Drawbacks of Hybrids

You probably already know that hybrid cars are more cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environment-friendly than traditional gas-powered vehicles. So the question is: why isn't everyone driving one? The simple fact is that hybrids have some major drawbacks that we don't always hear about. Here are some of the major ones:

1. Lightweight construction.

While the light weight of hybrids makes them more fuel efficient, it can become problematic in certain situations. For instance, when the car is involved in an accident or storm, it's more likely for a hybrid than a "traditional" vehicle, to spin out of control. Safety should never take a back seat to fuel efficiency!

2. Less acceleration.

Hybrid cars are generally slower than traditional cars, and have less acceleration. This means that it can be more challenging for hybrid cars to keep up the pace with other vehicles, and particularly on the highway. Is this a good or bad thing? While some drivers claim that this gives them more control of their steering, others argue that it can create some dangerous driving situations. So basically you'll need to decide how much acceleration you need.

3. Experimental technology.

While hybrid cars run on new and exciting technology, the performance of such technology hasn't withstood the test of time. So the problem is that researchers haven't encountered potential long-term problems that they could create. This isn't to say that you should definitely avoid buying a hybrid car. But you should be prepared to deal with various problems related to the new technology of hybrids-and then wait patiently for a solution to emerge. Basically, the technology for hybrids is a work in progress. So if you buy one, be ready to play the role of a guinea pig.

4. High voltage.

This high voltage is needed for the vehicle to charge itself and prepare to operate. But if your car were to be involved in an accident, exposed wires could cause a variety of problems, including short circuiting and collateral damage.

5. Higher cost.

While manufacturers of hybrid cars often focus on the money saved through fuel-efficiency, it's important to note that the price tags of the cars themselves tend to be quite steep. This mainly is related to the complex electric motor and battery pack of the vehicle. Another important matter is that few maintenance tools are available for hybrid cars. So if you were to purchase a hybrid, you'd need to spend more money on checkups and maintenance. Sure, this situation could change as more hybrids are produced. But until that happens, expect the cost of the vehicles and their maintenance to be quite steep.

This isn't to say that you shouldn't consider purchasing hybrid cars. As with traditional cars, they have their pros and cons. And within time, many of the drawbacks of hybrid cars will cease being drawbacks. But until that happens, it's crucial to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of driving a hybrid vehicle. The technology for these vehicles is still basically new, so you might decide to wait until hybrids become less rough around the edges.