In recent times, hybrid autos have become increasingly common for a variety of reasons. Among even the most hardened skeptics, hybrid vehicles have been attaining traction in their appeal. When most people think about hybrid cars, they may picture the oddly-shaped Honda Insight hybrid from the late 1990s, with its real wheels covered by super sized fenders, or possibly the popular Toyota Prius.

Recently, though, a lot of auto manufacturers have been producing hybrid SUVs as a replacement to the gas-guzzling traditional SUVs that formerly dominated the market. To a degree, this shift toward the hybrid SUV was in response to decreasing large SUV and truck product sales toward the end of the first decade of the 2000s; the weakening economy and rising gas prices made these types of vehicles too costly to drive for many American families.

To beat this trend, manufacturers began production on more efficient SUVs. In 2004, the first SUV hybrid (the Ford Escape) was launched, as were the first hybrid trucks (the Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram). The leading principles behind hybrids are to get the highest gas mileage possible and to have the smallest environmental impact through fuel efficiency and low emissions.

By now, manufacturers have pretty much mastered the ability to produce vehicles with greater efficiency while maintaining the power and also performance of the old gas-guzzling SUVs. Hybrid SUVs work by merging an electric motor with the typical internal combustion engine. The electric motor runs off a large battery that is recharged whenever the car coasts or brakes. The electric motor is responsible for powering the vehicle during stop-and-start travel as well as acceleration to highway speeds.

The electric motor also powers accessories that would usually run off gasoline, such as the A/C compressor. The gas engine is used mainly for increased acceleration and better speeds. The switch from electricity to gas is managed by a sophisticated computer. The benefits of purchasing one of a hybrid SUV are many. For one, there are various tax incentives, which include a federal tax incentive and state incentives that may vary from state to state.

As well, drivers will be comforted by the knowledge that they are driving in a much more "green" vehicle, aiding to reduce carbon emissions that lead to climate issues. When it comes to toxic chemicals, hybrids are up to 97% lower emitters as opposed to standard cars, and half as bad in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Due to the hybrid nature of the car, mileage is much better. In the city, where stop-and-start driving and low speeds lead to more substantial reliance on the battery, hybrids get considerably better mileage.

On the highway, where the vehicle leans more heavily on the gas tank, mileage is approximately 10% better. There are various incidental benefits which may interest the potential car buyer as well: the driving experience is no different - the car takes care of switching between gas and electricity; commutes are reduced, because hybrids are often allowed in HOV lanes; the hybrid is a politically-correct talking point in social circumstances; and the novelty of owning one of the coolest 'gadgets'.

There are also drawbacks to hybrid SUVs, but they are few. For instance, registration costs may be higher. Also, the vehicles are more costly with regards to the initial price tag. The complexity of the powertrain increases the points at which a failure may occur, and increases repair costs. In relation to repairs, parts may be more difficult to acquire and more expensive too. In general though, a hybrid is a money- and environment-saver in the long run.

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