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A growing dependence on imported oil, along with a heightened concern about the environment, has led to my increased interest in electric cars as an alternative to traditional gas-powered automobiles. True electric vehicles do not seem to achieve the requirements of the American car-buying public because of their high cost, which can be up to $30,000 or more for a compact car (Motavalli 2). Battery systems for electric vehicles are improving, but with their limited range of travel, they are still not feasible for most people. In addition, I believe that the average person making the decision to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles would demand that those vehicles be comfortable, attractive, convenient, and affordable to purchase and maintain. Newly available automotive technology, known as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), appears to fill these requirements. Hybrid power systems were conceived as a way to compensate for the shortfall in battery technology (Office of Transportation Technologies, HEV program). Hybrid electric vehicles recharge as you drive, get approximately double the miles per gallon of gas than current vehicles (Toyota, technology) and can be refueled at any gas station. Each hybrid vehicle will produce thousands fewer pounds of pollutants than the vehicles currently on the road.
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