• Hybrid cars are becoming more popular these days with the rising concern of air pollution, global warming and dependence on foreign oil. For the most part, hybrid cars get superior gas mileage over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, and that is what attracts many drivers to the hybrid vehicles. While there are a number of advantages, there are also some cons to owning a hybrid car that you should consider before making your decision.
  
  

Price

• Typically, hybrid cars cost between $2,000 and $5,000 more than comparable non-hybrids. In addition to the added price, some states also charge more to register a hybrid vehicle. The batteries, which are one of the main driving forces behind a hybrid engine, are also expensive to replace. According to Hybrid-Cars.org, batteries in hybrid cars need to be changed every 80,000-100,000 miles. Currently, batteries can cost as much as $8,000. Manufacturers are working on bringing the price down, but for now, batteries are a costly expense.
  
  

Noise Level

• According to a podcast on Scientific American, there have been many complaints from hybrid drivers who say their vehicle is too quiet. On long road trips at night, the lack of noise can be hypnotizing and cause some drivers to become drowsy. The podcast also cites a study conducted by the University of California in Riverside that states the lack of noise is dangerous to pedestrians because they cannot hear a hybrid vehicle coming.
  
  

Less Power

• One of the cons of owning a hybrid car is that they do not accelerate as quickly as vehicles with traditional engines. When you press on the gas pedal, it takes a hybrid vehicle longer to get up to the driving speed. For some drivers, this is an inconvenience.
  
  

Fewer Available Parts

• Although hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more popular, parts for some models and brands are not as readily available as parts for other vehicles.