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

[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.