Six myths about hybrid vehicles.

As hybrid vehicles continue to get more popular, questions are emerging about this relatively new technology. Here are the six most common myths about hybrid vehicles.

Myth One
Hybrids are far more expensive than conventional vehicles.
It really depends on the model. The Lexus RX400h is about $7,000 more than the Lexus RX350. That's a big difference. For other models the difference is not that dramatic. Let's look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. It costs $29,840. If you compare that to a basic Mercury Mariner priced at $21,995, the difference is huge. But that isn't a fair comparison. The Mariner Hybrid has far more equipment than a basic Mariner. A closer comparison is with the Mariner Luxury AWD that starts at $26,650.

The difference of $3,190 is offset by the $670 you'll save each year on fuel according to the EPA. Therefore it'll take just under 5 years to pay the difference. This is not including tax incentives that would also lower the cost of the hybrid, reducing the gap between the two. If the price of gas goes up it'll take less time to recoup the initial cost. But hybrids offer more than just better fuel economy. They pollute far less emissions into the atmosphere. Many people are buying hybrids because they are a smarter choice for the environment.

Myth Two
Hybrids are slower and less powerful than conventional vehicles.
Again it depends on the model. The Civic Hybrid is slower and less powerful than the conventional Civic sedan. But the Toyota Highlander is faster than the regular Highlander V6 (0-60mph in 7.2 sec vs. 7.6 sec) and more powerful (268hp vs. 215hp). The Honda Accord Hybrid is the most powerful Honda Accord ever offered, making 253hp vs. 244hp the gasoline variant makes. And take a look at the new for 2007 Lexus GS450h. It goes 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds.

Myth Three
Hybrid batteries need to be replaced often.
Hybrids are designed to keep the batteries charged between 30%-80%. This ensures that the batteries last the lifetime of the vehicle. Of course eventually the batteries need to be replaced. Honda states that their batteries are designed to last 10 years. The Toyota Prius comes with an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty on all hybrid-related components, including the battery. Most industry sources suggest the batteries should last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before needing to be replaced.

Myth Four
Hybrid vehicles need to be plugged in.
This is not true. Hybrids are completely self-sufficient and do not require any outside source to recharge the batteries. The batteries recharge by capturing energy from the brakes, known as regenerative braking.

Myth Five
Hybrid vehicles cannot be driven in cold climates.
Again, this is not true. Hybrids can be driven in almost any climate. Most hybrid systems can operate effectively from about 20 degrees below Fahrenheit. The batteries can operate up to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit but they don't get that hot due to the air-cooling system, which is designed to keep the batteries cool.

Myth Six
Hybrids are worse for the environment long-term because the dead batteries will be hazardous.
This is a common misconception. Batteries in hybrid vehicles are designed to last between 8-10 years minimum. Yes, one day they will need to be replaced but hybrids use NiMH batteries which can be fully recycled. Toyota will actually pay up to $200 for every battery brought in to ensure that they are recycled.