra money
they cost.
When hybrid cars first became popular in the 1990s, people
began to take notice. Consumers liked the idea of having lower
emissions and saving a bundle on gas. In the 2000s, auto manufacturers
also took notice of hybrids. Technology advanced and more styles
and options are available now for hybrid consumers. Still,
some say, “Just say no to hybrids”. Here are the top three
reasons why some people won’t buy hybrids.
Cost: While hybrid cars are supposed to be cheaper both in purchase
price and fuel use, that is not always so. The purchase
price of a hybrid can be anywhere from $3000 to $5000 more
than that of a traditional vehicle. That means that the amount
of money you may save at the pump by buying a hybrid will depend
on the gasoline prices. It may take years to see the savings
in gas on a hybrid. It could, in theory, take between 10 to
15 years to make up for the increased price consumers pay when
purchasing a new hybrid.
When comparing the ultimate gas mileage of a hybrid car to
a traditional car, there is not much difference. It is estimated
that with normal use, that the difference in gas usage between
a hybrid and a non-hybrid car is less than 10 percent.
In addition, consider the cost of insuring a hybrid. It goes
without saying that a more expensive car costs more to insure.
Most insurance companies do not give any sort of discounts
for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. As a matter of fact, many
insurance companies will not insure them at all.
Special
parts and maintenance: Hybrid cars rely on the latest computer
technology. New technology often means a bigger price
when needing maintenance or new parts. A hybrid runs off both
a small engine and a battery, which is charged by the generator.
Many auto companies offer drivers longer warranties for their
hybrids. But what happens when the warranty runs out? The battery
that a hybrid uses is much more expensive than a traditional
car battery. These batteries can run anywhere from $1000 all
the way to $8000. It is possible that the higher prices are
because the demand for hybrids is so great at the time and
that prices could drop in the future.
The newer technology of the hybrid also means special training
and maintenance. If a driver takes their hybrid to any car
shop for repairs, chances are they will not be able to repair
it. Specially trained technicians and new computer software
is often needed when repairing a hybrid. This also equals more
expensive repairs and often means having all the maintenance
done at the car dealership.
Driving
Habits: You can get good gas mileage from a hybrid car,
but drivers have to remember a few road rules to help
their hybrid be as efficient as possible. Stopping and starting
can decrease the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car making it
no more efficient that a traditional car. Hybrid drivers should
drive slower. The aerodynamic drag on a hybrid can increase
the faster the car is driven. It is recommended that when driving
a hybrid, that drivers should not drive at increased speeds.
Also, drivers should maintain a constant speed. Each time your
speed or slow a hybrid, it uses vital energy. Keeping at a
constant speed level will help keep the car efficient. Also,
drivers should avoid abrupt stops. When a driver stops a hybrid,
the electrical motor acts like a generator. This takes some
energy out of the car as it slows down. It is recommended when
driving a hybrid to take more time to gradually slow the car
so it can recover more energy. Stopping and starting frequently
and abruptly will waste energy in a hybrid.
The
bottom line of hybrids is to do some research. Find out
what matters most, a more expensive hybrid car that is better
for the environment or a less expensive, traditional car that
will not be as environmentally friendly.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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