Benefits vs. Costs -- How the Hybrid Weighs In

No doubt when comparison shopping for a car many factors weigh in. For example: fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, cost, and in the case of the Hybrid -- tax breaks. All of the above is weighed in when buying a car and when you factor in environment friendliness, the Hybrid car or SUV is a clear winner.

FUEL EFFICIENCY

Most Hybrid cars average between 33 and 60 miles per gallon during city driving and between 27 and 68 miles per gallon in highway driving. These figures represent some of the best EPA figures known to the car industry. Averaged into these figures are Hybrid SUVs, but for the most part smaller, compact cars and sedans get a high number of miles per gallon compared to their counterpart gas-powered cousins.

Now, these figures are not always accurate, because some owners “beat the system” or get beaten by it due to driving conditions or habits. If a driver is consistently driving over the speed limit, fuel efficiency may not be what the owner expected. And, as will be discussed, depending on car design and conditions, the actual fuel efficiency can be compromised.

With the average gallon of gasoline costing $3 the obvious choice for a car buyer would be to purchase an automobile that gets the maximum number of miles per gallon. The Hybrid car and SUV has shown to be not only a winner at the pumps but also a winner environmentally. Clocking in at the average of $600-$700 a year for the average driver (compared to $2000 a year), the clear advantage leans toward the Hybrid owner.

MAINTENANCE COSTS

Just like conventional gas-powered vehicles, regular maintenance is necessary. There is, however, cause to believe that the overall cost of maintaining your Hybrid may be equal to or less than maintaining a conventional car.

Currently, the maintenance costs, comparatively, for a Hybrid versus a convention gas-powered vehicle are nominal. In fact, engine wear may turn out to be less for a Hybrid due to its ability to shut itself down during idling. Thus, creating less wear on the engine. This is especially beneficial for city drivers. However, it remains true for drivers in any environment; city, suburban or country. The other bonus feature a Hybrid has that a conventional gas-powered vehicle does not have is its braking system. In a Hybrid, when slowing to a stop the electric motor slows the vehicle taking much of the strain off of the braking system. To sum up, engine use and brake use is less in a Hybrid as compared to a gas-only powered conventional car. These two factors weigh in on the maintenance list when comparison shopping or simply when owning a Hybrid car or Hybrid SUV.

The one component to be most concerned with when owning a Hybrid is the life of the battery. Keeping in mind that the battery provides life to the electric motor, the battery is an essential piece of the puzzle; one third of the three main components of the power sources in a Hybrid vehicle. The battery is constantly drained and recharged by the electric motor. Although replacement of the battery is a necessary component of owning a Hybrid car or SUV, many manufacturers sell their vehicle with excellent warranty packages.

COST

Most Hybrid cars or SUVs can cost between $3000 and $8000 more than their gas-powered only counterparts. However, when factoring in maintenance costs and fuel costs being lower, the savings is eventually passed on to the consumer. Additionally, the government has stepped up and offered tax breaks to those who decide to go with the environmentally friendly Hybrid.

TAX BREAKS

Tax breaks for Hybrid owners average about $2000 to $3000.

OVERALL COST ANALYSIS

If one saves $2500 on a tax break and $1400 on gas each year, not to mention the savings on maintenance, the added dollar amount paid for a Hybrid car is counterbalanced. In the years that the Hybrid owner has the car, the savings continues to grow -- based on fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

The benefits far outweigh the costs.