A hybrid car is one that runs on a combination of electric powered batteries and gas. There are also fully-electric cars that can run for a period of time before needing recharging. Many car manufacturers offer hybrid vehicles including Toyota, Chevrolet, Nissan and Ford, giving consumers a variety of options to choose from. There are many advantages to owning a hybrid car that can make the purchase more enticing.
Gas Mileage
One of the more attractive factors of a hybrid car is the miles per gallon (MPG) that the car gets. For example, the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid receives an average of 35 miles per gallon in the city, with an average range of 700 miles on a full tank of gas. The standard 2010 Nissan Altima receives an average of 23 miles per gallon in the city, with an average range of 460 miles on a full tank of gas. The decrease in fuel costs can provide enough room in the car buyer's budget to cover the higher cost of purchasing a hybrid vehicle.
Tax Breaks
Purchasing a hybrid vehicle can lead to a federal income tax credit on the buyer's annual tax return. As of 2010, consumers could qualify for a credit of up to $3,400. To qualify, the taxpayer must be the owner of the vehicle, purchase or lease the car for use by himself and not for resale, and operate the vehicle mostly within the United States. To claim the credit, the taxpayer must report the credit on Form 8910 on his annual taxes. Additional credits may be available under individual state tax laws.
Environmental Advantages
Hybrids are largely popular with the environmentally friendly crowd, as the cars do not emit as many pollutants into the air. The cars work by using the electric motors when idling, and thus do not produce exhaust, leading to a decrease in smog levels. The ingredients found in auto exhaust add toxic pollutants to the atmosphere and can play a role in global warming. But a hybrid car's electric motor uses clean energy and does not produce the toxic ingredients found in normal auto exhaust.
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