Problems With Large Hybrid Trucks

Hybrid trucks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, offers about 38 percent fuel savings in the city and 20 percent in the highway. A good choice to help reduce air pollution because they emit low levels of carbon dioxide compared to conventional cars, the hybrid technology is still under development. With hybrid cars reducing the need for petroleum and taking the place of fossil-fueled trucks on the freeways and minor roads of America, users of the large hybrid vehicles have noted that the environment-friendly vehicle comes with a few problems.

Unsatisfactory Fuel Savings

According to CNNMoney.com, even if hybrid vehicles save money on gas, owners of large hybrid vehicles find that their fuel savings are canceled out by the higher cost of acquisition. CNN.com says that it could take many years before one would recoup the difference in cost amount she would save in gas. In addition, the value of large hybrid trucks depreciates quickly. Buying a hybrid truck for economical reasons is not recommended by experts at Consumer Reports.

Engine Shut Down

Though hybrid cars are certainly the wave of the future, they still suffer from various technical problems. According to Hybridcars.com, under certain circumstances, many hybrid cars have issues where their engines shut down automatically and suddenly at inconvenient times.

Costly Repairs

When hybrids experience problems, having them fixed is more expensive then conventional fossil-fueled cars. With complex technology which comprises two motors and ancillary systems, a heavy battery and a regeneration system for braking, specially-trained mechanics must perform the repairs, and that comes at a premium. Also, a hybrid owner does not only spend more money in repairs, but also more time, as repairs often take longer on hybrid models.

Highway Energy Loss

Energy is restored by hybrid cars when braking. Driving on highways would mean less braking and less energy regeneration. Therefore, the gas engine is doing all of the work when cruising along the freeway. Only when the driver steps on the brakes is energy generated to charge the batteries. Since most large trucks are designed for transporting things over long distances driving mostly on a highway and not in the city, the vehicle has little-to-no opportunity to regenerate.