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The new tech due out soon will raise the bar on the price/(FE) performance ratio. (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Honda-Concepts/235457/)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Insight-II_concept_News.jpgGeorge Barrow – Autocar (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/) – Oct. 20, 2008

Is the age of the affordable hybrid nearly upon us? -- Ed.

The cost of making hybrid cars will fall by two-thirds within 10 years, claims a report published this week.

Financial consultants JP Morgan Chase & Co predict that the cost of making each petrol-electric engine will drop by more than 60 per cent, and that by 2018 hybrid models will account for 10 per cent of the global new car market.

A hybrid engine is currently estimated to cost around £3000 per unit, a figure that’s expected to fall to nearer £1000.

Analysts expect hybrid sales to total 9.6 million models over the coming decade. They say increased production and greater economies of scale will drive prices down.

Japanese manufacturers currently lead the hybrid market. The Toyota Prius passed one million sales earlier in the year. Rival firm… http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Honda-Concepts/235457/

Thank you to the early adopters.

If you think they are getting cheaper now, wait till PHEVs are readily available....then hybrids will be the poor cousin with a price to match, if anyone bothers to keep making them.

I think it's awesome that Honda wants to make hybrids that "Average Joe" can afford. Hopefully the dealers won't screw that up by tacking on $5k-$10k surcharges on the vehicle. If they do, I'll just buy another Scion or Yaris.