There has been a lot of talk about the environment lately and the effects our driving habits have had on the atmosphere.  The recent news about global warming has caused some people to look for ways to decrease the amount of fossil fuels that they use on a regular basis. On the other hand, some people are more aware of the rising prices at gas stations around the country and are concerned with driving a more economical car that doesn't require a fill up every 20 miles.

Whatever the reason, more people are considering making the switch to hybrid cars.  But don't assume that driving a hybrid car will keep you from ever having to stop for gas again.  These cars aren't electric; they are still gasoline fueled automobiles.  The difference is that they have a separate electric motor that is used to assist the gas engine, which allows it to get farther on less gas overall.

People assume that because of the electric motor you have to plug the car in at night in order to drive to work in the morning. The truth is that the motor comes with a rechargeable battery that is included within the car.  This battery has a warranty that guarantees it for 8 years.  But also be aware that the electric motor is not typically strong enough to power your car on its own.  So when your gas tank says empty, you will still have to pull over and pay the price at the pump. Still, having to do this less often can add up to some tremendous savings over the long term.