BROWSE CAR REVIEWS BY:
MAKE
MODEL
Click on a car body type for search results.
 |
 |
| SUVs (two rows) | SUVs (three rows) |
 |
 |
| Crossover | Minivans |
 |
 |
| Sedan | Hybrids |
 |
 |
| Wagons/Hatchbacks | Just for Fun |
Tackling the Myths About Hybrids
Mar 05 2009 by Courtney Messenbaugh
Ever since hybrid cars hit the marketplace, I’ve heard several theories on why they’re wolves in sheep’s clothing. My husband and I recently bought a Ford Escape Hybrid; I wanted to investigate a few of these theories because I want to drive my hybrid with pride instead of guilt.
Hybrids and Blind People
Blind people often rely on some motor noise from cars to determine if it’s safe to cross the street. When hybrid cars are in electric-only mode they run so quietly that it’s tough for blind people to hear them. The National Federation of the Blind has been raising awareness about this problem, but there isn’t a quick fix to make hybrid engines louder.
One stellar solution — this is crazy, so bear with me — is for hybrid drivers (and heck, even non-hybrid drivers) to pay attention to pedestrians who are crossing the street. Blind or not, pedestrians shouldn’t have to constantly be on the defensive when crossing the street. It’s the law in most states that pedestrians have the right of way. It’s a crazy idea, but it just might work.
Hybrids and Electromagnetic Fields
Another potential problem with hybrids is they emit an electromagnetic field, which some people think may cause cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, there’s little evidence that EMFs cause cancer. EMFs are all around us and are caused by any electrical appliance, according to the Institute. It seems that everything causes cancer these days — even good old-fashioned sunshine — so I’m taking this hybrid concern with a grain of salt. The bottom line is more research will need to be done, but I wouldn’t worry about this one too much.
Hybrids and Battery Disposal
People have raised concerns about hybrid batteries filling landfills and emitting toxic carcinogens all over the place. The nickel-metal-hydride batteries used in hybrids are considered dry-cell batteries and are non-hazardous waste (except in California), according to Chrysler. Chrysler and other automakers encourage hybrid owners to recycle their batteries, when the time comes. When hybrids first came out there was a lot of concern that the battery packs would have to be replaced, but that hasn’t been the case — even with the first Priuses.
My husband is a real stickler for recycling the batteries we use in our many baby toys (did you ever notice how many batteries you go through when you have a baby?). I know he’ll do the same with our hybrid, if it ever comes to that.
User Comments
carl your a joke to humanity and to this column. besides, your statement about the prius…who was speaking about a prius? Jeep is one of the biggest failures in the automotive industry. your cherokee has nothing on any other suv if comparing quality and real use. chrysler should die.
WOW Chez
You seem mad at the world…. Don’t be mad because you just got let go from your job. Or is it because you can’t afford anything more expensive than a Chevy Cobalt?? Get a life LOSER!
I have heard that the cost of the replacement batteries is as much as half the cost of the hybrid when it was new. Is the fact or myth?
people these days are dealing with an alternative to fuel-dependent -bully dog- cars through hybrids.
Chez, I am so sorry to disagree with you but I really don’t think that Jeeps are the biggest disgrace or mistake that the auto industry had ever have. Carl’s jeep has even more durable jep grand cherokee parts than other standard sedan or the like that you can use of off-roading.
mmmmmmmm I think I’ll stick with my Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Hemi. More powerful and safer than a Prius.