Hybrid-mania!
They're sleek, clean and getting all the attention.
Buying a hybrid is getting a whole lot easier. Consider it an investment in our future.
Gassed about Hybrids
The average passenger vehicle on Oregon's roads achieves only 20 miles per gallon. Gas prices are steadily on the rise, to well over $2.50 a gallon. Here is what the most popular gas-electric hybrids average:
- 2004 Toyota Prius averages 55 mpg
- 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid average 48 mpg
- 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid average 33-36 mpg in stop and go traffic
- 2004 Honda Insight average 60 mpg
By reducing fossil fuel emissions, hybrid drivers are also saving money.
Use Less Oil
Over half of the oil consumed in the United States is imported. 40% of this oil is used in driving our cars and trucks. By 2025, it is predicted that we will import 70% of our oil. The dependence on oil from regions such as the Middle East pose countless national security issues.
As oil demands increase, even national sources of oil become problematic. Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is not a viable way to keep the market afloat.
Hybrids consume less oil that regular passenger-cars.
Cleaner Cars
Hydrogen powered vehicles are still a long way off. Until we have pollution-free cars, we must invest in the cleaner cars on the road. Hybrids are the most popular clean cars. Other alternatives include electric and Alternate Fuel Vehicles, which are improving in their technologies though still quite expensive. Cars fueled with biodiesel are burning cleaner and more efficiently.
Cost effectiveness - breakdown
Hybrids are the most popular clean cars, perhaps because they are the most convenient and most affordable today. Because they still use gas, filling up the tank requires no investments in new stations or fuels. That translates to less costs for the consumers.
The average hybrid costs $2500 - $3000 more than the comparable gasoline vehicle. Over the life of the car, do costs balance out? Research is still being done, but many signs point to yes.
There are federal tax credits for most hybrids today under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Oregon and several other states do offer state tax credits as well.
With gas wobbling between $2.50 and $3 a gallon, over the life of a car, using less of it should save you money.
As far as repairs go, there appear to be cost benefits for hybrid owners in this category too. Hybrid specific components of hybrids are warranteed for 8-10 years in all hybrids on the market. Tests have indicated that these components are extremely long lasting and shouldn't need repairs even after 10 years.
Although other repairs may be comparable in gas models and hybrids, tests show that some systems, like the brakes, will need less repair in hybrids. The regenerative brake systems works more efficiently and cooler so that parts are under less stress.
Added Benefits
Drive Green Save Green is an example of other benefits afforded to hybrid owners. City Center Parking, a partner of OEC, offers monthly discounts to hybrid owners.
Insurance companies have begun to offer discounts to hybrid drivers as well. Farmers and Travelers are the most notable for their 10% discount.
An intrinsic benefit to owning a hybrid is feeling good about your eco-choice. There is a commraderie among hybrid owners in knowing that they are driving clean and green. They just look happy.
Hybrid Surveys
Oregonians are leading the nation in switching to hybrids. Approximately 5% of the US's hybrid cars are sold in Oregon, even though Oregon has only 1% of the US's population.
