Another competitors to the standard hybrid cars are electric cars. Until now these have been more of a novelty or student type project. But now with lightweight chassis and panels being easier to product and smaller high-powered long lasting batteries falling in cost, they are beginning to look much more like a viable proposition. The limited range and the need for mains recharging of the batteries make this only practical for short range or town driving and are unlikely to overtake (in any way) Hybrid cars at the moment.

Fuel cell cars are another alternative to hybrid cars and are thought by many to be one of the best options for virtually emission free motoring. Motorists would buy fuel as liquid hydrogen this would then be mixed with oxygen from the air in much the same way as a conventional engine takes air and uses the oxygen to mix with the gas. This can be used to generate electric power to drive the car.

Although their are many alternatives hybrid cars still present the best and most viable way of increasing our fuel economy while lowering the emissions. Though with some of the new projects in the offing this may all change and we may see cleaner cars than ever appearing in our showrooms.