Reasons Why Hybrid SUV Are Becoming Increasingly Common

Recently, hybrid autos have grown to be increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Among even the most hardened skeptics, hybrid vehicles have been getting 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 real wheels covered by over sized fenders, or maybe the popular Toyota Prius.

Recently, though, many auto manufacturers have been producing 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 in response to decreasing large SUV and truck sales toward the end of the first decade of the 2000s; the declining economy and rising gas prices made these types of vehicles too expensive to drive for many 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 and Dodge Ram). The guiding principles behind hybrids are to attain the highest gas mileage possible and to have the smallest environmental impact via fuel efficiency and low emissions.

By now, manufacturers have more or less mastered the ability to produce vehicles with greater efficiency while maintaining the power and performance of the old gas-guzzling SUVs. Hybrid SUVs work by mixing an electric motor with the standard internal combustion engine. The electric motor runs off a large battery that is recharged whenever the car coasts or brakes. The electric motor is responsible 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, such as the A/C compressor. The gas engine is used primarily for increased acceleration and greater speeds. The switch from electricity to gas is handled by a sophisticated computer. The benefits of purchasing 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 comforted by the knowledge that they are driving in a more "green" vehicle, aiding to lessen carbon emissions that lead to climate issues. In terms of toxic chemicals, hybrids are up to 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 much better. In the city, where stop-and-start driving and low speeds lead to heavier reliance on the battery, hybrids get greatly better mileage.

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

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

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