Is a Hybrid Vehicle Worth the Cost?
Is a Hybrid Vehicle Worth the Cost?
Free Online Articles Directory
Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
AB Answers
Publish Article
0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Hello Guest
Login
Login via
Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out
Email
Password
Remember me?
Lost Password?
Home Page > Automotive > Cars > Is a Hybrid Vehicle Worth the Cost?
Is a Hybrid Vehicle Worth the Cost?
Edit Article |
Posted: Jun 26, 2008 |Comments: 0
| Views: 151
|
Share
Ask a question
Ask our experts your Cars related questions here…200 Characters left
Related Questions
Howmany KM can we drive toyota corolla after the fuel indicater comes ON
What would you estimate the total cost of replacement of secondary fuel pump should be on Chrysler Pacifica 2006?
What is Cost of repair/replacement 2006 Chrysler Pacifica 2006 secondary fuel pump?
I have a vehicle that has no equity i owe more than it is worth does it have to be listed as an exemption IN MY BANKRUPTCY
Syndicate this Article
Copy to clipboard
Is a Hybrid Vehicle Worth the Cost?
By: C.L. Hendricks
About the Author
C.L. Hendricks is a “jill-of-all-trades” and an expert in some. She writes on a variety of subjects for several websites, including InvitingSmiles and Survival Homestead, to name a few.
(ArticlesBase SC #462918)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Is a Hybrid Vehicle Worth the Cost?
In today’s automotive market, the fastest growing sector of the industry is the hybrid vehicle. These vehicles are touted for being fuel efficient and utilizing the latest in “green” driving technology in order to maximize mileage while minimizing the consumption of fossil fuels.
With this new technology comes a much higher price tag and many questions about the reliability and viability of the technology, and whether or not the price of a hybrid versus a comparable fully-combustion engine vehicle is worth paying to have the perceived benefits. Are hybrids really worth the extra cost?
Well, it depends on what you consider savings. The two-motor technology of the hybrid vehicle is the blessing and curse of owning a hybrid. Indeed, the car is much more costly and prone to breakdown because of the fact it uses two motors.
The general configuration of a hybrid system involves a gasoline-powered engine that gets the car up to speed and then an electric engine that kicks in at cruising speed to keep the car moving while saving gas. The constant switching back and forth is the biggest issue – constantly activating and deactivating these engines increases wear and tear, causing both motors to wear out faster.
The arguments that a hybrid is a more fuel efficient vehicle are also open to interpretation. Many owners of hybrids report a wider deviation of gas mileage figures than the owners of the typical gasoline-powered engine vehicles. A hybrid’s mileage advantage is estimated to be anywhere from just 5% to upwards of 35% better than a comparable combustion-only-engine car.
It is also more vulnerable to negative factors such as heavy traffic congestion in normal commuting, the “jack-rabbit” stops and starts that accompany city driving, and the additional weight placed into the hybrid vehicle as a result of having a second engine. Considering that those mileage percentages when placed into actual mile numbers can range from just 1 mile per gallon up to 25 miles per gallon, there is no clear definition of what the benefit of a hybrid vehicle really is.
The extra up-front costs of buying a hybrid vehicle may not be realized in life-of-ownership benefits over buying a gasoline-powered vehicle. Given that in the United States, the average car owner holds onto a new car purchase for five to seven years, the average savings over that lifetime in fuel costs don’t make up for the extra costs of the vehicle.
Consider a Toyota Prius versus a comparably-sized Toyota Corolla. The difference in fuel costs per year for the Prius versus the Corolla works out to about 0 per year, or approximately ,500 for the average lifetime of ownership. The purchase price difference between the two, based on MSRP, is ,750 for base models of both cars. The lifetime savings for the hybrid vehicle is much less than the extra cost. This forces the consumer to purchase based on expectation of either having the car long enough to realize the benefits, or expecting the price of fuel to rise so dramatically that the savings naturally materialize.
That being said, the hybrid vehicle is not a white elephant that isn’t worth the purchase. The hybrid is a more fuel efficient vehicle and, thus, can save consumers money on the back end. Plus, the US government still offers some tax credits on certain lesser-selling hybrids, so there is a tax incentive.
The biggest benefit of the hybrid is that it is the precursor to the alternative fuel vehicle, and provides a large environmental benefit. Hybrids output a small portion of the emissions of the typical gasoline-engine vehicle, and they have been praised for their adoption and development of the electric engine. Many lawmakers, automakers, and consumers are hoping to see this as the mainstream technology used in vehicles for years to come.
Hybrids are the closest thing we have at this point to an alternative fuel vehicle on the roads today, and are the choice for the (long-term) budget-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers. As fuel prices rise, the savings of hybrids will continue to grow, possibly to the point that it will make sense for most, if not all, new vehicles to utilize a hybrid system.
