How effective are Hybrid cars in protecting the environment?

Question

I was going to take in my mom's old car but am now reconsidering it after witnessing so much enthusiasm and praise for Hybrid vehicles.

Answer 1

You can look at the emissions data on the vehicle specs for an exact answer. In general, hybrids emit less than half the carbon dioxides, 70% less nitrogen-based pollutants, less sulfer and less particulants than regular cars.

Hybrids help in two ways. First, the gas-burning engine runs only at its most efficient state (in a non-hybrid car, this would be driving in top gear on a level road at around 48mph). This results is less pollution per unit of power generated. Second, hybrids burn less overall fuel than non-hybrids due to the increased efficiency of electric motors and regenerative braking.

If we all switched to hybrids, we would cut out over half of the air pollution generated by cars. Since cars are the leading contributor to air pollution, this would make a big difference in improving our environment.

Answer 2

A true evaluation u get about the same hp. for the amount of CO2 produced. The correct evaluation is that Mother Nature removed the CO2 problem a few million years ago when she introduced plants. All plants use photosynthesis in the process . The plant takes in CO2 and keeps the C and gives us back O2. The plants have done a great job. So what difference does it make if the plants do their work. The plants need CO2 as much as u need oxygen.

Answer 3

Well anything that reduces the pollution by fossil fuels,is an advantage.Europe is well ahead in the this technology,but the japanese are investing big bucks also.This technology dooms the fossil fuel industry.