"As far as I can tell, the 'hybrids ain't so great' rumors are patently untrue," says Umbra at Grist. With Cher making headlines by proclaiming that hybrids are BS, I wanted to share some information that I found before buying my hybrid, as well as some newer research and information. It's time to debunk the hybrid myths.
Myth #1: Hybrids are overall worse for the environment than Hummers.
This bit of "bad science" was circulating around and some anti-environmentalists are still clinging to it. In 2007, the Pacific Institute issued a paper debunking this myth. Read the PDF here.
Myth #2: The manufacturing process for hybrids is so environmentally unfriendly that it cancels out the gas you're saving.
Research from the Argonne National Laboratory and the Rocky Mountain Institute has proven that the fuel savings you get in a hybrid MORE than make up for the eco-unfriendliness of the manufacturing process.
Myth #3: You have to be wealthy to buy a hybrid.
A brand new Toyota Prius starts at $22,800, just about $3,000 more than a non-hybrid Camry. The Honda Civic hybrid is similarly priced. These aren't expensive cars. The wealthy can get a BMW ActiveHybrid for over $100,000. (Yikes!)... read more