Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars
The disadvantages of hybrid cars are often less known compared to the advantages of the hybrid cars.
Hybrid cars are often referred to as the ‘car of the era’. Hybrid cars do not ONLY benefits their owners, they also attribute benefits to the entire society and the mankind. The advantages of the hybrid car are multifaceted since it attributes economical, technical and economical benefits. Countries’ economy benefit from the gasoline savings as the oil prices are steeping very high. Benefits to Consumers are listed here.
What are the disadvantages of Hybrid Cars?
1. Cost
Hybrid Cars are generally more expensive than their gasoline-only counterparts.
However this is easily overcome. The savings on fuel consumption and additional saving on tax credits can immediately offset the high initial cost outlay.
Cost of hybrid cars are also steadily reducing as this technology on which hybrid cars operate matures.
2. High cost of maintenance
Service, parts and maintenance can be one of the disadvantages of hybrid cars. Who will fix your hybrid cars? Do you have to take it back to your dealer or to an expensive specialty shop?
Firstly, the cost of maintaining hybrid cars is no higher than for gasoline-only vehicles. There’s less wear on the engine and brakes, so the cars are predicted to require less repair over the life of the vehicle.
Secondly, most of the components of a hybrid vehicle are the same as a gasoline-only car, so independent mechanics are able to do most of the work on hybrids. As these cars are becoming more popular, many mechanics are also attending classes on hybrid technology.
3. Acceleration
Hybrid cars are generally slower than their gasoline counterparts. However this can be seen as an advantage as it means the driver can have a better control of his steering.
4. Not all hybrid cars are built alike
Not all hybrid cars provide phenomenal gas mileage. Some hybrid models can only provide a 20% to 30% fuel efficiency increase over the non-hybrid models. Some all-gasoline compact cars with manual transmissions are rated for higher fuel transmissions than some hybrid models.
This disadvantage can be easily overcome with careful research and choosing the right hybrid models.
5. It is risky when a hybrid car is involved in an accident
Because hybrid car stores high amount of voltage in its batteries, there is a high chance of getting electrocuted when it is involved in an accident. It is also relatively difficult for rescuers to get the drivers and passengers out of the car because of the dangers of high voltage.
That’s why the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium has developed a curriculum and training program for First Responders to safely identify and deal with hybrid-electric vehicles. The NAFTC course offers hands-on, vehicle-specific training covering how to safely disconnect the high voltage power supply, how to deal with possible ruptured battery packs and how to safely extract drivers and passengers trapped inside these vehicles. The training is offered through a network of 33 National Training Centers located at community colleges, tech schools and Universities nationwide.
If you’re calling 9-1-1 about an accident and think a hybrid is involved, the safe move is to stay back, identify the vehicle as a hybrid and let the first responder know so they can be better prepared when they arrive.
Now that the disadvantages of the hybrid cars have been identified, car manufacturers are looking for ways to get rid of the disadvantages. In the future you will be able to find hybrid cars with all the disadvantages and the safety concerns addressed. Until then, you can neutralize the disadvantages of hybrid cars with careful planning and research.
