Myth #1-Hybrids are slow and under powered. The fact is hybrids are just as powerful as conventional cars. The driver may be a little more careful and conservative by choice.

Myth #2-Hybrid owners are Liberals and tree huggers. The fact is Hybrid owners may or may not be.  Conserving fuel is now a way to deal with national security concerns, climate change, and energy independence. Bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress promotes the use of alternative fuels and hybrids.

Myth #3-You need to plug in a hybrid car. The fact is the Prius does not have to be plugged in. The hybrid's rechargeable batteries take excess engine and braking power to recharge the battery. The process is automatic, so no special requirements are given to the driver. The ability to connect a hybrid into the electric grid overnight would require a larger set of batteries and possibly yield 100 mpg. Auto manufacturers have been reluctant to bring plug-ins to the  market. Until a car company takes a chance on the great potential of plug-in technology, hybrids don't require plugging into regular power from home.

Myth #3-Hybrid batteries need to be replaced.  The fact is the standard warranty on hybrid batteries and other components is between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer and your location. That doesn't mean the batteries will die at 100,000 miles. Most batteries can be refurbished, recycled and reused.

Myth #4-Hybrids are a new phenomenon. The fact is in the 1900s, American car companies produced steam, electric, and gasoline cars in almost equal numbers.  In 1905 an American engineer named H. Piper filed the first patent for a gas-electric hybrid vehicle.

Myth #5-Hybrids are expensive. The fact is this year hybrids are available in many different models ranging in price from $19,000 to $52,000. The most efficient models are well equipped for under $30,000. When manufacturers offer hybrid versions of all its most popular models the incremental cost of hybrids may be as much as half of the cost in a few years. The hybrid premium is estimated at $3,000 and is offset by federal and state tax incentives, fuel efficiency, and strong resale values.

Myth #6-Hybrid technology is only a fad.  The fact is the debate over the future of automotive technology has now turned toward finding the best ways to combine systems and fuels in a single vehicle. The experience producing hybrid gas/electric vehicles has given engineers the knowledge required to develop systems to combine multiple sources of power. This is not a fad. In the not to distant future I believe that single engine power and single fuel will be a memory preserved in museums.

Myth #7-Hummer is more green than a Prius. This one is laughable. These stories turn up now and then based soley on conjecture, folklore and fables. The fact is obvious, the simple explanation is the correct one.