Hybrid cars have many advantages. They use less gas, thus releasing lower amounts of carbon monoxide into the air. They also lessen our dependence on oil. People in the United States who buy a new hybrid are eligible for a hefty tax credit. There are some disadvantages to hybrid cars, however, including some issues with the batteries.
Voltage
Some hybrid car batteries are constructed of metal hydrides which use very high voltages. This level of voltage could electrocute people in a collision if the battery wires become exposed.
Inconvenience
Older hybrid models use batteries that require recharging at least every two weeks can be inconvenient.
Replacement Cost
Another disadvantage of hybrid car batteries is they may need replacing after 150,000 to 200,000 miles. This is much less frequent than for a standard car battery, but hybrid car batteries also are much more expensive, running up to $3000 as of 2009.
Cold Weather
Some hybrid car batteries do not work as efficiently in cold weather, so the hybrid car owner does not save much on gas in these conditions.
Speed
Drivers looking for high-performance speed will not want a hybrid. The heavy batteries add excess weight to the car, and the cars have a smaller internal combustion engine to maximize efficiency.
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