These days it’s cool to be green. And while the environment is always a concern, high gas prices probably have more to do with America’s new found green movement than anything. No longer do we want those gas guzzlers - we want the fuel sipping hybrid cars to be the ones lining our driveways.

Only a few years ago talk of hybrid cars had consumers stepping back unsure; but today hybrids offer a practical choice for consumers, and more and more consumers are jumping on board.

So let’s take a look at what a hybrid is exactly. We all know they’re more fuel efficient, but why? Well, the hybrid has an electric motor (powered by a battery pack) that helps provide power needed with acceleration. The batteries are charging continuously while you drive.

One cool feature that you find on a lot of hybrids is that when you stop at a stoplight for more than a few seconds, the engine shuts off. Other hybrids will turn off unneeded cylinders when driving on the highway to save fuel.

Hybrids also help save gas by frequently using tires that are less roll resistant and that are narrower to help reduce drag and rolling friction that the vehicle would normally experience while moving.

In 2004, out of the 17 million vehicles sold there were around 80,000 hybrid vehicles sold. By 2005 that number had increased by 1.2% to 200,000, and now manufacturers can’t keep up with the demand for these vehicles.

There are several hybrids currently available in North America. They include the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, and the Mercury Mariner. There are also Hybrid SUVs available - the Ford Escape, the Lexas 400H and the Toyota Highlander. Pretty much every manufacturer has at least one entry in this market.

Right now the top hybrid on the planet would be the Toyota Prius. There are currently over 1,000,000 Prius’ on the road right now.

Every year more and more hybrid models are introduced. 2010 is shaping up to be an especially good year with a slew of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles coming out. Gasoline’s days are numbered.

While none of us has a crystal ball to know exactly what we’ll be driving 50 years in the future, the hybrid is certainly going to be a prominent player in the quest to save gas for years to come.