5 Believable Myths about Hybrid Cars
Driving is one of the first privileges we have when we come of age. The first thing we usually do when we become 16 or 17 is ask your parents to teach us to drive because driving means independence. It means we are old enough and wise enough to handle a big responsibility, even if we are still young. However, the modern cars of today might not be the same from those back when we were learning to drive. I for one, remember being taught to drive in a 2008 Toyota Corolla, and now more than a decade later, the 2018 Corolla looks like a spaceship compared to the 2008 model. But as we progress in our technology, so do the cars as newer models emerge. The hybrid and electric cars of this era have been gaining traction like never before, and Enji feels it is time to start a conversation about them by dispelling our top 5 hybrid car myths.
1. Hybrid Cars Are The Newest Technology
This myth is fascinatingly false. Although the new hybrid cars seem futuristic, they actually are a blast from the past. Hybrid and electric running cars are not an invention and have been sold and purchased before. During 1900 it is estimated that electric and steam-powered cars were purchased just as frequently as gasoline powered cars. This helps fuel the idea that produced the first hybrid vehicle patent in 1905 by an American engineer named H. Piper.
Although these hybrid and electric cars might seem new, there are simply being marketed as new and eco-friendly. There is new technology helping improve the design of a hybrid vehicle, but the idea is far from original.
2. Hybrid Cars Save You A Lot Of Money On Fuel
This is partially true. Although hybrid cars are marketed as fuel efficient, the truth is that unless you are constantly vigilant on how you drive your car, you won’t notice a large difference. This is because hybrid cars are designed to extend the MPG when driven a certain way. This includes being cautious of constant speeds, sudden stops, and accelerated starts.
If you are driving long distances at high speeds this a hybrid car not be true for you.
3. All Hybrids are Eco-friendly
Although a big reason hybrid became popular today is due to their lower emission, not all hybrids were created equal. The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a perfect example of how some hybrids are not as eco-friendly as they seem. The Tahoe Hybrid fuel efficiency is a little less than equivalent to most standard cars giving its driver only 21 miles per gallons of fuel. While the standard Toyota Prius allows its driver to have 58 miles per gallon. So, make sure to do your research if you are planning on buying one.
4. Hybrid Batteries Don’t Last Long
It is clear to see where this myth came to be. Batteries such as lithium and nickel are not known to have a relatively long lifespan compared to a car. The idea of having to replace a hybrid battery would indeed be expensive today, however, there isn’t a concern for most manufacturers as they can usually guarantee 8-10 years or 160,000 miles in a hybrid battery. These batteries are made to last and if you are still having doubts there is a man in Vancouver who drove his Toyota Prius 320,000 km in 25 months, and the car is still doing well.
5. Hybrids Will Save The Planet
This myth is sadly false. Although we would all like to believe that saving the plant is possible by switching cars it is simply not that easy. The problem of climate change and global warming extends beyond one simple solution, it must be a collaborate effort from every individual if we are to save the planet. Although hybrids can help alleviate some of the environmental stress on the planet, it cannot be the only modification the earth makes. This problem is simply too large to be solved with a single product.
Sources:
https://www.earthsfriends.com/hybrid-car-myths/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/nov/30/busting-myths-electric-cars
http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/top-5-myths-about-hybrid-cars