This myth gained momentum when the question of "first responder" came up:  What would happen if some rescue crew had to use the "jaws of life" to cut out an occupant of a mangled hybrid?  Answer:  Nothing.  This fear is right up there with the danger of your computer monitor or your computer itself blowing up.  But, alas, the media will always have its day.

Hybrid Car Myth #7:    

"Hybrids are expensive."

While this may have been true just a few short years ago, it's no longer the case.  Except for upscale models as expected.

In early '06 the approximately ten models ranged from $18K to $55K.  The most popular models--the Civic, Insight, and Prius--ran well under $30K.  Nevertheless, the "hybrid premium"--a figure that represents the additional costs of buying a hybrid--stands around $3000 today.  That's because as it stands now, it is indeed more expensive to produce hybrids as compared to regular vehicles. 

But this $3000 is turning out to be more than offset by state and federal tax breaks, combined with much cheaper operation and maintenance costs.  The gasoline engines are showing much less wear and tear as we covered above and also the resale values are much higher for hybrids than gasoline-only cars.

As a matter of fact, the popular Toyota Prius is reselling at close to its original price---something unheard of for most cars. 

But the high-end hybrid car manufacturers like Lexus still serve us normal mortals: They're breaking new ground in technology that will make its way to the cars that I can afford.  

This is akin to the 'trickle-down' effect of the expensive technology that goes into NASA's space program.   

Anyway, times are a-changin'.  By the end of the decade, a projected 50 or so models will be out, bringing down this "hybrid premium" because of 'economies of scale.'

Hybrid Car Myth #8: 

                   

"Hybrids are short on power."

Not so anymore.  Once again, technology comes to the rescue.   The fastest car in Honda's family sedan lineup turns out to be their hybrid Accord.  As a matter of fact, the hybrid Accord is the fastest family sedan on the market. 

Lexus came out with their GS Hybrid 2007.  It beats their V-8 gasoline-only version by over a second in the zero to sixty run and makes 100mph in no time flat...it's breakthrough technology continuously-variable transmission is part of it's claim to fame.  But, nevertheless, it's only for folks with bucks to spare--like around $60,000 of them once you figure in a couple extras.

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