by Smartie Pants

Created on: July 08, 2007   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

Hybrid means a combination of different sources, like a nectarine is a hybrid of a peach and plum. Hybrid power, multiple power sourced vehicles have actually been around a long time. Mopeds, early steamships with sails, a sailboat with oars, even your car as soon as it dies and you have to push it are all Hybrid Powered. What is thought of a hybrid vehicles today are powered by an electric motor and a gas engine, this comes in roughly three flavors.

The Big like Mediums.
The SUV's and trucks that used to get terrible gas mileage, but now gets from near mediocre to average mileage. Like the Ford Escape, Chevy Silverado or Lexus RX400h. This group of about seven gets pretty much 30 mpg except for the GM made pickups; they get less than 20 mpg.

The Faster Cheapers.
Then there are the cars that go like the sporty version of itself, but use fuel like the economy version. Cars like the Honda Accord and Lexus GS 450h.

The Economasters.
Then last, but certainly, not least is the ones designed mostly for increased mileage. The Famous Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid, boasting mileage in the 50 to 60 mpg range.

All these hybrid cost substantially more than there normal counterparts, chances are against you that you'll ever actually saving money with a hybrid. Driving less saves energy and money. If you drive less, than you payback the offset in cost even slower, if you want it for the "greenness" it should turn you green when you have to dispose of all those toxic batteries about every five years.

I still have to applaud the automotive industry, they are now at least trying, and I bet they will come up with some genuine answers to the issues facing us today.

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