Hybrid cars will save the planet. That's what you might

think after experiencing the hybrid-mania that is currently

popular. Rising gasoline prices have gas-addicted

consumers scrambling for ways to save both gas and

money. Cars are the main users of gasoline, so it makes

sense to start there. Those willing and able to switch

vehicles are often choosing hybrid cars. The advantages

of hybrid cars are generally well known. What are the

disadvantages of hybrid cars?

One of the disadvantages of hybrid cars is the cost.

Hybrids generally cost more than their gasoline-only

counterparts. It is expected that these specialty cars

would cost more. After all, they have two power plants:

a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This is one of the

disadvantages of hybrid cars that is easy to overcome.

Hybrid cars begin paying for themselves immediately in

reduced gas usage. In the U.S., many hybrids come with a

tax credit for the customer, resulting in additional savings.

Hybrid costs are steadily reducing as the technology matures.

Cost appears to be one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars

until you examine it more closely.

Service, parts and maintenance can be one of the

disadvantages of hybrid cars. Any garage or mechanic you

pass can probably fix your gasoline car. Who will fix your

hybrid? Will you have to take it back to the dealer or to an

expensive specialty shop? Smart consumers can negate this

particular one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars with careful

research.

Another of the disadvantages of hybrid cars is that not all hybrids

are built alike. Not all hybrids provide phenomenal gas mileage.

Some hybrid models only provide a 20% to 30% fuel efficiency

increase over the non-hybrid model. Some of the all-gasoline

compact cars with manual transmissions are rated for higher fuel

efficiency than some hybrids. Once again, diligent research can

get rid of most of the disadvantages of hybrid cars related to fuel

efficiency.

This may sound strange, but one of the disadvantages of hybrid

cars is that they still burn gasoline. They burn much less gas than

internal combustion cars. However, hybrids burning gasoline still

require a stop at the gas station, and they still create pollution.

Research on better hybrid batteries and on fuel cell cars is promising.

Perhaps even the disadvantages of hybrid cars involving gasoline will

eventually be beaten.

What really are the disadvantages of hybrid cars? There don't seem

to be any substantial ones at this time. Big changes are due in the near

future. Until then, any of the disadvantages of hybrid cars can be

neutralized with careful planning and research.