Hybrid vehicles: What you need to know

Parts not shown: special converter, which turns Welch's Grape Juice into Cabernet Franc. Totally worth the MSRP. Image courtesy of worldproutassembly.org

With high gas prices and pollution being a factor on nearly every consumer's mind, hybrid vehicles have become an option contemplated by many. Hybrids represent a leap forward in terms of fuel economy, but there are a few things you should know about them if you've been considering buying one.

Hybrid cars get their power from both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, meaning that, unlike electric vehicles, they don't need to be plugged in. Energy from braking and the engine serve to recharge the battery, instead. Hybrids therefore run almost just like your current gas-powered car, except that they shift power to the electrical motor after a few seconds of being stopped. This allows them to reduce wasted gas and pollution normally caused by idling.

Since hybrids rely so much on batteries which are larger than those in conventional cars, their replacement can be quite costly. Major hybrid producers like Toyota and Honda offer 8 year/80K-100K mile warranties on the battery and parts of the drivetrain. If you expect that you'll own your hybrid for longer than warranty coverage, though, be aware that replacing an entire battery can run several thousand dollars. However, these prices are expected to lessen as hybrids become a more common sight on the road, and some batteries, such as those on the Prius, contain individual modules which can be replaced much more cheaply.

Keep in mind the type of driving you are most likely to do with your hybrid. Different hybrids use slightly different types of powertrains, making them more effective in certain circumstances. Since Honda Accords and Civics have both their gas and electrical systems operating in parallel, the gas engine will still run while idling; however, they tend to be more efficient on highways. The Prius, on the other hand, can run on all-gas or all-electric, making it more effective for city driving; but its smaller engine means less power on the highway.

If you do not drive often, or do not trade in your cars every two to four years, the increased price of hybrids may not offset the savings in gas, either. For example, a 2010 Honda Civic carries an MSRP of $15,655, whereas its hybrid counterpart retails for $23,800. While the hybrid is clearly the more eco-friendly option, you will probably not drive enough to save the $8,000 on gas costs, meaning these cars are usually only economical if you trade them in later.

—Seth Berger

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