Benefits of Hybrid Electric Cars

I'm in the market for a new car, which means I've been spending a lot of time researching possible choices in my budget range. I'm not really sure what kind of vehicle I want yet, but am leaning towards hybrid electric cars because of all the extra benefits they provide owners. There used to be a time when the Toyota Prius was the only one on the road, but now there are a bunch of hybrids to choose from. As a result, I'll have to compare and contrast features, check for dealer rebates and discounts, and read consumer and professional reviews about each make and model prior to purchasing. Obviously, this will take a long while. In the meantime, I want to go over some of the advantages of hybrid electric cars to further convince myself that this is what I should buy.

The first thing that comes to mind when talking about hybrids is fuel economy. These vehicles use a combination of a typical gasoline engine and a motor charged by on-board batteries. The battery-powered motor is engaged when driving at slower speeds, such as the stop-and-go movements associated with navigating through heavy traffic. When traveling at higher speeds, the gasoline engine takes over. In this way, hybrid electric cars yield amazing gas and mileage savings for owners. In fact, most people report having to refuel their vehicles after 400 or 600 miles, which is absolutely incredible these days.

Another benefit of driving hybrid electric cars and SUVs is that they are environmentally friendly. These vehicles do not produce the same amount of carbon dioxide emissions or noise pollution as their gasoline-only counterparts, which of course reduces their negative impact on the environment. The green movement is very popular in society today, as well it should be. Now there's a way for all of us to drive without having to feel guilty about what we're doing to air quality. I don't know about you, but I definitely prefer driving to depending on inconsistent bus or train service!

A third benefit of driving hybrid electric cars is that the purchase can qualify for some tax credits. That's true as of the date of this writing, at any rate. For example, buying a Ford Fusion or Mercury Milan results in $3,400 worth of tax credits, while a Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute can yield an extra $3,000 in savings. Just be aware that these credits usually come with an expiration date, and vary from model to model, so you'll have to check with your dealer before buying just to make sure the savings are still available.

Overall, the advantages of driving hybrid electric cars definitely outweigh some of the initial concerns, which include higher sticker price and repair fees should something break down. I think I've pretty much convinced myself that this is the kind of vehicle I'm going to buy next. Now I just have to settle on a particular make and model and go from there!