Hybrids, stepping on the gas

Hybrid cars have been in the news for a while now and are increasingly being seen as practical alternatives to cars that run solely on conventional fossil fuels.

Despite the recent counter claims that have put down the fuel-efficiency advantage of the hybrids in real world conditions, the cost-benefit equation that these cars offer will surely be appreciated as crude oil prices continue to rise.

In the big, mature markets of the US, Europe and Japan, hybrids have completed the migration from being technology concepts to become mainstream automobiles.

But the higher price of the hybrid (compared to the same car's conventional fuel model) has meant that, at least till now, the buyers seem to be those who like to wear their tech `savviness' and environment consciousness on their sleeve. story continued