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Hybrids are the most gasoline efficient of all cars -- they get 48 to 60 mpg about 20 to 35 percent better than a fuel efficient gasoline powered vehicle. Much of the fuel efficiency comes from improvements in weight reduction, aero dynamics and a smaller, less powerful gas engine.
The greatest advantage of a hybrid car is that even a small increase in fuel economy makes a large difference in emissions. They produce the minimum of emissions during low speed city driving and traffic jams. Hence, the pollutants are less and welcome in large cities where pollution is at its worst.
The Japanese are the recognized leaders. Honda and Toyota are the largest producers with the Insight and Prius. The US has just started producing them and is far behind. In fact, they even had to license over 20 separate technologies from Japan when a new hybrid was introduced by GM.
Makers offer guarantees to offset reliability problems. The Honda Insight comes with an 8 year/80,000-mile warranty on most of the power train and a 3 year/36,000-mile warranty on everything else.
The batteries and motors need no maintenance during the entire life of the vehicle. Due to regenerative braking, brake pads may even last longer than those in normal cars.
A hybrid cuts emissions by 25 percent to 30 percent over even the most efficient gas models.
Tax incentives in the US are another important motive. It can reduce the cost up to $3,400, depending on the cost of the vehicle. States too offer their own incentives in addition.
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