HOW TO BUY A HYBRID CAR
HOW TO BUY A HYBRID CAR
Hybrid vehicles, which combine a gasoline engine and electric motor, have the potential to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions. But not all vehicles being marketed as hybrids take advantage of the full range of hybrid technology. If you care about having a car with the least harmful environmental impact, it’s important to know what’s under the hood.
There are currently five types of hybrid technology available to automakers:
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, “mild” hybrids such as Honda’s Insight and Civic Hybrid employ the first three technologies above. “Full” hybrids, including the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid, go one step further and feature electric-only drive. “Plug-in” hybrids that utilize all five technologies are not currently available as passenger vehicles.
Hybrid technology is also being used to increase power and performance rather than fuel economy. The resulting “muscle” hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, provide only a fraction of the potential fuel economy and environmental benefits. The Honda Accord Hybrid falls between mild and muscle hybrids.
"Hollow" Hybrids
Some automakers are trying to create a “green” image by putting one or two of these technologies into their conventional vehicles and calling them hybrids. The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid, for example, have idle-off capability but improve fuel economy by only one or two miles per gallon. Such improvements might be lauded if they were made standard options in every Silverado and Sierra, but producing a limited quantity and marketing them as hybrids will only dilute the term’s meaning and soften demand for hybrid technologies.
When evaluating hybrids, keep in mind that the environmental performance of specific models can vary. For example, Honda Civic Hybrids sold in California rate an exemplary 9.5 out of 10 on the EPA’s smog-forming emissions scale, while others currently rate just a 2. For a customized, side-by-side comparison of hybrid models—along with useful tips from technology experts and hybrid drivers.
Written by: Union of Concerned Scientists
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