Are Hybrid Vehicles really better for the environment?

Question

I keep reading articles that say hybrid vehicles are much better for the environment by using much less gasoline and producing far fewer emmisions. I understand that the vehicles themselves produce far fewer emmisions and get better mileage. What I want to know is how much more pollution are we generating in other ways as a result of using hybrid vehicles. Some hybrids are charged using a standard electrical outlet. The electricity comes from a power plant that can be burning coal, natural gas, trash, etc. Has anyone calculated how much each charge equals in pollution at the power plant? If you combine that pollution with the hybrid vehicle pollution, is it REALLY better for the environment? What about the batteries? All batteries contain heavy metals and / or acids, and all batteries eventually die and need replacing. How much energy are we wasting manufacturing new batteries and what is happening to the heavy metals & acids when the old batteries die? Any info would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I had read just the contrary in Macleans to what you have heard the so-called electric motors found in most of these hybrids only work if you are travelling under 50km/h can you really think of anytime that you would travel under this speed unless you are pulling out of driveway, parking lot, and maybe a school zone. Really when you think about they are mainly running on the gasoline powered 4 cylinder engine so spending the extra 10-15 thousand on top of a regular priced vehicle. No at this time I would not say its not worth the cost at this time save your money and wait for the hydrogen vehicles to hit the mainstream.

Answer 2

It really depends on the hybrid vehicle that you're talking about. You bring up several issues that are quite valid. I can't honestly speak about the hybrids built from other manufacturers, but for the ones built by Toyota, they're built first for environmental reasons, fuel economy second. Just one example of this is the hybrid batteries used are nickle-metal-hydride, which from my understanding are non-toxic, using no heavy metals or toxic chemicals and are non-harmful to the environment and most of the components are recyclable. Just do a bit more research to find which ones are most appropriate for your needs before making a decision if they're right for you or not.

wnyken

Answer 3

It is good to see that at least someone else has thought about this. When you look at the mileage for these they don't calculate the fuel expended to obtain the alternative power Ethanol seems to be a true reduction but of course even that is produced with some amount of pollution going all of the way back to the tractors and equipment used to produce the corn or other plant product used.

Answer 4

Yes. But on a cost to use point, Hybrids are more expensive to purchase then their gas only versions. The thinking is, you can buy a lot a fuel for the extra money spent up-front. Their mileage is definitely better. I haven't seen a Hybrid that plugs in. Don't confuse electric cars with Hybrids.

Answer 5

certainly, neither. Dont get suckered into believing that hybrids are straight away more effective perfect than gas. study human being automobiles and their gas mileage. With hybrid technologies, automobiles can boost acceleration or gas mileage. Many hybrids in basic terms boost acceleration and easily boost gas mileage by technique of two-3 mile/gal. it really is yet differently gas organizations are searching a scheme to easily say you're doing something for the ecosystem without actual doing something. Get the motorized vehicle with the suitable gas mileage! it could be a plus to be ethanol in a position to change into independant of the stupid gas market, and reduce emissions quite. pressure the researchers to toughen electric powered autos or hydrogen-gasoline cells. HYBRIDS nonetheless USE gas!!!

Answer 6

What you say certainly makes sense. I am no scientist (yet) but I am a person who care a lot about our environment. I think a big factor to consider is the fact that oil is not something we can just make. Reserves will eventually run out. It may not be in our lifetime but it will happen. Since so much of our lives is based on money, it would be difficult for you to find arguments on either side that are not biased. Looking through some "green living" articles might give you some insight on the environmental side.

Answer 7

They do appear to be somewhat better but not as much as touted.
Once Toyota comes out with their plug in hybrid in a year or two it will get better...

Answer 8

hybrids are gay spit out the winder ever time i see one