Hybrid SUV

About Hybrid SUVs

Basically, the hybrid sports utility vehicle or SUV, combines the gasoline engine with an electric motor to achieve the following objectives:

• Better gas mileage than a non-hybrid SUV
• Increased power for hauling
• Less emissions to pollute the air
• Smoother ride
• Less noise
• Longer battery life

How it Differs From an Electric Vehicle

An electric vehicle is run by an electric battery that is powered by the sun, wind or electricity. The electric vehicle, or EV, has no tailpipe emissions while the hybrid SUV does, because it runs on gasoline.

Hybrid SUV: Good For the Environment?

Sports utility vehicles are enjoyed for their roomy interiors as well as their powerful ability to haul boats and equipment. However, a non-hybrid only gets about 20 miles to the gallon in the city.

Some of the newer hybrid sports utility vehicle models are getting 30 miles to the gallon around town and 34 MPG (miles per gallon) on the highway.

As an example, we can compare the Ford Escape and the Ford Escape Hybrid, both SUVs. The Ford Escape gets an EPA estimated at 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The Ford Escape Hybrid gets 36 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway.

Aside from better gas mileage, which of course means spending less at the pump on fuel, what are other features that help to make the hybrid SUV more energy-efficient and eco-friendly?

There are a number of advanced technologies used by hybrids to conserve energy and three of these include:

• Regenerative Braking - This feature stores unused energy in a battery and can be supplied when the electric motor needs the energy. The electric motor applies resistance to the drive train and this makes the wheels slow down. Then the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which operates like a generator, converting into electricity energy normally wasted during coasting and braking.

• Automatic Start and Shutoff - When the vehicle is sitting in traffic, the engine automatically shuts off only to restart when the accelerator is pressed. This device cuts down on fuel consumption when the SUV is idle.

• Electric Motor Drive - The electric motor provides power to assist the internal combustion engine in accelerating, passing, or hill or mountain climbing. Due to this feature, a smaller and more efficient engine is used.

Hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle Models

With the sale of hybrids rapidly increasing within the last two years, every car manufacturer is jumping on the band wagon to create their own hybrid line. Some of the hybrid SUVs on the market today include:

• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
• Saturn Vue Hybrid
• Lexus RX 400h Hybrid SUV
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• GMC Yukon Hybrid
• Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid
• Dodge Durango
• Chrysler Aspen

The Cost

To purchase a brand-new hybrid SUV, you will be looking at a cost of $25,000 for the Saturn Vue Hybrid or $42,000 for the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid.

Compare Before You Buy

If you are considering a hybrid SUV, check out the Fuel Economy website to view the models available. Here you will be able to compare the following:

• Estimated new MPG (miles per gallon) in both the city and on the highway
• Annual fuel cost
• Carbon score, which means how much CO2 the vehicle emits per year
• Overall air pollution score

Tax Credit

In addition to the hybrid SUV being a green car to drive, owners can be eligible for a new energy tax credit. Not only will you get money back, but you will be helping the environment when you purchase a hybrid as opposed to a traditional combustion engine SUV.