Since the Toyota Prius was launched in 1997, hybrid vehicles have been steadily increasing in popularity as concerns over the environmental effects of exhaust emissions and the cost of fuel increase. Whilst low-emission vehicles were once considered to be fruit of the unrealistic daydreams of designers, they are now an established and - arguably - essential component of motoring's future. Hybrid vehicles are considerably more fuel efficient than standard petrol vehicles, meaning that they are better for the environment and can save their owners a lot of money in the long run. They achieve this efficiency by drawing power from a petrol engine and an electric motor - an onboard computer typically chooses how much power to draw from each power source in order to maximise efficiency. This technology is being improved upon year after year - at almost every notable motor show we are seeing new and innovative hybrid vehicles that are more economical than any of their forebears.
If you're used to traditional petrol cars, then hybrid vehicles may feel a little odd to drive - at least when you first get behind the wheel. However, you'll soon get used to it, and once you start to experience the benefits of less fuel stops, improved economy, and the warm, fuzzy, environmentally-friendly feeling that comes with hybrid vehicles, you'll never want to go back to pure petrol.
Still not convinced? Here are ten facts about hybrid vehicles that may surprise you:
1. Hybrid vehicles can emit as much as 90 per cent less pollutants than an equivalent petrol car
2. Standard petrol cars lose their value quicker than hybrid cars do - although they often cost a little more, hybrids make for sound investments
3. Hybrids also tend to have a longer useful life than their petrol equivalents, and do not require extra maintenance
4. With the current concerns over the environment, hybrid vehicles are a big deal for car companies - almost every major car manufacturer has launched a hybrid car, or has plans to do so
5. Although hybrid vehicles are often associated with carbon-conscious individuals, they have benefits for big businesses that go beyond their eco-friendly pedigree. For example, a major construction firm could save thousands every year on fuel costs by switching to a fleet of hybrid trucks
6. The first hybrid car, launched long before the Toyota Prius, was the Lohner-Porsche Mixte, which debuted in 1902
7. They do not need to be plugged in - the battery automatically recharges as you drive
8. Similar technology has been used in mopeds, trains, submarines and other vehicles for many years
9. They are quieter than convention cars
10. They are just as fast as conventional cars
So there's the scoop on hybrid vehicles. But before we wrap up, let's look into the future for a few moments. It looks like the next step on the path of low-emission motoring will be hydrogen powered vehicles. These could, in theory, be extremely environmentally friendly because they produce no emissions apart from clean water. However, we still don't know of an efficient way to produce hydrogen in large quantities. So if you're looking for a greener way to get around, it looks like hybrids are the way forward for now.
Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular, but there are still popular misconceptions about these low-emission vehicles. This guide contains ten facts about hybrid cars that some people may not be aware of.