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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| Many (but not all) scientists believe that there is a link between fossil fuel consumption and global 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 depending upon the type of hybrid: Belt Assisted, Integrated Motor Assist or Hybrid Synergy Drive. The ratio of the motor to engine power indicates the degree of hybrid integration in a vehicle. In pure electric mode and at stoplights, hybrids produce 0% emissions.


'''2.  Reduce Oil Dependency.''' [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid cars]] generally achieve 15% to 30% higher fuel efficiency. Trips to the gas station can be reduced. By mastering driving techniques, some [[hypermiler|hypermilers]] achieve in excess of 70 [[mpg]] in regular, daily use.
'''1.  Save 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.  


'''3.  Support 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 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|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.
'''2.  Reduce 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.


'''4.  Save Money.'''  Resale value is much higher. 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 commutes. Free tolls and parking in many places. Lower taxes: 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 deductions.  The 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.
'''3.  Pollute 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.


'''5.  Why Not?''' [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid cars]] are just as comfortable and dependable as "regular" cars. Their electric motors are quiet and free from vibration for a smoother, quieter ride. They were invented 100 years ago by Dr. Porsche, the Prius is already 10 years old, and the basic technology is commonplace in society including washers, dryers, elevators, submarines, ships, trains, etc.
'''4.  Support 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 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|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.


'''6.  Use The Carpool Lane.'''  In states such as California, Arizona and Virginia, some [[Hybrid Cars|hybrids]] qualify for single-occupant use in carpool lanes. (This is controversial since it can "clog up" those lanes.)
'''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.  Efficiency.'''  Better gas mileage, much faster and stronger braking, better torque up short hills, smaller gasoline engines that burn fuel cleaner.
'''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. Waiting for Hydrogen.''' There are unsolved technical problems that make hydrogen fuel powered vehicles unlikely, regardless of the water by-product. There is an old proverb that "Perfect is the enemy of good enough." $1 million dollar fuel cell vehicles need to drop 95-99% in price to make an impact with electric vehicles already selling like hotcakes for under $10,000 all over the world.
'''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)]].

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).

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