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How exactly does a hybrid car work, and do they give good performance?

I want to know because i will be buying my first car in a few months and i need as much info as possible to ensure i get a good one. im not 100% sure i want a hybrid, but i would like to look into them. thx yall!

Public Comments

1. My wife and I have a Toyota Prius. It's weird. When you turn on the ignition, nothing happens, but when you put it in drive and step on the gas, it moves. It has big batteries which drive the car until it needs help (often), then the gasoline engine comes on and helps drive the car and charge the batteries. It's expensive, but you save money on gas and the government (U.S.) gives you a hefty tax break. Who knows, maybe George III will repeal the tax break before you buy one. We like our Prius and it is surprisingly lively and gets good mileage. I'm six three and weigh too much but I'm fairly comfortable in it. Toyota also makes a hybrid Camry, but I understand the mileage is not nearly as good.
2. One thing you should know about hybrids, the savings in fuel economy is more than offset by the higher price of the hybrid. You would be better off buying a regular fuel efficient car. I think pretty well of the Camry.
3. The tax break is already gone on the Prius model, it was in effect until the 40,000 was sold. There are several types of hybrids. some only power the vehicle under idle by battery some charge the batteries while driving with gasoline, some create electricity under breaking. The least expensive full hybrid system take 8 years of gas saving to pay for the inflated original price. The battery service is so very expensive at this point and the vehicles electrocute unwary mechanics. So no fiddling under the hood!!! Disposal of the used battery pack will cause more environmental impact than the hydrocarbon emissions would have. The time is not now and these aren't they hybrids that we will be driving. Hydrogen cell technology is on the horizon and shows better promise.