Pay close attention to its appeal and promise, potential and possibilities – these are all factors that draw in the masses and the diverse crowd of interested consumers in these new automotive genius on our roads. Here just some of the ‘perks’ and bonuses:

1. Eco-smart and environmentally  conscious we can all certainly appreciate the qualities and benefits that these vehicles bring with them.
   
   
2. Fuel economy
   
   
3. Reduced emissions, less pollution,
   
   
4. slower depreciation
   
   
5. great savings for the pocketbook,
   
   
6. less reliance on fossil fuels in the future
   
   
7. Lower fuel emissions help to curb the infamous "Greenhouse Effect" and saves the ozone and atmosphere, the air that we and children are left to breathe and live off of
   
   
8. High-demand for Hybrid cars let them hold their value much longer as supply and demand still fuels these fires!

Burning of fossil fuels are reduced effectively, supplemented and complemented by alternative power sources Annual savings on gas, better fuel economy, needing less. Alternative solutions to gasoline, internal combustion engines that are no more or less effective, just worse pollutants or our air and world!

Hybrid Car Facts: QUICK CHEATSHEET SUMMARY

1. Hybrid cars produce substantially (up to 90%) less pollutants than comparable non-hybrid cars.
   
   
2. POLLUTION CAN BE STOPPED! Hybrid cars help us do that by putting less of them there in the first place! Maybe we will even be in a position to do something positive about the air we live and breathe in.
   
   
3. Tax incentives and write-offs, rebates and other forms of encouragement for consumers to invest in hybrid vehicles will become more prevalent.
   
   
4. What is the gold standard today,  quickly becomes the prerequisite or entry-requirement for tomorrow.
   
   
5. Parts,  maintenance and repair for hybrid cars can be somewhat expensive. Warrantees and parts that never have to be replaces, can be recycled are used a type of SMART manufacturing to be really environmentally friendlier.
   
   
6. Hybrid vehicles offer great investment opportunity due to their slow and low depreciation. They are still very much in high demand
   
   
7. Market entry in Japan started as early as 1997,  a little later in Europe and in the USA.
   
   
8. They will last a little longer and will not be just another passing craze. They are here to stay and people want to buy them, learn about them, drive and enjoy them!
   
   
9. Automakers are investing heavily in all types of vehicle development and specifically hybrid technology, to enable them to offer faster, larger engines in the rest of their line, (due to federal government regulations that apply to them across the board that they have to adhere to).
   
   
10. Anyone and everyone can consider, enjoy and capitalize on hybrid technologies for the cars that we choose to drive!

Hybrid Vehicles and technology is the wave of the future we have now stated twice already. It has numerous applications and context outside of passenger and commuter cars and SUV’s or personal, family transportation. Space eludes to elaborate about buses, trains and other work vehicles that are hybrids. One example often quotes is the GMability sponsored hybrid bus program, where GM's Allison Electric Drives System powers environmentally-friendly buses as part of the public transit systems and networks in many cities around the globe.

HERE IS HOW THE HYBRID TECHNOLOGY MAKES A DIFFERENCE:

1. delivers up to 60 percent better fuel economy than the conventional diesel systems used in city buses.
   
   
2. much lower hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions than normal diesel buses
   
   
3. It effectively lowers ‘particle emissions’ (tiny pieces of soot and dust) by 90 percent
   
   
4. Reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 50 percent
   
   
5. deliver 50 percent better acceleration than a bus equipped with a normal diesel power-train.

HYBRID CAR FACTS REVIEW: Here's how hybrid technology works again : (From an online source – see reference listing at the back of this text for more details).

Hybrid systems use two sources of power to move a vehicle — the engine and the battery. In the parallel hybrid system, the diesel engine acts as a generator, producing the electrical power needed to keep the battery charged. The engine is attached to a drive unit that provides an infinitely variable power ratio to the wheels. This allows the engine in a hybrid system to run more efficiently, quietly and cleanly.

Numerous other commercial applications are stepping up to plate, rental car companies, commercial fleets, construction, and extended distance search and rescue teams, work equipment a transit. Hybrid technology is making its way into every aspect and area of our daily lives, slowly but surely.
 
