Even as alternative fuel cars become more commonplace, misconceptions abound about their drawbacks and utility. We clear up five of the most common myths.
Myth: Hybrids need to have expensive batteries that must be replaced periodically.
Fact: Consumer Reports and others have tested older Toyota Prius hybrids, some with well over 200,000 miles on the odometer, and found very little degradation in the batteries. Regardless, California requires a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty on hybrid batteries.
Myth: A hybrid always saves you money.
Fact: That really depends what how many you miles drive annually. Factoring tax and registration fees, a Honda Accord EX-L hybrid will cost about $3,800 more the same trim level regular Accord, according to TrueCar.