Introduction
Hybrid cars have become automobiles of choice today. The rising economic crisis and financial constraints are driven by the current recession, which has led to the acceptance of hybrid cars. Many people want them because of low fuel consumption, low pollution, and their environmentally friendly designs, among other benefits (Juettner 43). Hybrid cars consume little fuel and emit less gas and other substances that pollute the environment (Haluzan 22). Despite these advantages, several controversies exist in connection to the real significance of hybrid cars in today’s world. First, critics argue that hybrid cars possess power systems that are not- friendly to the environment.
They claim that the battery that powers the engine is inappropriate. Secondly, they possess low acceleration abilities that they claim are disadvantageous to drivers in many instances (Haluzan 24). Thirdly, they are highly prone to accidents because of the high voltage reserves they possess. Critics argue that the high voltage circuit that transfers power from the reserve to the engine is highly susceptible to harm if a short circuit occurs (Haluzan 26). These controversies have existed for long. However, they have not stopped people from purchasing hybrid cars because benefits present override possible weaknesses. Precisely, hybrid cars are the future because of two main benefits: low fuel consumption and their environmentally friendly nature.
Discussion
Hybrid cars are important because of their benefits in terms of economic, technical, and environmental aspects (Juettner 34). Technically, their design is different from non-hybrid cars. They are economical in fuel consumption and produce few emissions that do not pollute the environment.
The manufacture of hybrid cars involves the combination of a battery and an engine. The engine powers the generator to produce electric power (Juettner 31). As such, a hybrid car’s engine uses two power systems that work in coordination. This enables them to consume little fuel hence produce fewer gases. The design of the braking system allows for the tapping of kinetic energy generated in the braking process. Recycling involves its conversion to electrical power used to charge batteries (Juettner 33). These batteries are lighter than those used in electric cars are.
Secondly, hybrid cars are financially economical. The inclusion of a battery system in the engine design means that they consume less fuel (Haluzan 45). With the current financial downturn, less fuel consumption saves more money. This motivates more people to purchase hybrid cars. Countries that use hybrid cars reduce dependence on other countries for fuel. In addition, buyers save additional money in the form of tax levies, free parking lots, and free entry into carpool lanes. This is an effort by governments to promote and encourage the purchase of hybrid cars.
Thirdly, hybrid cars are environment-friendly. Consumption of less fuel leads to the emission of less gas, thus reducing pollution of the environment. They emit less carbon dioxide that is a major pollutant (Haluzan 48). This is advantageous with regard to recent efforts to reduce global warming and keep it at lower rates. In addition, their manufacture involves the use of less metal. This means the utilization of other types of materials that are different from those used in the manufacture of other cars. These materials make hybrid cars safer and reduce pollution, as most of them are recycled materials.
Fourthly, hybrid cars are important in recent times when prices of fuel are on the increase and with an increased danger of depleting the little available oil resources. Reduced dependency on fossil fuel and countries that supply it is advantageous in that it reduces the pricing of fuel in the international market (Haluzan 60). Increased dependency hikes prices because of increased demand by many users globally. Analysts have predicted that there is a possibility of the depletion of available oil resources in a few years to come if alternative ways of powering automobiles are not established. As such, hybrid cars serve as an alternative way in an effort to conserve available fuel resources.
The high cost of hybrid cars has also elicited controversy. Compared to non-hybrid cars, hybrid cars are a little more expensive because of their high cost of production. Their manufacture involves the use of rare materials such as dysprosium and neodymium (Lang et al. 78). This makes customers shy away from purchasing them. Despite high costs, customer demand has increased over the years. Hybrid cars are also heavier compared to non-hybrid cars, and therefore controlling them is different and difficult (Lang et al. 81). This results from heavy batteries used in the power system. Contrary to criticism, their heaviness is important because it lowers the center of gravity and therefore improves stability. They are more stable compared to non-hybrid cars.
Their acceleration is a critical issue. Hybrid cars’ acceleration is considerably low as compared to non-hybrid cars. Critics claim that low acceleration is disadvantageous to drivers in some instances, such as overtaking (Lang et al. 89). However, users of hybrid cars claim that they prefer low acceleration speeds because they enable them to take proper control of cars. As such, incidents of accidents are few, and controlling them is easy. Precisely, low acceleration speed makes them easy to handle because of their heaviness that improves their stability.
Conclusion
Hybrid cars present several advantages that override the disadvantages expressed in controversies facing them. There are technical, environmental, and economic benefits. Technical benefits arise from the inclusion of a two-way engine that is comprised of a battery and a fuel engine to generate power. Environmental benefits resulting from a few emissions that do not pollute the environment. In particular, hybrid cars emit little carbon dioxide that is the main pollutant emitted by automobiles. This helps in managing global warming that currently poses serious dangers if not checked (Juettner 24). The consumption of little fuel by hybrid cars presents the economic benefit. Buyers save money and reduce the number of visits to fuel stations. Their disadvantages are not strong enough to validate the criticisms that they have elicited.
Their high costs, heaviness, and low acceleration speeds are the major disadvantages cited (Lang et al. 73). However, their low acceleration speeds improve their handling, and their heaviness improves their stability. Their high prices result from the use of rare and expensive materials in their manufacture. There are expectations that with future improvements in the manufacture of hybrid cars, more affordable and readily available materials will be used, and this will make them cheap and affordable. Hybrid cars are the best bet in ensuring proper management of global warming that includes contributions from automobile emissions. In addition, it is important to conserve the available fuel resources, and with the current recession, saving money is vital in the improvement of lives.
Works Cited
Haluzan, Ned. Hybrid Cars Advantages and Disadvantages. 2010. Web.
Juettner, Bonnie. Hybrid Cars. New York: Norwood House Press, 2009. Print.
Lang, A., Schueking, M., and Stellet, J. Hybrid Cars Today and in the Future. New York: GRIN Verlag, 2011. Print.