Small cars have become very popular these days and many people are seen driving these pretty hybrid cars. There is a lot of hype surrounding these cars with manufacturers claiming that they give high mileage per gallon and above all, they are rated as eco-friendly vehicles with no emissions at all of harmful gases.

Although these carmakers are so enthusiastic about publicizing the enormous advantages of owning these types of cars, they do not really talk about the amount of savings that one will get by owning these hybrid cars; nor the distance that should be covered so as to save sufficient amount to justify the purchase. For example, the 2010 Toyota Prius V hybrid car is rated as highly fuel-efficient vehicle clocking 50 miles per gallon compared to a five year old conventional car costing $8,000 that gives only 15 miles per gallon.

The cost of owning the Prius for 5 years works out to around $35,198, which is inclusive of monthly payments of $450 towards installment and interest totaling around $27,000 for the five year period. The other expenses relating to the vehicle consist of $1853 sales tax, the license fees of around $1935, insurance premium of $3210 and estimated costs of mechanical repairs and maintenance of $1200.

The cost of maintaining the five year old car for another five years is around $8,586. There are no loan repayments as they would have already been paid in full over a period of five years and similarly, there is no need to pay any further sales tax. The recurring expenses include the annual license fees of about $836, insurance premium of$1750 and the estimated mechanical repairs and maintenance of $6000.

These cost figures present an entirely different picture and in the ultimate analysis, the old car proves to be much more economical than the modern hybrid car, though it may not be the most stylish or attractive compared to small hybrid cars. The difference in total costs between these two types of cars works out $26,612. It means that it would take more than 29 years to recover the investment considering the price of gasoline at $2.50/gallon.

Even taking gasoline price at $4.00/gallon, it would take 18 years to recover the investment on the hybrid car. The prices of gasoline are likely to go up during the current year and may even cross $5 per gallon. Even with such high gasoline prices, it will take 14 years to get back the amount invested on the small hybrid car.

It is too long period to have the money blocked in a car that may not consume much fuel, but certainly not economical.

Let us now consider the present old car, whose cost of investment has been fully recovered. Although it might not appear as gleaming as it was when it was purchased, still it has still a lot of value.

With the state of the current economic scenario being what it is, people are reviewing their spending habits and are exploring all possibilities to curb unnecessary expenditure and save as much as possible. These economy measures will equally apply to the vehicles people drive as well. If the budget does not permit, there is no need to buy the latest models of cars. One should feel satisfied with whatever vehicle they own as long it is maintained well and serves the purpose.

If the existing car is maintained regularly, there could be a saving of over $26,000 during the next five years. That is quite a substantial amount considering the price of gasoline at $5/gallon. Proper and timely maintenance is absolutely essential in order to ensure hassle-free running and longer life of the car with minimal amount for repairs. There is an annual maintenance program for every vehicle that is laid down in the maintenance manual. It indicates the details of maintenance to be carried out.

Those not familiar or clear about the maintenance guidelines can seek the assistance of the nearest automobile service center for guidance. As the vehicles are driven extensively all through the year, checking up all the parts, changing oils, greasing etc. are necessary. The average useful life of a vehicle is a little more than 13 years with a total mileage of 145,000. With appropriate maintenance and attention our vehicles can last the life-span of 13 years set for the vehicle and may last even beyond.

While a small hybrid car is beautiful to look at and drive, it is not at all attractive when it comes to spending money on the car. Although it may contribute to fuel economy in the short run, it is not always economical in the long run as it is troublesome and expensive to change the battery from time to time. While environmental considerations are important, the existing car can also be made eco-friendly with suitable modifications. It is more than sufficient for our needs, if the present car is well maintained.

It seems the world is again going through a phase of recession; it seems that 2012 would also remain depressed and oil will remain one of the main causes. When oil prices reached its peak, it has greatly affected our economy. We need to develop some alternative to oil to save our economy and also environment.

Hybrid and electric cars have gained attention in the car industry and car manufacturers are working very hard to develop a technology so that these cars become popular and also affordable. So far the car manufacturers have only gained attention of affluent people of the society; this is due to high price of hybrid and electric cars.

