‘Hybrid’ is a small word big on meaning

What does the word "hybrid" mean to you? I'm only asking because I recently read that the bulk of people out in Readerland still have no idea what a hybrid vehicle is and that those who think they do are usually wrong. The media throws around the word "hybrid" as a common piece of jargon, but has anyone really provided some background information on what the word means?

Hybrid vehicles require serious examination since there are more of them on the streets every day.

Are they worth the extra cost to buy? Will they last? Is there really that much of a fuel savings? The answers largely depend on just how much lead is in your right foot.

A hybrid is generally considered a vehicle that uses a combination of electric motor and gasoline engine to drive the wheels. In most cases, the electric motor helps the vehicle get rolling and then shuts down when a certain speed is reached. The electric motor is powered by a high-voltage battery pack that's recharged when the vehicle is coasting or when the brakes are applied.

Electric vehicles, in particular, have been around much longer than many of us realize. For decades, we have been experimenting with various types of fuel and means of powering our automobiles without gasoline, thereby reducing our costs of driving and helping to protect our environment, since burning fossil fuels creates pollution.

It's also widely believed that hydrogen-powered vehicles are the ultimate answer. Hydrogen, although apparently abundant, is not yet easy, or efficient, to obtain in any great quantity. Hydrogen's chief benefit is that there are no harmful tailpipe emissions, just water vapor. In hydrogen vehicles, the hydrogen is converted to electricity to propel the electric motors.

In recent years, especially with pressure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Greenpeace advocates and other environmental activists -- even actors -- promoting the preservation of our planet, hybrid-powered vehicles have been heavily encouraged as the proper and politically correct means of transportation.

I certainly feel, like most people on the planet, that it's important to reduce tailpipe emissions. However, recent news reports and public opinion surrounding the topic of hybrids and their pros and cons have me curious as to whether they are truly better than similarly size and powered traditional gas-only automobiles. I'm sure I'm not alone in wondering.

Yes, it's true that a hybrid vehicle can get better economy, depending on how you drive, of course. A good way to ensure that you see as little return on your investment as possible is to drive with a heavy right foot. Assuming you're prudent with pedal, less gas is consumed, which means less environmental crud out the tailpipe. On the flip side, hybrid vehicles require large-voltage batteries (more than 200 volts in many cases) that will need replacing at some point, perhaps in the eight- to 10-year range. At what cost? And what will become of the old batteries? Will their remains eventually wind up in landfills? Will they be recyclable or rebuildable?

The point is we don't yet really know all of the answers, as few hybrid cars have lived long enough to tell the whole tale. Most talk on the subject is just that.

Certainly hybrids are priced higher than their equivalent gas-powered counterparts, but that gap seems to be narrowing. In the case of the Lincoln MKZ, the hybrid version is priced the same as the gas-only model. That means savings, like, right now.

In another twist, to take your mind off fuel savings, Lexus is actually offering hybrid luxury models. Most offer improved acceleration over their gas-only counterparts, which will no doubt persuade buyers into the hybrid camp, but for a completely different reason than saving money on gas.

Maybe automakers got it wrong by trying to compete with their own economy cars? Wouldn't the fuel savings be much greater on vehicles that consume more, such as sport utility vehicles and pickups?

I don't know about you, but I'm still weighing all of the factors, as I research and continue to engage myself in healthy debates with fellow automotive enthusiasts on the topic. I encourage you to consider these points as well and I welcome any thoughts you might want to share about the hybrid movement.

Among her numerous accomplishments, Courtney Hansen is the author of "Garage Girl's Guide to Everything you Need to Know About your Car," the host of Spike TV's "Power Block," the former host of TLC's "Overhaulin'" program and a writer with Wheelbase Media and Auto Shift Weekly magazine. You can email her by logging on to www.wheelbase.ws and using the contact link.