Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are dual power vehicles that use a small internal combustion engine and an electric motor to provide power to the vehicle. Hybrid cars are gaining popularity with auto buyers who see the benefit of owning a vehicle that is energy efficient and helps the owner reduce their personal carbon footprint.  A carbon footprint is the amount of emissions and pollution we contribute individually that deplete the environment.

Hybrid cars are a step forward from the previous all-electric vehicles that ran strictly on plug-in batteries. The problem with the electric cars was the limited range the vehicles had once charged before requiring an additional charge. Hybrids work by using the power of the internal combustion engine to get going and the stored electricity created in the batteries to keep the vehicle running.

Hybrid cars are made by nearly every domestic and foreign automaker. Toyota and Honda have set themselves apart as leaders in hybrid technology with the Toyota Prius being the top selling hybrid car. Ford is the top selling U.S. automaker of hybrid cars with the Ford Escape and Mountaineer models. Midway through 2009, hybrid car sales are 3% of all vehicle sales and up nearly 50% over same sales a year prior. This indicates an increasing interest in hybrid cars and technology.  

As the U.S. auto market rebounds, more domestic hybrid models will be made available for car buyers. The increasing interest in these vehicles because of their fuel efficiency coupled with the fact that they are less harmful to the environment makes them an ideal moneymaker for ailing carmakers. The hybrid car has established a following among U.S. car buyers that will only grow as more offerings become available.