!#8# Hybrid Cars - Benefits of Green Driving

!±8± Hybrid Cars - Benefits of Green Driving

Hybrid cars have been a hot topic in the automotive industry. The need for an alternative to the polluting, gas guzzlers of the past is strong. People are starting to take notice and they are demanding an alternative. The automotive manufacturers have replied with new lines of hybrid cars that are making a huge splash in the industry.

Things Hybrid Cars Offer

Hybrid cars run off of a combination system. They have an electric motor and a gasoline powered engine. These two work together to help bring out the best of both.

The gasoline engine is mainly the power source. It is used to help speed up the car and when more power in needed, such as when going up a hill. Usually, though, the electric motor takes over and the gasoline engine is shut down. The electric motor will operate during most driving conditions and when idling.

Hybrid cars offer many advantages over a gasoline powered car:

- Less wasted energy. The gasoline engine is only used when it is needed. Additionally, a hybrid features several innovations that helps to capture any wasted energy and put it to use in the cars operation.

- Fewer emissions. Since the gasoline engine is not working the majority of the time, there is far less emissions. The electric motor does not give off emissions that are harmful and damaging like the gasoline engine does.

- Less fuel consumption. While your hybrid will use some fuel to operate the gasoline engine, depending on the type of driving you do, you will find a great reduction in how often you need to buy gasoline.

- Less maintenance and repair. In general, hybrids are built to be strong. They do not suffer from a lot of the issues that gasoline cars do. One of the reasons is how clean the electric motor operates. There is less wear and tear.

Government Benefits

Besides the benefits you will directly see and experience from green driving, your hybrid can also provide you benefits from federal and state governments.

Buying a hybrid car can get you a credit on your federal taxes. You may also get certain privileges and benefits in your state. Some states offer special parking and a reduction in fees and costs. You should check into it in your state because you may be surprised at just how much your hybrid car can save you.