The main drawback as per the customers about these cars is that most of the features are missing as compared to petrol powered cars. The car manufacturers really need to improve the horsepower and better mileage of these electric cars. People are ready to pay more for high performance, the ideal mileage should be around 50 mpg and with a top speed performance of 150 km/h.

All these features will automatically attract high prices but with the advancement in technology it is expected that the prices will become more affordable. It is expected that in next few years these cars will become more economical and the performance of Lithium-ion battery in electric or hybrid car.

This could be possible that whenever the battery is low the petrol engine kicks by powering the car’s two engine which can be placed in the rear part of the car. Such a facility will speed up the car to 200 km/h that would be almost double the speed. The other feature which can be installed in the future in the high end luxury hybrid cars is regenerative braking.

The electric motor has the capability to provide full torque at the first touch of the accelerator pedal. This has effect on the other pedal, the modulating effects of regenerative braking. This means that accelerator is not pressed to generate the electricity; it feeds the energy not being used back into the battery.

When going downhill the regenerative braking has similar effect as is engine braking. With so much of innovation coming, the prices will be too high, it is better to adopt wait and watch approach, till the things are perfect and prices come down.

There is lot of scope in the improvement in electric and hybrid technology, it better option to lease one rather than buying it. Car loans can really boost your chances to own one of such cars, the leasing would definitely save your money and it is a good choice too.

Though it may take some time may a decade or so, it would be interesting to know what type of features are added to hybrid and electric cars for a smooth ride. Such cars will definitely save your precious money as you will save a lot on gasoline and oil and contribute to the economy and also to the environment.

The increase in ‘interior ignition’ vehicles, particularly in automobiles, is among the most remarkable examples of innovative technological advances. The energy-saving and eco-friendly hybrid-electric vehicles have been designed for the convenience of every human being on the earth.

While manufacturing hybrid electric cars, great care has been taken to address energy-saving and environmental protection concerns, which are the most common problems faced by the society these days. The hybrid-electric car is an off-shoot of the electric car.

However, the main disadvantage of the electric vehicles is that running of the vehicle is mainly dependent upon batteries and therefore, has very limited scope. Initially, the hybrid electric vehicle was designed to be an electric vehicle with batteries for storage of power and in addition, it was provided with an on-board internal combustion engine.

This indicates that this type of hybrid vehicle has a wider scope than the usual electric car. The ‘heat bhp’ and the power of the battery are specifically designed as an important feature in order to constantly adjust the overload between the engine and the battery power systems.

This can also depend upon the driver’s driving schedules. Even when the automobiles were first introduced; the concept of electric cars had already been visualized. Electric powered train is excellent in many aspects. Initially the battery was no match to the internal combustion engine as a power source. Back then, high-quality energy content such as gasoline is cheaper and easily available.

Although the electric automobiles have been talked about since hundred years, the latest developments in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology and the increased apprehensions about the environment have renewed the interest for hybrid electric vehicles. People have started realizing the usefulness of hybrid electric vehicles nowadays.

In the modern days, people generally prefer to own vehicles instead of depending upon public transport. Electric cars are more energy efficient than the conventional automobiles. While electric vehicles run at around 46% efficiency, the latest models of conventional cars operate only at 18%.

Many research studies have established that electric cars run by batteries are around 10 to 30 percent more energy-efficient than the normal gasoline-powered cars, based on the use of energy by the vehicles and the quality of power.

The comparison between the electric vehicles and the traditional gasoline-powered vehicles is, in fact, a comparison between an extraordinary power system developed through R&D efforts and the unique power program developed in the initial stages. In other words, the latest electric vehicle technology is the result of sustained research efforts over the years.

Moreover, the advantages of electric vehicles extend beyond energy saving potential. The plants generating electricity can substitute fuels that are not flexible enough to adapt to portable power systems. Another advantage with electric vehicles is that the flexibility in the choice of power sources, which translate into reasonably good ‘economic benefits’.

On the whole, the technology based on which electric vehicles have been designed shows great potential for further developments that can provide people with energy-efficient, clean ,eco-friendly and affordable electric vehicles.