The following is what the experts say you should know when choosing a hybrid vehicle. To decide which hybrid car is right for you, or whether you should buy a hybrid car at all, consider the following:

  • You pay a premium for hybrid technology that may or may not pay off. Depending on your driving habits and the price of gas, it may take a long time to pay back this price premium with fuel savings. Edmunds.com says hybrid vehicles are about 20 percent more expensive than their gas-engine counterparts. At Consumer Reports (as well as in other reviews), editors say some models pay off in only a year or two, while others may not recoup their extra cost for five years or longer.
  • The cost of replacement batteries in hybrids is not fully understood. Some day, the battery packs in most hybrids will require replacement. Many hybrid cars are still under warranty.
  • The federal government offers tax credits for the purchase of some hybrid cars. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) states that consumers and businesses can earn federal income tax credits for buying or leasing fuel-efficient hybrid-electric vehicles. Tax credits range from $250 to $3,000 and depend on several factors, including how many of the vehicles have been sold. A table of estimated tax credits is provided at FuelEconomy.gov.
  • Tax credits will be phased out once a manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. Toyota has sold enough hybrid vehicles that tax-credit money for Toyota and Lexus brands is depleted. Honda's credits have also expired as of Jan. 1, 2009. High-income individuals are not eligible for hybrid-car tax credits. Those persons who pay the alternative minimum federal income tax do not qualify for the tax credit either.
  • A full-hybrid car uses two different power sources. An electric motor and an internal combustion engine work together to power the vehicle. The engine keeps the batteries charged and assists when more power is needed, such as during quick starts.
  • Mild hybrids such as the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Saturn Aura Hybrid do not use an electric motor to power the vehicle. The engine is shut down when the vehicle is coasting, braking or stopped, saving fuel and reducing emissions. Then, a unique starter system instantly restarts the engine when the brake is released. Fuel savings are not nearly as dramatic with mild hybrids as with full hybrids.
  • A strategy called regenerative braking is used in hybrid cars to recharge the batteries. To recapture otherwise wasted kinetic energy, vehicles with regenerative braking systems run the hybrid car's electric motors backwards to generate electricity when coasting or braking, which charges the batteries.
  • Technology is rapidly evolving. Many new models, more full hybrids and even plug-in hybrids are reported to be in development. Carmakers are looking for lighter batteries that hold more power. Consumers might want to wait to see what is available in the next few years before plunking down cash for a hybrid now.
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