With gas prices on the rise and no relief in site, many people are starting to consider the advantage of owning a hybrid vehicle. But what exactly is a hybrid and how can it benefit you? First you should know that hybrids are actually much more common that you might think. For example, many commuter trains and city buses are electric-diesel hybrids. Many types of industrial heavy vehicles are also hybrids such as mining trucks and even submarines.
So the definition then of a hybrid is any vehicle that runs on not just one, but a combination of two power sources. So why should you buy one? Lets consider the advantages.
Hybrid cars are energy efficient. They are affordable and they are a workable way to deal with our energy situation and are therefore worth supporting. They have small efficient gas engines that work in combination with an electric motor. The two work together, the electric motor recharges while the car is in motion. Efficiency is then maintained by aerodynamic styling, lightweight material, and intermittent engine shut off.
Intermittent engine shut off comes into play when the car is stopped for short periods such as a stop light. The engine...