The average gas mileage consumption in America is roughly 17 MPG. Of course, we have to consider that nearly half of the cars in the US are light trucks. But nevertheless, a 17 MPG average is quite expensive considering how much gas prices have soared.
Unfortunately, soaring gas prices isn’t the only problem related to excessive fuel consumption. As a growing number of environmentalists would say, excessive fuel consumption also means excessive CO2 emissions which, in turn, is threatening to the planet’s sustainability.
Hence, some people looking to purchase a new vehicle, tend to search for more economical cars: one that is light on pocket in the long run and, at the same time, good for the environment.
Finding a fuel efficient, eco-friendly car has therefore become a priority.
Among fuel efficient cars, hybrid cars are usually the first on the list.
A hybrid car is somewhat like an electric car without the hassle of an electric car. Unlike an electric car that needs to be charged every so often, a hybrid car doesn’t require any recharging at all. It works by capturing energy whenever the car is in use. For instance, the car stores energy whenever you hit the brakes. The car’s ordinary engine too is used to capture energy.
That energy is stored in the battery that, in some cases, powers the car instead of its regular engine (usually happens in lower speeds). This means that when driving a hybrid car, there are times that you are not burning any fuel at all.
As you attempt to speed up, the regular gasoline engine kicks in for additional power. However, the engine works with the battery to power the car. Therefore, a hybrid’s gasoline engine, when in use, supposedly consumes less fuel because the car’s motion is not entirely dependent on the regular engine.
In essence, you get the best of everything. You’re improved mileage means less visit to the gas station. It also means less CO2 emitted in the air which is a good thing. At the same time, you don’t get the hassle of developing the habit of charging your car.
Hence, the popularity of hybrid cars are not at all surprising.
The most popular hybrid car in the US is the Toyota Prius. The 2008 model is currently hailed as the most fuel efficient car in the country. Although the estimated 60 MPG of the Prius was contested, it’s realistic average fuel consumption of around 46 MPG is certainly still more appealing than the 17 MPG average fuel consumption in America.
Unfortunately, larger hybrids (like SUVs) don’t have the same efficiency. The hybrid Ford Escape’s average of 26 MPG spawns an advantage of just 8MPG against the regular Ford Escape.
To get the real advantage of hybrids, a person’s choice is more or less limited to sedans.