All hybrids save money in long run?

"Across the board, we found that all 22 hybrid vehicles have a better total cost of ownership over five years or 70,000 miles than the vehicles they directly compete against," said James Bell, Intellichoice.com's publisher.

"Hybrids are proving themselves to be an excellent alternative for car buyers," Bell said. "Even when factoring in the additional upfront costs for their purchase, the long-term savings hybrids generate makes them a sensible and attractive purchase."

While tax incentives probably make this fact true, mass production of these vehicles would bring the costs down to a point that tax incentives probably wouldn't be needed. As a result as well, massive amounts of money would be pumped into research and development for making hybrid cars better. For example, hybrid battery technology has the potential, by itself, to completely revolutionize the automotive industry.

More important, as this study indicates, we can bring costs down, fund R&D, and save money while doing it! So, make your next vehicle purchase a hybrid vehicle. If your favorite automaker doesn't make a hybrid, let them know you want a hybrid.