These Are The Biggest Myths About Hybrid Cars

I have a confession: I don’t compost. I don't always recycle plastic bags, and I probably take longer showers than I should. In fact, two weeks ago, I didn’t know what, exactly, a hybrid car really was.

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That all changed when I got to test drive the first of Toyota’s all-new, all-electric RAV4 EV and got schooled on the entire Prius family -- the original Prius that made hybrids famous, the Prius C, V and even the Plug-In.

My time with Toyota made me think twice about traditional gas-powered cars. All the fears I'd always had about non-gas motored engines fell away as I learned about all the precautions and technology that went into these hybrids.

Which made me realize: Clearing up misconceptions about hybrids is crucial to getting people to realize, like I did, that there are plenty of ways to save energy in parts of your life where you won’t even notice the change. So, in an attempt to dispel any myths holding you back from going green, here are the 10 biggest misconceptions about hybrids.

More Women Than Men Drive Hybrids

Actually, the stats say that for the regular Prius, it's exactly 50/50. "If anything, it’s a little heavier on the men [drivers] because of the technology side. There’s a strong tech allure to the Prius," says Erica Gartsbeyn, Prius product manager at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

Even more surprisingly, the Prius Plug-In has a 67% male driver base, while the Prius C is 56% male-driven. The Prius C and V are more popular with women, however, most likely due to the feminine styling and colors.

Hybrids Aren't Fun To Drive

This just blatantly isn't true. Anyone who's been behind the wheel of a hybrid knows that the number of technology systems (from the premium seven-inch display audio with navigation and eco-drive monitor in the Prius to the EV's eight-inch touchscreen that supplies navigation and telematics showing exactly how much power you’re using) make these cars pretty fun to drive.

"People have begun to 'gamify' their driving habits," says Gartsbeyn. "The Prius has provided them with a number of different technology systems, and all of that becomes sort of a game to Prius drivers. They have tricks they talk about online. It’s become a little community-discussion board." Interested? Visit Prius Chat for a taste.

Hybrids Are Only For A Niche Buyer

Considering that Toyota has sold over 1.2 million Priuses in the U.S -- and globally over four million hybrids -- this myth seems to be on the decline. Furthermore, for Prius C buyers, 84% of them are buying their first hybrid. And for Prius V, 70% are first-time buyers. "It’s not only about loyalty anymore," says Gartsbeyn. "EVs and plug-ins may be niche, but hybrids have moved more toward the mainstream."

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