Can someone explain hybrid cars to me, please?

[mousme]

I am Posty McPostalot today!

Here's the deal. I don't understand the concept of hybrid cars, except in the most minimal of ways (they use both electricity and fuel to run: yay!).

So... can someone explain this to me? Or point me to a good web page/resource for them?

Sometime in the not-so-near future, when I move far away from my job, I will likely look into getting one, but only if it makes sense to do so. If I end up spending just as much on gas as I would with a normal car, then it would defeat the purpose of getting a hybrid. Also, maintenance and overall reliabilty/functionality will be a major consideration. If my car spends half the year in the shop, that too will defeat the purpose.

Help?

Comments

[bodhifox.livejournal.com]

Made to last over the lifetime of the vehicle, a hybrid car's warranty covers the battery for a time period that lasts between eight and ten years. In terms of mileage, a battery pack is expected to last between 150, 000 and 200,000 miles, and it probably lasts longer than that.

Battery toxicity is a concern, but not a major concern

Hybrid cars use NiMH batteries, not the rechargeable nickel cadmium. Nickel cadmium batteries are usually detrimental to the environment, but the NiMH batteries that are used in hybrid cars are fully recyclable.

http://www.jb-pub.com/hybrid-vehicles/all-about-hybrid-car-battery-packs.php

There's lots more info on that site. Personally I'd just go for a good subcompact, not bother with the hybrid because generally if you aren't doing a lot of braking, the mileage is not as good and I'd be driving highway. In the city, do you need a car?

[taxlady.livejournal.com]

A hybrid still might be good in the 'burbs. But, probably not for someone like me. I roll to stops at traffic lights (I really don't understand the guy who races ahead of me, just to wait at the red light longer). I maintain a decent following distance. I try to avoid needing to use my brakes. I even put the car in a lower gear, going downhill.

I love those little Smart cars. I just don't want to drive one in North America. Even if it does have lots of safety, it's going to act like a billiard ball if it gets hit by something big.