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Top Reasons to Buy a Hybrid Car: Difference between revisions

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The best reasons to buy a [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]]:
The best reasons to buy a [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]]:


[[image:global_warming.png|thumb| While controversial, many scientists believe fossil fuel consumption is causing warming.]]
[[image:global_warming.png|thumb| A vast majority of scientists believe that there is a link between fossil fuel consumption and global warming.]]
'''1.  Pollute Less.'''  [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid cars]] produce up to 90% fewer emissions. In addition to adverse health effects, many scientists believe that air pollution is a strong contributor to global warming.


'''2Reduce Oil Dependency.''' [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid cars]] generally achieve 15% to 30% higher fuel efficiency.
'''1Save Gas.''' Hybrids save gasoline and they let drivers feel good everytime they fill up. By mastering driving techniques, some [[hypermiler|hypermilers]] achieve in excess of 50 mpg in regular, daily use.  


'''3Support Future [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]] Development.''' Every [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] car sale expands the market, encouraging further investments by automakers in developing [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] technology and building manufacturing capacity. These investments lower future prices of [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid cars]], creating a virtuous circle.
'''2Reduce Oil Dependency.''' [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid cars]] generally achieve 15% to 50% higher fuel efficiency. Less gas means less oil. Demand for oil is related to a lot of things including tax dollars, political instability and wars.


'''4Set An Example.''' for your children, family, neighbors, and colleagues.
'''3Pollute Less.''' [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid cars]] reduce smog and noise pollution. They produce up to 90% fewer emissions depending upon the type of hybrid and fuel.  In pure electric mode and at stoplights, hybrids produce 0% emissions. Electric motors are quiet and free from vibration for a smoother, quieter ride.


'''5Save Tax.''' The IRS has adopted large tax credits for purchase of new [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid vehicles]].  The credits have a current maximum of $3,150. Note these are credits-- dollar for dollar tax savings-- not merely deductionsThe credits vary by model (See [[Hybrid Tax Credits]]).   The law that created the credits limits its availability to 60,000 vehicles from each automaker; meaning credits for popular models will be gone before the tax breaks scheduled Dec. 31, 2010, expiration date.
'''4Support Future [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]] Development.''' Every [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] car sale expands the market, encouraging further investments by automakers in developing [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] technology and lower manufacturing costsToyota's goal is to cut the hybrid premium by 50% in the next few years. These investments lower future prices of [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid cars]], creating a virtuous circle. In fact, the premium configurations, dealer markups and high demand has led every car maker to realize they have to have a hybrid, no matter how weak or strong, in their inventory.


'''6Why Not?'''  [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid cars]] are just as comfortable and reliable as "regular" cars.
'''5Lifetime Savings'''  Resale value is much higher, the Toyota Prius is ranked No. 1. Insurance is 10% cheaper. Gas is 10-50% less. Maintenance is comparable as these cars are very well made. Brakes last much longer because wear is reduced by regenerative electric charging. Faster and cheaper commutes. Free tolls and parking. Lower income and sales taxes.


'''7.  Ride in The Carpool Lane.'''  In states such as California, Arizona and Virginia, some [[Hybrid Cars|hybrids]] qualify for single-occupant use in carpool lanes.
'''7.  Special Priviledges.'''  In states such as California, Arizona and Virginia, some [[Hybrid Cars|hybrids]] qualify for single-occupant use in carpool lanes. Some bridges let hybrids through for free during certain times. Many cities and some countries in Europe extend free parking to hybrid drivers.
 
'''8.  Halo Effect'''  The success of hybrids has made car makers improve efficiency of all vehicles, not just hybrids. This is called a halo effect on fleet effiency.
 
'''9. National Security.''' Reduced oil consumption lowers the trade deficit and decreases funding to oil-exporting countries that poor human rights records and/or fund terrorism. Less foreign oil means more dollars for American jobs. If you buy hybrids Made in the USA like the Ford Escape Hybrid, you're supporting more American jobs.
 
'''10. Image.''' Show the world that you care, just like shopping at Whole Paycheck and bringing your own recycled grocery bag. Better than recycling because you save money every time you visit the gas station. Be a role model to future generations, showing them that you care about your grandkids.


See also [[Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet)]].
See also [[Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet)]].
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Latest revision as of 12:26, 6 February 2007

The best reasons to buy a hybrid:

A vast majority of scientists believe that there is a link between fossil fuel consumption and global warming.

1. Save Gas. Hybrids save gasoline and they let drivers feel good everytime they fill up. By mastering driving techniques, some hypermilers achieve in excess of 50 mpg in regular, daily use.

2. Reduce Oil Dependency. Hybrid cars generally achieve 15% to 50% higher fuel efficiency. Less gas means less oil. Demand for oil is related to a lot of things including tax dollars, political instability and wars.

3. Pollute Less. Hybrid cars reduce smog and noise pollution. They produce up to 90% fewer emissions depending upon the type of hybrid and fuel. In pure electric mode and at stoplights, hybrids produce 0% emissions. Electric motors are quiet and free from vibration for a smoother, quieter ride.

4. Support Future Hybrid Development. Every hybrid car sale expands the market, encouraging further investments by automakers in developing hybrid technology and lower manufacturing costs. Toyota's goal is to cut the hybrid premium by 50% in the next few years. These investments lower future prices of hybrid cars, creating a virtuous circle. In fact, the premium configurations, dealer markups and high demand has led every car maker to realize they have to have a hybrid, no matter how weak or strong, in their inventory.

5. Lifetime Savings Resale value is much higher, the Toyota Prius is ranked No. 1. Insurance is 10% cheaper. Gas is 10-50% less. Maintenance is comparable as these cars are very well made. Brakes last much longer because wear is reduced by regenerative electric charging. Faster and cheaper commutes. Free tolls and parking. Lower income and sales taxes.

7. Special Priviledges. In states such as California, Arizona and Virginia, some hybrids qualify for single-occupant use in carpool lanes. Some bridges let hybrids through for free during certain times. Many cities and some countries in Europe extend free parking to hybrid drivers.

8. Halo Effect The success of hybrids has made car makers improve efficiency of all vehicles, not just hybrids. This is called a halo effect on fleet effiency.

9. National Security. Reduced oil consumption lowers the trade deficit and decreases funding to oil-exporting countries that poor human rights records and/or fund terrorism. Less foreign oil means more dollars for American jobs. If you buy hybrids Made in the USA like the Ford Escape Hybrid, you're supporting more American jobs.

10. Image. Show the world that you care, just like shopping at Whole Paycheck and bringing your own recycled grocery bag. Better than recycling because you save money every time you visit the gas station. Be a role model to future generations, showing them that you care about your grandkids.

See also Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid Car (yet).