xcel
10-12-2006, 02:03 AM
Those who persist in driving gas hogs will pay a steeper and steeper price in the future for their unwise transportation choices. (http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/spectrum/index.php?ntid=102779&ntpid=1)
Wisconsin State Journal - Oct. 11, 2006
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2006_Toyota_Prius_II.jpg
I am the very happy owner of a 2006 Prius that averages more than 50 miles per gallon …
Gasoline prices have dropped recently, but a growing number of drivers are trading in their vehicles for electric-gas hybrid models. The hybrids typically get much better gas mileage and they pollute less. They also cost thousands of dollars more than their non-hybrid cousins.
Viewpoints:
Continued high cost of gasoline makes hybrids a smart buy.
American auto manufacturers should have seen hybrids coming.
Maintenance expenses are too high for hybrids.
Limiting emissions is worth the extra price.
Hybrid vehicle is only wise choice
With global peak oil production likely by 2010, not buying a fuel-efficient hybrid (or plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle) as one's next vehicle is unwise.
Gas at $10 per gallon is likely within the useful life of any new vehicle purchased today, even if general peace and tranquility breaks out in the Middle East. At the likely prices, the higher-cost hybrid will pay for itself several times over.
Those who persist in driving gas hogs will pay a steeper and steeper price in the future for their unwise transportation choices.
- Robert H. Owen Jr., Middleton
American automakers missed the boat
I am the very happy owner of a 2006 Prius. It averages more than 50 miles per gallon, has lots of room and is comfortable - the best vehicle I've ever owned. The manufacturer can't keep up with the demand.
I have no sympathy for the American auto manufacturers. They should have seen this coming. How long after the election before the price of gas will go up again?
- Mike Duren, Mazomanie
Maintenance expense much too high
No, I would not buy a hybrid car. While hybrid vehicles are certainly an advance in terms of energy usage, a problem with them could be a matter of economics.
In addition to the higher price of $3,000 to $7,000 for a new vehicle, there is also the expense of replacing the battery pack when the warranty expires at 80,000 miles or eight years. The dealer I called quoted replacement costs of $3,000 to $4,000, plus $400 for labor.
That is today's price. What will it be in several years as these parts become old and obsolete. Will there be improvements in technology that will result in lower prices, or will they be higher because of age and obsolescence?
- Dennis W. Gordon, Madison
Limiting emissions is worth the price
I see buying a hybrid car as a bridge to the future. Basically, our planet will soon require us to stop burning things.
Consider two facts: Roughly 90 percent of all car trips by Americans are under 20 miles a day, and the dirtiest air pollution from an automobile is produced during the first mile of driving. Think of the difference hybrid-electric cars could make on greenhouse gas emissions.
And if you convert your hybrid to a plug-in, you are running the first 40-plus miles strictly on electricity, which equals no tailpipe emissions. And if you put six or seven solar panels on your roof, you can charge your car on the sun's energy, which equals no emissions at all. How about that?
Sure, the up-front cost is there - but look at the value of your savings in both dollars and the environment. Instead of filling-up at the pump every week, you could go several months without one trip to the gas station. And you would set an inspiring example for others in your neighborhood and your social circle.
Why would anyone not buy a hybrid car as soon as they could afford one?
- Kurt Reinhold, Madison
Wisconsin State Journal - Oct. 11, 2006
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2006_Toyota_Prius_II.jpg
I am the very happy owner of a 2006 Prius that averages more than 50 miles per gallon …
Gasoline prices have dropped recently, but a growing number of drivers are trading in their vehicles for electric-gas hybrid models. The hybrids typically get much better gas mileage and they pollute less. They also cost thousands of dollars more than their non-hybrid cousins.
Viewpoints:
Continued high cost of gasoline makes hybrids a smart buy.
American auto manufacturers should have seen hybrids coming.
Maintenance expenses are too high for hybrids.
Limiting emissions is worth the extra price.
Hybrid vehicle is only wise choice
With global peak oil production likely by 2010, not buying a fuel-efficient hybrid (or plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle) as one's next vehicle is unwise.
Gas at $10 per gallon is likely within the useful life of any new vehicle purchased today, even if general peace and tranquility breaks out in the Middle East. At the likely prices, the higher-cost hybrid will pay for itself several times over.
Those who persist in driving gas hogs will pay a steeper and steeper price in the future for their unwise transportation choices.
- Robert H. Owen Jr., Middleton
American automakers missed the boat
I am the very happy owner of a 2006 Prius. It averages more than 50 miles per gallon, has lots of room and is comfortable - the best vehicle I've ever owned. The manufacturer can't keep up with the demand.
I have no sympathy for the American auto manufacturers. They should have seen this coming. How long after the election before the price of gas will go up again?
- Mike Duren, Mazomanie
Maintenance expense much too high
No, I would not buy a hybrid car. While hybrid vehicles are certainly an advance in terms of energy usage, a problem with them could be a matter of economics.
In addition to the higher price of $3,000 to $7,000 for a new vehicle, there is also the expense of replacing the battery pack when the warranty expires at 80,000 miles or eight years. The dealer I called quoted replacement costs of $3,000 to $4,000, plus $400 for labor.
That is today's price. What will it be in several years as these parts become old and obsolete. Will there be improvements in technology that will result in lower prices, or will they be higher because of age and obsolescence?
- Dennis W. Gordon, Madison
Limiting emissions is worth the price
I see buying a hybrid car as a bridge to the future. Basically, our planet will soon require us to stop burning things.
Consider two facts: Roughly 90 percent of all car trips by Americans are under 20 miles a day, and the dirtiest air pollution from an automobile is produced during the first mile of driving. Think of the difference hybrid-electric cars could make on greenhouse gas emissions.
And if you convert your hybrid to a plug-in, you are running the first 40-plus miles strictly on electricity, which equals no tailpipe emissions. And if you put six or seven solar panels on your roof, you can charge your car on the sun's energy, which equals no emissions at all. How about that?
Sure, the up-front cost is there - but look at the value of your savings in both dollars and the environment. Instead of filling-up at the pump every week, you could go several months without one trip to the gas station. And you would set an inspiring example for others in your neighborhood and your social circle.
Why would anyone not buy a hybrid car as soon as they could afford one?
- Kurt Reinhold, Madison