All About Plug-In Hybrids


Known as the eco-friendly car, hybrid cars that you plug in are considered symbols of the advanced future. The savings on gas adds up to the tune of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the car. Right now, plug-in hybrids are not available to the buying public. Instead, regular hybrid cars are the dominant money-saving choice available to consumers. But in spite of the plug-hybrid's current public unavailability, in 2009 or 2010 General Motors plans to put one on the market. So many people might want to know all about plug-in hybrid cars.

As early as 1899, hybrid cars were being produced. The producer of these fascinating cars in those early years was Lohner-Porsche. These hybrid cars had to be charged externally.

In 1969, there was a July issue of Popular science. This issue featured an article on a plug-in hybrid manufactured by General Motors. The concept was that this plug-in hybrid car was a vehicle meant for traveling average distances. Called the General Motors XP-883, it had six 12-volt lead batteries located in the trunk area. And it was meant to be plugged into a standard 110-volt socket for recharging, and the fuel tank could hold about 10 liters.

In September of 2004, the California Cars initiative made a 2004 Toyota Prius prototype into what it called a PRIUS+, the difference being that the converted model had an add-on -- there were 130 kg of lead-acid batteries onboard.
Ford motor company says it plans to sell plug-in hybrids in about the next five to ten years. Everything depends on improvements made to lithium ion batteries. So don't you want to drive of these hybrid cars? With a plugin hybrid car, you'll be the envy of your friends who are just driving regular hybrid cars. You'll be able to travel on and on without looking for an Exxon or Texaco station.

And these types of hybrid cars aren't waiting for someone to bring them out on the auto showroom floor. Somehow, these hybrid cars have infiltrated themselves into the media. That's why people just love hybrid cars in general. And when you think about a plug-in hybrid, you can hardly believe what advances auto manufacturers are making these days.

It is said that there is a global demand for hybrid cars that is unbelievable. In fact, the demand is expected to grow. Therefore, by the year 2010, it is expected that more than 1 million vehicles will be produced annually. And if some of these hybrid cars were made so that they could run on electricity alone, there would be an even greater increase in demand.

But in terms of plug-hybrids, some people may not even believe these hybrid cars are really coming out since what they will be able to do is so awe-inspiring. But plug-in hybrids are definitely on their way. Supposedly, Daimler Chrysler is about to come out with 100 delivery vans that can go 20 miles just on electricity. So get ready, plug-in hybrid cars are definitely coming to an auto dealer near you.

Three Types of People Who Shouldn't Buy A Hybrid Car

Thinking of getting a hybrid car? Well maybe you should think twice. Hybrid cars aren't for everyone you know.
Ideally, everyone would have one, but realistically, that just can't happen. Hybrid cars are just wonderful cars in general, but for those of you who are not right for the hybrid car, there are other good cars on the market. These are three types of people who should not buy a hybrid car.

The Wasteful Type
This person doesn't care about wasted air, wasted gas, or wasted money. He or she would rather just drive around
 and let their conventional cars be a detriment to the atmosphere. Wasteful people only care about themselves, and they aren't interested in learning anything different. They want to drive on. That's all. The hybrid car isn't for these types.

The Here and Now Type
These people only care about the present. If conventional cars are dominating the roads now, a conventional car is what they want. It's all about what's going on today. Who cares if a shiny new, futuristic hybrid car pulls up next to them at a stoplight? The point is, they don't need to turn heads. They need to just blend in. That's how they get by. So hybrid cars aren't for these types at all. Anyone driving a hybrid car is sure to turn a head or two because there are thousands and even millions of people driving conventional cars. So of course when a person drives a hybrid car, people notice.

The I-Don't-Need-A-Budget Type
This type is totally unaware of where their money is going. They figure that if they get paid more money than what they need each month; they don't really need to care. Who cares how you spend it if you are going to have money left over anyway? These types of people just don't know what it's like to possibly save money. They just can't conceive it. But the hybrid car saves people more than a little change. It may even save them money on break pads because hybrid cars have a breaking system that just keeps on renewing itself.

The Cars-Shouldn't-Run-On-Batteries Type
These types of people may be so set in their ways that they believe hybrid cars are completely electric. Well, these people can just keep on thinking that. They couldn't be further from the truth. Hybrid cars are more than just electric. In fact, to call hybrid cars electric cars wouldn't do them a bit of justice. These cars don't get their kicks from wall sockets or anything like that. Hybrid cars differ greatly from electric cars. But you have to drive a hybrid car and get a good look under the hood to find out just how much better hybrid cars are than electric cars.


So, have you figured out if a hybrid car is for you yet? Well, even if it isn't, don't worry, you can still buy one. There's no need to wait either. I'm sure you could be doing better than the conventional car you have.