Action - Hybrid Vehicle
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Hybrid vehicles are typically much more efficient than their gas-only equivalents. They generate electricity while driving, often during braking. This energy is then used to power the vehicle, typically while stopped and at low speeds.
Most manuafacturers now offer at least one Hybrid model. The best overall fuel economy for 2008 is the Toyota Prius at about 55 mpg but there are many other excellent models from Honda, Ford, Lexus, Mercury and others. Use caution when selecting a vehicle as certain vehicles are still tuned for performance and don't achieve a significant fuel economy improvement.
As an example, consider a large SUV which gets 16 mpg. At average mileage and approximately $3/gallon gas, the total fuel cost over 5 years would be over $11,000. Comparing to a mid-range hybrid at 45 mpg the 5 year fuel cost would be almost $4,000, a savings of $7,000. Your actual savings would depend what vehicle you would have purchased otherwise.
Known benefits and costs
| Annual CO2 Savings | 1,500 - 3,600 kg |
|---|---|
| 3,300 - 7,920 lbs | |
| Annual Cash Savings | $500 - $1,800 |
| Initial Cost | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Time to pay for itself | 1.0 - 16.0 years |
| CO2 saved per year per initial dollar invested | 0.19 - 1.80 kg |
* These value ranges were taken from many sources including product documentation, published reports, and the reference material linked here.
Reference Links
 | Gas Pains: Mileage Myths and Misconceptions |
| Drive Smart: Fuel Savings Add Up |
| Top 9 Gas Savings Tips to Help Save the Environment and your Wallet |
| Top 10 2008 Hybrids |
| Hybrid Vehicle - Wikipedia |