Reasons Why Hybrid SUV Have Become More And More Common

In recent years, hybrid autos have become more and more popular for a variety of reasons. Among also the most hardened skeptics, hybrid vehicles have been gaining traction in their appeal. When most people think about hybrid cars, they may picture the oddly-shaped Honda Insight hybrid from the late 1990s, with its actual wheels covered by over sized fenders, or perhaps the popular Toyota Prius.

Recently, nonetheless, many auto manufacturers have been creating hybrid SUVs as an alternative to the gas-guzzling traditional SUVs that formerly dominated the market. To a degree, this shift toward the hybrid SUV was due to decreasing large SUV and truck sales toward the end of the first decade of the 2000s; the failing economy and rising gas prices made such vehicles too expensive to drive for most American families.

To combat this trend, manufacturers began production on more efficient SUVs. In 2004, the first SUV hybrid (the Ford Escape) was released, as were the first hybrid trucks (the Chevy Silverado as well as Dodge Ram). The guiding principles behind hybrids are to achieve the highest gas mileage possible and to have the smallest environmental impact by fuel efficiency and low emissions.

So far, manufacturers have more or less mastered the ability to produce vehicles with greater efficiency whilst maintaining the power and performance of the old gas-guzzling SUVs. Hybrid SUVs work by combining an electric motor with the typical internal combustion engine. The electric motor runs off a huge battery that is recharged whenever the car coasts or brakes. The electric motor is liable for powering the vehicle during stop-and-start travel and acceleration to highway speeds.

The electric motor also powers accessories that would typically run off gasoline, like the A/C compressor. The gas engine is used primarily for increased acceleration and higher speeds. The switch from electricity to gas is managed by an advanced computer. The benefits of buying one of a hybrid SUV are many. For one, there are various tax incentives, including a federal tax incentive and state incentives that may vary from state to state.

As well, drivers will be pleased by the knowledge that they are driving in a more "green" vehicle, helping to reduce carbon emissions that cause climate issues. In terms of toxic chemicals, hybrids are as much as 97% lower emitters than standard cars, and half as bad in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Due to the hybrid nature of the car, mileage is far better. In the city, where stop-and-start driving and low speeds lead to heavier reliance on the battery, hybrids get significantly better mileage.

On the highway, where the vehicle leans more largely on the gas tank, mileage is around 10% better. There are several incidental benefits that may interest the potential car buyer as well: the driving experience is no different - the car takes care of converting between gas and electricity; commutes are shortened, as hybrids are often allowed in HOV streets; the hybrid is a politically-correct talking point in social circumstances; and the novelty of having one of the coolest 'gadgets'.

There are also downsides to hybrid SUVs, but they are few. For instance, registration costs may be higher. Furthermore, the vehicles are more expensive in terms of the initial price tag. The complexity of the powertrain increases the points at which a failure may take place, and increases repair costs. In terms of repairs, parts may be more difficult to obtain and more expensive as well. In general though, a hybrid is a money- and environment-saver in the long run.

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