Several hybrids are cost-competitive: BCAA
Canadian Driver -
CANADIANDRIVER - June 2, 2009
We suspect the comparison would have given the Toyota Prius the edge if the 2009 prices were taken into account. Comparing it to the Toyota Matrix does not help either. 
--Ed.
Burnaby, British Columbia - Several hybrid models remain cost competitive, in spite of lower fuel prices and the loss of a federal rebate, according to the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA). A new study found that while you will still pay a premium to buy a hybrid, many come close in cost to their conventional counterparts or may even save you a few dollars over five years.
BCAAs annual Clean Air Day analysis compares the purchase, financing and operating costs of all 18 hybrids available in B.C. with comparable conventional models over a five-year period. New models this year include the Honda Insight, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid. Variables such as fuel costs and the provincial Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Concession were incorporated, and the study assumed a constant pump price of $1.04 per litre.
The findings revealed the following:
- The Honda Civic Hybrid is the most cost competitive, showing a saving of $1,771 compared to the conventional Civic over five years. The Honda Insight Hybrid is second-best, with a five-year saving of $530 over a comparable conventional Civic.
- While only the Civic and Insight hybrids show savings, the extra costs associated with six other models are less than $1,500: the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, and Saturn Aura Hybrid.
- The Toyota Prius continues to show the largest emission savings, with 51 per cent less CO2 emissions than its closest conventional equivalent. The new Ford Fusion Hybrid comes second with 40 per cent less CO2 emissions....
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