Despite the loss of some power under the hood, consumers are warming up to the hybrid vehicle as a means of common transport, and are willing to pay the extra cost now to reap the benefits of this rapidly-developing alternative-fuel technology for the future.
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/is-a-hybrid-vehicle-worth-the-cost-462918.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #462918)
C.L. Hendricks -
About the Author:
C.L. Hendricks is a “jill-of-all-trades” and an expert in some. She writes on a variety of subjects for several websites, including InvitingSmiles and Survival Homestead, to name a few.
Rate this Article
1
2
3
4
5
vote(s)
0 vote(s)
Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/is-a-hybrid-vehicle-worth-the-cost-462918.html
Article Tags:
hybrid vehicle, alternative fuel vehicle, toyota prius
Related Videos
Related Articles
Latest Cars Articles
More from C.L. Hendricks
Are Hybrid Cars Better
David Rizzo, fuel economy expert, discusses the efficiency and benefits of hybrid cars, and whether they are indeed a better choice. (01:45)
Toyota Prius Vs Honda Insight – Part 1
We compare the specs and design features on the two latest and most interesting hybrid vehicles – the Honda Insight and the all-new Toyota Prius. Part 1 (04:48)
Muscle Amongst the Green at the NAIAS. – Garage419
We send The suit, Leo Parente, down to Detroit to see if there’s any real horsepower amongst all the hybrids and electric vehicles at the North American Internation Auto Show. He comes up big.-Garage419 (16:42)
McLaren MP4-12C Goes Public
After several years of speculation, McLaren finally takes the MP4-12C public, Mercedes-Benz brings out the SLS AMG ahead of Frankfurt, Fisker announces the MPG of its Karma plug-in hybrid. (08:11)
How to Convert a Honda from Gas to Electric
We started with a Honda Rebel junker and a dream – to make a practical, zero emissions electric vehicle for commuting. Armed with a basic metal shop, we convert the Honda into a clean quiet AC bike in about a week.
(05:24)
A Guide to Hybrid Vehicles – Alternative Fuel Vehicles
The word hybrid is defined as two things that are mixed together. This normally refers to animals or plants that are bred from two different parents.
By:
GraduatesMoviel
Automotivel
May 14, 2009
Types of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
In recent years, a lot of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) have emerged. What are these types? How do they work? Are they any good? Here’s an introductory look at the types of AFVs existing today.
By:
Guile Canencial
Automotive>
Carsl
Dec 01, 2008
lViews: 106
The Future of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
There is a growing trend toward pushing people to use new alternative fuels to power their vehicles. Alternative fuel burns cleaner, is better for the environment, and, in many cases, can be cheaper than gasoline.
By:
Hilal Abdelwalil
Automotive>
Carsl
Sep 18, 2008
lViews: 117
The Honda Civic Hybrid – A Great Alternative to the Toyota Prius!
Are you thinking about buying a compact hybrid car but are concerned about the price and whether it will meet your needs? Are you looking for the right balance between affordability, style, fuel efficiency, and comfort? Is the Toyota Prius just not your style? If so, you may want to consider the Honda Civic Hybrid. It is stylish, affordable, gets great gas mileage, and comes standard with many great features.
By:
Safiur Rahmanl
Automotive>
Carsl
Dec 23, 2009
Alternative Fuel Cars and Alternative Fuels Tips
An alternative fuel, can do really good for the environment and for saving your budget too. Since the trend is toward producing and buying environmentally friendly vehicles, nearly every major car manufacturer has at least one green vehicle in their inventory. It’s time we all switch to alternative fuel cars
By:
eramon00l
Automotive>
Motorcyclesl
Oct 29, 2009
Long Island Toyota Prius Drivers May Be Interested in Plug-in Hybrid Tests
A new Toyota Prius may be seen on the road by other Long Island Toyota drivers if they are traveling north to Syracuse.
By:
Adrienn Portal
Automotive>
Carsl
Oct 15, 2010
Texas Considers Alternative Fuels In The Face of Oil Prices: A Run-Down of Choices
The dramatic rise in oil prices over the past few years has generated a lot of attention for alternative fuels and alternatively powered vehicles. Environmentalists hail it as the beginning of a revolution and a natural consequence of using non-renewable resources with abandon.
By:
Pat Carpenterl
News and Society>
Environmentl
Jul 05, 2007
lViews: 329
More Customers Opting for Alternative Fuel Cars
According to dealers and retailers as well as manufacturers of vehicles in the auto market, more and more American customers are purchasing cars and vehicles that run on alternative fuel. The list of alternative fuel vehicles include those hybrid vehicles as well as those that could run on diesel and ethanol.
