#7 Technology Blog

Hybrid Cars - the Way to Go?
Hybrids use less fuel and produce less greenhouse gases than most standard cars. However, they cost thousands more to buy, meaning that you would have to own one for many years in order for savings in fuel costs to pay for the difference. Would the hybrid last that long and would you have to replace the high-tech battery pack, at a cost of several thousand dollars? You may even get bored with the car after a few years and want something new. What would the resale value of your hybrid be, then?

Another issue is finding high-tech spare parts and getting specialist repairs done, especially in the country or outback. I've also heard that rescue services are concerned about working on hybrids involved in accidents because of the possibility of damaged batteries and high voltages.

Some small diesel cars are just as economical to run as hybrids and are much cheaper. However, they pollute more. On the other hand, I've heard that it takes a lot more energy, in a car factory, to produce a hybrid than a standard model, so the overall greenhouse gas emissions may not be lower.

The potential buyer has to weigh all of these factors, plus the cost of insurance. I personally don't think the current hybrids are the answer. They are more a bridge to the future - a stop-gap until better technology arrives. We have to thank Toyota and Honda etc. for starting the process, and also thank some brave buyers for supporting them by buying this new technology.