In recognition of the recent trend of skyrocketing fuel price and heightened awareness towards the environmental impact of the transportation sector, the automotive industry has recently come up with a new technology to address these concerns. A new generation of hybrid cars, with a combined gas-electric engine which debuted in 1997 continues to make the headlines these days. A lot of hybrid models are available on the market presently as most automobile manufacturers set to outdo each other. Toyota Prius, one of the pioneer hybrid models by Japan car maker Toyota, is by far the highest selling hybrid cars; the name Prius is almost synonymous with hybrid.
By switching from a gas guzzler to a hybrid, we can literally save the earth a couple of tons worth of greenhouse gases emission; approximately 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced during combustion. Most hybrids are built with a pair of underpowered gasoline engines and electric motors allowing for reduced fuel consumption; unfortunately acceleration is mostly compromised, leading to a well-founded reputation for being sluggish. While some models on sale in the market already get better-than-average gas mileage, an image makeover of sort is due in the hybrid sect in the near future as works are underway to manufacture a new generation of sporty hybrids.
One drawback to all hybrids is that they are more expensive compared to the conventional models. The extra expense is for the added technology; one or more electric motors are connected to a battery pack that automatically recharges itself in hybrid cars. With rising gas prices, however, conventional models are being given a run for its money even by the least fuel-efficient hybrids with the steepest premiums, especially for those who don’t want to be sluggards on the road for the sake of better fuel economy. Meanwhile, changes in the automobile market reflected an impending rapid expansion of hybrid market regardless of fuel price, as more consumers choose hybrids simply because it’s a better option.