xcel
03-02-2008, 11:12 AM
Are Hybrids coming of Age? (http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Hicks_Graham/2008/02/28/4881762-sun.html)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Toyota_Camry_Hybrid_Taxi.jpgGraham Hicks - Edmonton Sun - Feb. 28, 2008
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid Taxi – 33/34 City/Highway on the 08 EPA.
Why would you not consider a Hybrid Camry or Prius as a Taxi is the real question? -- Ed.
With this weekend's Edmonton Motor Show at the AgriCom starting today, no fewer than eight auto makers will have new hybrid (gas/electric powered) models.
There's skepticism about hybrids - added cost versus disputed gas savings, the cost of future battery replacement ... tell that to our local cabbies.
Co-op and Airport drivers have had Toyota Camry hybrids for over a year, with 23 currently on the road.
They love 'em.
"I used to have a Grand Marquis," reports Co-op driver Jasbir Mutti. "My Camry Hybrid gets double the mileage. I'm saving $25 to $30 a day in fuel costs."
It doesn't stop there.
Jasbir used to replace his brake pads every three months, or 40,000 kilometres, at a cost of $300.
On the Camry Hybrid, it's every 300,000 kilometres, due to less wear and tear on brakes.
The hybrid has no alternator, usually changed on cabs once a year for $300.
Oil changes are every 8,000 kilometres instead of 5,000 - the gas engine doesn't idle.
"The Grand Marquis cost me $300 a month in repairs and maintenance. The Camry Hybrid is less than $100," says Jasbir. "And that's in addition to the gas savings."
What about the batteries?
Toyota has an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty on all hybrid-related components, including the battery. It's supposed to last for 500,000 kilometres or more.
"A new battery today would cost about $3,000," says Jasbir.
"But no drivers here or in Vancouver have yet to replace the battery" … http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Hicks_Graham/2008/02/28/4881762-sun.html
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Toyota_Camry_Hybrid_Taxi.jpgGraham Hicks - Edmonton Sun - Feb. 28, 2008
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid Taxi – 33/34 City/Highway on the 08 EPA.
Why would you not consider a Hybrid Camry or Prius as a Taxi is the real question? -- Ed.
With this weekend's Edmonton Motor Show at the AgriCom starting today, no fewer than eight auto makers will have new hybrid (gas/electric powered) models.
There's skepticism about hybrids - added cost versus disputed gas savings, the cost of future battery replacement ... tell that to our local cabbies.
Co-op and Airport drivers have had Toyota Camry hybrids for over a year, with 23 currently on the road.
They love 'em.
"I used to have a Grand Marquis," reports Co-op driver Jasbir Mutti. "My Camry Hybrid gets double the mileage. I'm saving $25 to $30 a day in fuel costs."
It doesn't stop there.
Jasbir used to replace his brake pads every three months, or 40,000 kilometres, at a cost of $300.
On the Camry Hybrid, it's every 300,000 kilometres, due to less wear and tear on brakes.
The hybrid has no alternator, usually changed on cabs once a year for $300.
Oil changes are every 8,000 kilometres instead of 5,000 - the gas engine doesn't idle.
"The Grand Marquis cost me $300 a month in repairs and maintenance. The Camry Hybrid is less than $100," says Jasbir. "And that's in addition to the gas savings."
What about the batteries?
Toyota has an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty on all hybrid-related components, including the battery. It's supposed to last for 500,000 kilometres or more.
"A new battery today would cost about $3,000," says Jasbir.
"But no drivers here or in Vancouver have yet to replace the battery" … http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Hicks_Graham/2008/02/28/4881762-sun.html