I've always wondered this about hybrid cars...

[Catty1]

I would think it's the batteries, as that's the only thing I hear about!

Finding out that the hybrid ones are recyclable, to where the company has a $200 bounty on them, I find encouraging.

The old batteries are returnable also...I guess they are broken down and recycled as well.

[Lady's Human]

The problem with hybrids is that more energy is put into the manufacture of the hybrid drive system than the system will ever save over the life of the car. The battery manufacturing process is also extremely environmentally dirty as the batteries are manufactured in China where there are almost no environmental controls in place. I'll stick to my 30+ mpg gas engined car, thank you.

[Catty1]

Thanks, LH! That is good to know!

I'm hankering for a diesel car myself!

[Lady's Human]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opini...g_a_Prius.html

See the above link for SOME of the costs of hybrid cars.
They actually cost far more than they save. For a truly eco-friendly vehicle, anything that gets high gas mileage, be it diesel or gas, is better. I'm waiting on the diesels until they figure out engine longevity with the new low sulfur fuels. I'd love to see a TDI diesel in the states, but I don't think it's going to happen until the EPA stops cutting off our noses to spite our collective faces.