For anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new gas/electric vehicles are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles are now being made by more engineers than ever.

Although gas/electric vehicles cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new auto.

Smaller, More Efficient Engines

The hybrid vehicles fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic motor shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid cars engine temporarily shuts off. The motor restarts automatically when the auto is put back in gear.

Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gas power plant backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the vehicle is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.

With this collection of advanced fuel resourcefulness features, hybrid vehicles can outperform typical cars, trucks and suvs in several arenas.

Environmental Friendliness

Another reason hybrid powered vehicles are more environmentally friendly than conventional fuel engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less contamination than other, non-hybrid powered vehicles. Some gas/electric vehicles are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gasoline power plant. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.

Many hybrid vehicles use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel resourcefulness. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrid vehicles also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated performance management that contributes to fuel performance.

Adoration Enhances Styles And Choices

More makes and models are now being offered as the favor of hybrids continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.

You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrids on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.

Tax Incentives Available

People who buy gas/electric vehicles can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2006. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer gas/electric car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid vehicles a good buy.

Fuel Practicality Becomes A Reality

Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrid cars first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.

Its been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.