How do hybrid cars help the environment?

Answer by  blrVoice (1054)

Hybrid cars have an oil, diesel and electro motor. You can't reach high speed driving a diesel/ electro car. And it's really hard to drive uphill without an oil engine car. So by including all 3 types of engines into one vehicle, you can switch between them according to your needs and that helps to reduce the usage of oil.

Answer by  Timpridemore (149)

Overall, right now no they do not help yet. Electricity is predominately supplied from coal fired generation plants. You are burning more coal to use less gasoline.

Answer by  agc (108)

For one, they use less gas than a conventional automobile. This puts less pressure on the need to drill and develop more oil wells, which harm the environment. They also release less CO2 into the atmosphere, which can have an impact on global warming.

Answer by  Ron27 (465)

Hybrid cars use less energy than nonhybrids, but they also take way more energy to manufacture. Hybrid cars are only practical for people who drive a lot: if you typically drive short distances, a gasoline or diesel car is better for you.

Answer by  Ken56 (1160)

It's simple, but somewhat controversial. The primary way they help is by using less gas, and thus contribute a smaller carbon footprint, less polution. But some say the heavy batteries they require put carbon into the atmosphere in the long run because batteries are carbon intensive to manufacture.