What is the future of hybrid cars in the next few years?

Question

I'm just wondering if you think they will be more practical to purchase anytime soon.

Answer 1

I think as hybrid technology and battery size/cost improves in the future, that all cars will be built with both electric and gasoline engines working together to improve performance and economy. There will not be separate hybrid and non-hybrid cars -- except for possibly very small all-electric or all-gas models.

In the more near-in future, hybrid cars will continue to change and improve. The hybrid you buy today will be better and cheaper next year. But that's the way it is with most fast moving technology. If you keep waiting until it's better and cheaper, you'll be waiting forever.

Right now, hybrid batteries are the biggest downside factor. They are expensive, heavy, take up a lot of room, and nobody knows how long they'll last before they have to be replaced. It's also not known what kind of liability the batteries might become in accidents -- weight, acid, electrical fires -- and their effect on insurance costs.

Answer 2

Simple theory of supply & demand. Everyone wants the most fuel efficient vehicle + Not too many hybrid models out there = high prices. Like the other guy said, give it time and the price will adjust.

Answer 3

most people buy those "hybrids" with out a clue about how much it is going to replace all those "efficient" batteries in a few short years......after people start paying THOUSANDS to replace the batteries I'm sure they will replace the "hybrid" also /

Answer 4

If they don't start changing the way they work I still won't buy one, some of those hybrids get worse gas mileage than my Jeep (20city/26highway) and My Chevy Cobalt (30city/38highway).

Answer 5

After they have been perfected and the price comes down they may have a future. I am more interested in seeing the solar powered ones developed.