Are hybrid vehicles really fuel efficient?

Question

I understand that because of the high gas prices, some Americans are considering purchasing a hybrid car believing it will help them economically. I'm one of those interested buyers, but will a hybrid car really help save the dollars in my wallet?

Answer 1

Not as much as it would seem since the electricity has to be generated.

Answer 2

dThe short answer is no. The cost of buying the car is high they are not discounting hybrids. also the batteries need to be replaced in 4 to five years at a cost of around $4000 Depending on how much you have to pay it could take many many years for you to save any money, long after the car will be junk

Answer 3

Yes, hybrids are efficient because they use electric motors in addition to the internal combustion engine.  Electric motors are around 90% efficient while internal combustion engines are only around 25% efficient.  So what they do is allow the engine to run at its most efficient speed and use it as a generator to recharge the battery, which powers the more efficient electric motor.

Hybrids cost more up front, but studies have shown that the best hybrids (like the Prius) pay off the extra initial cost over a comparable non-hybrid in just a few years (just 1.7 years for the Prius).  Some worse hybrids can take up to a century to pay off, so avoid those!

Answer 4

Buying a hybrid car would also play a role in global warming because you use gas which affects the environment nad using electricity. The power plants have to pump more electricity which would cause more CO2. The CO2 would cause global warming. It will save you a lot of money though

Answer 5

They do get better mileage. You can go to www.edmunds.com or other similar web page and find out what the mileage is for different cars, and what they cost. Then you can decide for yourself if it is a good deal. I think it is.

Answer 6

they're pretty darn fuel efficient, but they tend to cost a bit more than an economy car. 20-30k

The fuel savings are quite nice though, especially for the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight

something like 48mpg highway and 60-70mpg city. plus there are options and customizations like extra batteries or solar panels to even further extend the mpg. some have even gotten their hybrids to run the first 20-30 miles exclusively on electric

Answer 7

What kind of question is that?

Hybrids don't use as much gas because they run off electric too.

So yes, its saving the environment and saving you money

~Dylan

Answer 8

Hi D

I am a Reference Librarian, it will take me a few minutes to research your question.

I recommend www.fueleconomy.gov.

Unfortunately, the last time Consumer Reports did an article on Hybrids was in 2005, and I consider it outdated.  You should be able to find the magazine at your local library or bookstore.

Good Luck with your purchase!

K