Transformers Are The Ultimate Goal But A Hybrid Car Will Do For Now

With so many adverts on TV asking us to change the way we live or face devastating effects in the future, many people are changing their car to hybrids in a bid to combat climate change. The problem with conventional cars is that they release a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air which pollutes the environment and increases global warming.

What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid is a vehicle or mode of transportation that combines the use of two or more sources of power. Most hybrid cars are a combination of electric and petrol but there are other sources such as diesel fuel, solar, wind, waste heat from an internal combustion engine, compressed air and so on.

Hybrid vehicles not only use less fuel but are also environmentally friendly thus reducing the amount of CO2 emissions each year. Road tax is also cheap due to the lesser amount of CO2 being released in the atmosphere - the Environmental Protection Agency recommends 5.5 metric tonnes of CO2 for a passenger vehicle with the best vehicle being the Toyota Prius which emits just 3.5 tonnes.

Best hybrid cars on the market

All cars have different functions and luxuries so it's important to find one that meets your specification first, such as is entertainment important and is the car big and safe enough to accommodate if you plan to extend your family? After you decide on the features the vehicle must have, you can work on a specification list that the vehicle must match. There is some competition in the automobile industry regarding hybrid vehicles as there are many celebrities who are seen driving more environmentally friendly cars these days.

Toyota Prius - this is a favourite for families as it is large enough for a few car seats in the back and big enough for the weekly shop. It's also a very quiet car, comfortable and bigger than most other eco cars on the market; breakdown record is very low and best of all the new Toyota Prius is exempt from car tax! Celebrity drivers Will Ferrell from Elf and also Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman have this car.

Honda Insight - overall the Insight is smaller than the Prius, with a lower roof, smaller boot and basic interior; Honda also offer an 8 year warranty including the battery supply in the boot floor. This is a cheaper option compared to other hybrids available.

Ford Escape - this is a very large car falling in the SUV category. Originally launched in 2005, the Escape uses petrol, electric and batteries to run. Although this is a popular car in the US, it's not so much here as you don't really get that much value for money when it comes to refuelling.

Lexus Hybrid - Lexus is the only car make that has a range of hybrids to offer for all budgets .The lexus hybrids run on both fuel and electric, switching between the both when driving. Lexus hybrids are all quiet smooth cars to drive. Tyra Banks is a celebrity driver of the Lexus Hybrid.

The above examples are good models if you're considering a hybrid. However the best hybrid car will depend on what features/specifications you're really after for your next purchase.