The sale of hybrid cars in the UK has been slow; since 1997, only 8,000 hybrid cars have been sold. There are two reasons for this slow sales trend. The first is that hybrid cars were a new technology and people were not comfortable with it. The other reason was the price; hybrid cars cost much more than conventional cars. Another reason was that hybrid cars were not very appealing and practical. Unusual bodylines bulky and heavy battery packs took up a lot of space inside the car.

Recent hybrid cars use two power sources, an electric motor and a conventional petrol engine. Batteries supply the power to the electric motor and the batteries get charged when the petrol engine switches on, or when the car is coasting or braking. The petrol engine is smaller than what would be required to power a conventional car of the same size and weight. Some hybrid cars only use the electric power at lower speeds. When more power is required, the petrol engine kicks in; by this combination and distribution of power use, the fuel consumption is better and the emissions are less. Car manufacturers have tried different methodologies in using the two power sources.

It was really the Toyota Prius that was the first four door hatchback hybrid that made an impression on customers. Except for the shape of the boot and taillights, the car critics had very little to criticize about the Toyota Prius. Many celebrities also went in for green cars and most of them bought the Toyota Prius.

Honda had been struggling with their hybrid technology, and after seeing the success of the Toyota Prius, they decided to drop their Integrated Motor Assist in favour of technology, similar to the Prius. The Honda Hybrid Civic is a four door saloon that has sold well in the US and Japan, where saloon cars are more popular. In the UK, sales have been slow as the people prefer hatchbacks and estate cars.

The luxury line Lexus by Toyota made a very big impression in hybrid cars by launching a hybrid model of their flagship the LS 600h. With the success of the LS 600h Lexus introduced the RX 400h, and the GS 450h. This success in luxury and conventional cars drove other car manufacturers to invest in developing hybrid cars.

Right now, a number of European car manufacturers have also announced their hybrid cars. Volkswagen Golf, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Pininfarina, Mercedes, Vauxhall, Hyundai, Kia, Audi, Volvo, Suzuki and a number of other car makers have already displayed their next generation of hybrid cars. These will go on sale shortly, and by 2012, all the major car manufacturers will have a hybrid on the market.

Some car makers are busy in developing diesel-electric hybrid cars, and once they have been successfully tested, we can expect to see them being launched. Diesel electric hybrids will have lower emissions than petrol electric and should give better fuel consumption.

Hybrid cars prices are also predicted to come down and will cost the same as conventional cars or just slightly more. Car buyers would definitely shift to hybrid cars as they will get better fuel economy and pay lesser tax than conventional cars. Fuel prices will keep rising as oil reserves keep on depleting. Hybrid cars will also help in making the planet greener. A hybrid car will deliver the same performance as a conventional car, and car owners will not be less satisfied by their performance or comfort.

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