by 
The Curious Bag
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Hybrid cars generally get between 40 and 70 miles per gallon, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, and higher gas mileage translates into savings for consumers. With more than 1 million hybrid cars on the road in the United States, however, hybrids not only ease stress at the gas pump, but have the potential to positively impact the environment.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Hybrid cars help reduce the demand for and consumption of gasoline. Vehicles that use more gasoline create more carbon dioxide, which is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Lower Emissions
Hybrids have lower greenhouse emissions than comparable conventional cars, and when in all-electric mode, "operate with no emissions," according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Smog Reduction
Hybrid cars combat the deterioration of urban air, according to weather.com, reducing smog-forming pollutants that cause health problems.
Features
Hybrid cars reduce fossil fuel consumption by nearly half by switching to electric when running at a constant speed or idling, according to Alternative Energy News.
Potential
As hybrid technology advances, reports the U.S. Department of Energy, renewable and domestically produced alternative fuels will cut back the demand for petroleum, significantly reducing both the import and consumption of petroleum.
Source:
U.S. Department of Energy: Alternative and Advanced Vehicles
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