By:
Stacey Wilsonl
Automotivel
Sep 05, 2006
lViews: 345
Honda Civic Car Reviews | Honda Civic Car
Honda Civic Car Reviews Honda Civic Car,Used Honda Civic Car,New Honda Civic Car 2011,Honda Civic Car Features,Honda Civic Car Price in India. Honda Civic is available as a coupe or sedan. Both styles share five main trim levels: base DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si.
By:
bagegardill
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Used honda car | Honda Used Cars
Used honda car Many People using a Used honda car in US,India,Japan and more countries. such as ” Old is Gold ” .When you buy Used honda car that time conform original showroom document,Real Owner and then you can buy Used honda car.
By:
bavarsheiaml
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Why Audi Used Cars like the A5 are so Nice to Drive
An article on Audi used cars
By:
Seanl
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Why Does A Car Need An Oxygen Sensor?
Oxygen Sensor is an electronic device. Oxygen Sensors are used to quantify the ratio of oxygen in either gas or liquid. Oxygen Sensors have been used as an essential part of all passenger cars and light trucks since 1980 or 1981. Generally these Oxygen Sensors are located in the exhaust manifold. The reason of treating it as an essential
By:
Mas Dini Muzammall
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Thing to know before appearing for Motorbike driving practical test
After passing the motorbike theory test you need to pass the driving practical test. The practical motorcycle test is made up of lots of different elements, an eyesight test, vehicle safety questions, a test of driving ability, a test of specific manoeuvres and a question about riding with a passenger.
By:
John Grahaml
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Underline your identity with Tiburon body kits
Tiburon was launched in 1997 by automobile makers Hyundai. It was an attempt by the car makers to change their image by giving something more besides value for money.
By:
Louiel
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Maruti Alto Maintenance Tips For Indian Users
In addition to this these Maruti Alto maintenance tips, will also enable you the decrease the emission level of the car so that it leave lower amount of carbon foot prints in the environment.
By:
Tarunkumarl
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Front Wheel Drive vs. Rear Wheel Drive
The issue of which wheels you use to drive your car is no longer as pressing as it once was.
By:
Paul Buchananl
Automotive>
Carsl
Nov 17, 2010
Is Acai Weight Loss for You?
Loosing weight can be very difficult, but when supplementing the diet with Acai, weight loss is less stressful on both the body and the mind. Unlike some diet aids, the Acai berry provides all the necessary ingredients to help reduce weight while keeping the body properly nourished.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Health>
Supplements & Vitaminsl
Jul 14, 2010
How to Acai Detox
Clearing the body of toxins, fats and free radicals is easy and tasty using an Acai detox program. Removing toxins from the body can prevent some of the medical conditions as well as provide natural weight reduction.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Health>
Supplements & Vitaminsl
Jul 14, 2010
Why Acai Berry Weight Loss Works
There are many healthful benefits of the Acai berry, and weight loss, an increase in stamina, extra energy as well as improved digestion are just a few. Acai berry weight loss is a tasty and easy way to reduce your weight while providing health benefits, something found in very few other supplements or diet aids.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Health>
Supplements & Vitaminsl
Jul 14, 2010
How to Add Acai Antioxidants to Your Diet
There are many health reasons to add Acai antioxidants to your health routine. Taking Acai berries daily helps to remove free radicals, thus preventing disease.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Health>
Supplements & Vitaminsl
Jul 14, 2010
What You Need to Know about Stair Handrails
Here are the basics of what you need to know about stair handrails before attempting this DIY project. Building your own wooden stair handrails can be a challenging and rewarding process.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Home Improvement>
DIYl
Jul 13, 2010
Cutting and Installing Baseboard Trim
Anyone who has tried cutting and installing baseboard trim knows that it can be a difficult task. However, like most DIY tasks, there are tricks that will help.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Home Improvement>
DIYl
Jul 13, 2010
lViews: 105
DIY Wainscoting Ideas
When looking to remodel a room by adding a new style, consider the many DIY wainscoting ideas that are available. Remodeling your home can be exciting, cost effective and easy to do yourself.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Home Improvement>
DIYl
Jul 13, 2010
lViews: 162
What You Need to Know about Baseboard Trim
Do you know what you need to know about baseboard trim before you attempt such a project? One of the things you need to know is that installing baseboard is an easy job with techniques that can be applied to many other trimming projects.
By:
C.L. Hendricksl
Home Improvement>
DIYl
Jul 13, 2010
Add new Comment
Your Name: *
Your Email:
Comment Body: *
Verification code:*
* Required fields
Submit
Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy
Sign Up Today
Author Navigation
My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder
My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box
C.L. Hendricks has 194 articles online
Contact Author
Subscribe to RSS
Print article
Send to friend
Re-Publish article
Articles Categories
All Categories
Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing
Automotive
Cars
Classics
Motorcycles
Rentals
RVs
SUVs
Trucks
Vans
Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog
Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us
Business Info
Advertising
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2010 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.
