Despite their growing popularity, there are some problems with hybrid cars that manufacturers need to overcome to gain a wider acceptance. While the technology is in place for seamless transfer of power from the electric motor to gasoline engine, the low power perceptions of hybrid energy vehicles remains one of the biggest problems with hybrid cars. Coupled with spotty service availability and warranty information, tales of horror from some of the first HEV owners may make decision-making tough for some potential buyers.
One of the biggest problems with hybrid cars that many people have is the reported gas mileage of 50 to 60 miles per hour. While gas consumption of all gas powered cars is determined by tests conducted to standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency, virtually no car lives up the to results of the tests when used in real life under every day driving conditions. With hybrid vehicles, the gas mileages becomes even more of an issue with drivers who spend more time of the freeway than in city driving conditions, under which the problems with hybrid cars gas mileage seem to disappear. When driven in stop and go traffic at low speeds, most...