Ok, we all know the buzz about hybrid cars and their gas-guzzling technology and how they will save people who buy them money in the long run, especially considering the endless ceiling in gas prices. However, do we all see the real issues around buying a hybrid? Many people may look at a hybrid and think, “That’s a quick fix for a long-term problem,” in other words: Perceptibly less money spent on gas now and in the future. Some see hybrids as a way to put themselves on a conservation pedestal so they can look down on those who drive less “green” vehicles.
On the downside, research has shown that the dry cells used in some hybrids actually create more waste and pollution than a regular gasoline engine. Not necessarily in the exhaust emissions, but in the by-products of manufacturing the cells themselves. Additionally, the consumer country premium for a hybrid could be $3,000 to $5,000 more than the gasoline counterpart. It would take several years for the buyer to make up the price difference between the models using gasoline alone, not to mention the additional maintenance fees of the hybrid engines. In some cases, it would take more than 10 years to see any profit in the owner’s wallet after purchasing a hybrid. So what is the problem with them?
For one, they use less gasoline. Crude oil is a natural resource that replenishes extremely slowly and for this reason it will one day run out. It’s simple math, the less we use, the more we will have in the future and therefore the more time we will have to find a practical and ecological alternative. Second, they are a nice tax credit in the year you buy them. Some employers even give their employees a cash allowance for the purchase of a hybrid, as much as $5,000. Hybrids are also extremely low emission vehicles. Some have earned SULEV II (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) status in California, where they emit 3.5 tons of greenhouse gas waste per year, compared to 6.5 tons per year for a comparable gasoline-powered car . Considering the millions of cars on the road, that’s quite a shock.
The purchase of a hybrid should ultimately come down to what the consumer wants from the purchase. Want to get better gas mileage now and for years to come and save a few bucks? Want to use less gas and not worry about your return on investment? Maybe you’re one of the few (and possibly only) people who actually LIKE the look of the Prius? For whatever reason, do a little research before you spend your savings on the latest hybrid. You may not see the day it pays for itself.