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Is a hybrid worth the expense? That depends on the type of vehicle you are considering, how much you drive and how high gas prices climb in the coming years. (http://www.timesonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18244531&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478569&rfi=6)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/HCH-II.jpgCary Snyder - Beaver County Times Online - April 21, 2007

2007 HCH-II at an EPA rated 49/51 takes far less then the 16.6 years to payoff that this reporter calculated. Yet another basic non-hybrid vs. loaded hybrid comparison :(

Hybrid vehicles can get considerably better gas mileage than their non-hybrid counterparts. They have an internal combustion engine and electric motor that works as a generator to conserve energy normally wasted during coasting, braking, idling or traveling down hills.

The vehicles are a tempting choice for those looking to save money on gasoline, but hybrids usually cost several thousand dollars more than comparable vehicles, which can offset the gasoline savings. Federal tax credits up to $3,000 are available for buying a hybrid vehicle.

Who should buy a hybrid vehicle?

Those looking to replace the 5 or 6-year-old car they are driving, advised Laura Schaefer, associate professor of mechanical engineering and material science at the University of Pittsburgh.

If you're looking to replace a car that is newer than that, Schaefer says it makes more sense to hold on to it a few more years because most standard cars don't have a significant drop in fuel efficiency until they are eight or 10 years old … http://www.timesonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18244531&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478569&rfi=6

Wow. That's... utterly utterly useless.

Hi Rich:

___I think there are editors out there in charge of a bunch of green 21 something’s that need a story so they say, “Go out and conquer”. With 20 minutes on the internet, these young reporters spew out crap like this for the betterment of nobody :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

That article makes zero sense.

Example:

If you're looking to replace a car that is newer than that, Schaefer says it makes more sense to hold on to it a few more years because most standard cars don't have a significant drop in fuel efficiency until they are eight or 10 years old.

I've never seen a significant drop in fuel economy in any of my vehicles, and I tend to keep them forever (almost). Proper maintenance on a car will ensure it keeps its fuel economy, without any drop worth mentioning.

Hybrids cost more? Than what? Choosing a Prius over a Yukon costs more? Most Americans are choosing SUV's and large pickups, and most of those cost more than a Prius, so I have trouble buying that argument that "hybrids cost more."

Harry

Hi Rich:

___I think there are editors out there in charge of a bunch of green 21 something’s that need a story so they say, “Go out and conquer”. With 20 minutes on the internet, these young reporters spew out crap like this for the betterment of nobody :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

That's part of the reason Dust to Dust and the Sudbury Nickel Mine propganda pieces got so much circulation. :(

Wonder what the time to break even in is on a Hummer? I'm sure for these guys a Hummer and the likes are worth every penny.

I would like to suggest that total ownership costs is the key metric. It includes fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and other costs. My 2001, 105k mile Prius now stands at about 23 cents/mile, presuming (unlikely) a sale at current market value. Routine DIY maintenance probably saves me 1 or 2 cents/mi. If I were any good at hypermiling, that would save one more. US fleet average is about 55 cents/mi, say AAA and EPA.

That the vehicle performs a large proportion of your 'mission' is essential. Pleasing to operate. For many, clean emissions are also a factor.

In the above light, the financial side has always seemed pretty simple to me. Hybrid technology has reduced my costs and helped with emissions. Was a bit of a leap of faith in 2001, but so far so good. In this light, a $2000 HV battery (or whatever) every 100k miles adds 2 cents/mile. Unwelcome, but not the end of economy.

Some Insight and new model Prius drivers have sold their vehicles with little or no depreciation. They've made out like bandits.

DAS