Fuel types: the pros and cons

Hybrid, electric, hydrogen-fuel cell

For: Hybrid petrol-electric engines are cleaner and more efficient than diesel and petrol vehicles. In traffic, hybrids can run solely on electric power, reducing emissions dramatically. Electric vehicles can be recharged overnight and emit no emissions, while fuel-cell and hydrogen-powered vehicles emit only water from their tailpipes.


Against: Hybrids are much more expensive than petrol vehicles. It takes a long time for the cheaper fuel to pay you back for your initial outlay. Batteries are expensive to replace. Electric vehicles are also limited in their range and indirectly use fossil fuels through the electricity grid. Fuel-cell and hydrogen vehicles can experience problems with cold starts.

2007 Toyota Prius

The 2007 Prius is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the 4-Door Liftback and the Touring.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 110-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 60-mpg in the city and 51-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2007 Prius is a carryover from 2006.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid will be unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Motor Show which begins on the 16th of November 2007 - that’s this Friday. The new Cayenne Hybrid uses a Full-Parallel Hybrid system that enables the hybrid SUV to comsume less than 9 liters per 100km travelled, a feat for a huge SUV like the Cayenne.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

The 2008 Malibu Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the HY.

Upon introduction, the Malibu Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 164-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2008 Malibu Hybrid is redesigned for 2008.

2007 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2007 Accord Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the 5-Spd AT and the 5-Spd AT w/ Nav System.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 253-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 28-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2007 Accord Hybrid is a carryover from 2006.