Hybrid cars are nothing new. Toyota brought the first mass-produced hybrid to market in Japan as far back as 1997, over a decade ago. However, they didn’t hit American car markets until 2000. Now, however, they are here to stay, and are even being given tax credits in the USA . The UK adopts a similar policy, revealed in the last budget, keeping road tax low for greener vehicles .

Hybrids have many advantages, not least their fuel economy. Hybrid vehicles can save considerable pennies per gallon because the electric motor works alongside the gasoline engine.

Hybrids are also better for the environment, emitting lower levels of toxic emissions when compared to conventional vehicles. Tailpipe emissions can be cut down by as much as 50 per cent.

Tax incentives in America are also very favourable for hybrid cars, meaning a further cut on expense for forward-thinking hybrid car drivers.