Electric cars (or battery powered cars), electric and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as fuel-cell and other innovative automotive technologies, are very much a part of our near future.
 
Be sure to check out the Center for Electric Car and Energy Conversion if you have a specific interest in these niche specialty hybrid vehicles.

This brings us to the question as to how you would make up your mind as to which hybrid to buy? This guide was set up to help you determine which model hybrid car of which model year,  is best for you’re your needs and budget. Educate, inform and empower yourself, by providing relevant information you need to make the right choice.

Please opt for ONE of the following statements. Choose the one that suites you best:

Two-Seater Hybrid Vehicles

1. YOUR CHOICE IS EASY = THERE IS ONLY ONE!  
   
   
2. Honda Insight
   
   
3. most affordable hybrid cars available for sale,
   
   
4. priced under $20,000 US
   
   
5. eco-friendly car, with high fuel economy
   
   
6. DISTINCTIVE FEATURE: highest EPA rated fuel economy of any passenger automobile available on the market, since its introduction.
   
   
7. There are new and used models available

Compact Hybrid Cars

TWO CHOICES HERE TO HIGHLIGHT:

Honda Civic Hybrid and first generation Toyota Prius

1. Civic is the pioneer into the mainstream auto-market and the top-selling vehicle
   
   
2. first hybrid vehicle to achieve Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle status under California's Zero Emission Vehicle program. The Civic is a mild hybrid
   
   
3. The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid
   
   
4. Can drive solely on its electric motor – gained a lot of competitive ground lately and a crowd pleasing favorite pick.
   
   
5. Also used and new versions and models available.

Midsize Cars

AGAIN ONLY TWO TO CHOOSE FROM:
(i) The new Honda Accord IMA
(ii) the second generation Toyota Prius

NOTE: only hybrids available in this class

1. The Accord add both power and fuel efficiency
   
   
2. Prius fuel economy and reduction in greenhouse gases
   
   
3. New and used models available

Sports Utility Vehicles

The only hybrid SUV currently on the market is the Ford Escape

Up and coming: TWO MODELS  - Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

(see listings elsewhere for more details)

What would motivate us to buy Hybrid cars – the more we know… Spread the word. By linking to this page, you can help spread the word about the CLEAR ACT. For your convenience, sample code is provided below.

http://www.hybrid-car.org/clear-act-2005.html

We include it here to show how government and business, as well as automakers and consumers, are ALL working together to cement hybrid cars and vehicle technologies into our options and choices:

The CLEAR ACT (Clean Efficient Automobiles Resulting from Advanced Car Technologies Act) is an effort to accelerate the development of eco-friendly automotive technologies and their assimilation into the automotive market by providing strategic tax breaks and incentives to consumers and infrastructure developers.

The purpose of the CLEAR ACT is to "promote cleaner air by reducing the consumption of petroleum and advancing alternate fuels."

The automotive technologies promoted by the CLEAR ACT are those used in fuel cell vehicles, which use compressed hydrogen gas to generate electricity to power an electric motor; hybrid electric vehicles, which use an electric motor to assist a gasoline powered engine; dedicated alternative fuel vehicles, which use alternative fuels such as natural gas, LPG, and LNG to power a combustion engine; and battery electric vehicles, which rely on an onboard rechargeable battery to power an electric motor.

Through the use of the tax incentives detailed below, the CLEAR ACT would lower the major barriers associated with acceptance of alternative fuel technologies; the higher cost of the vehicles, the lack of fueling stations providing alternative fuels, (also known as infrastructure) and the higher cost of alternative fuels.

• A $4,000 base tax credit awarded for the purchase of a fuel cell vehicle, and an additional credit of up to $4,000; depending on the fuel economy performance.
  
  
• A $1,000 base tax credit awarded for the purchase hybrid electric fuel vehicle, and an additional credit of up to $3,000; depending on fuel economy.
  
  
• A $2,500 base tax credit awarded for the purchase of a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle, and an additional credit of up to $1,500 for AFV's that achieve a Super Ultra Low Emissions rating.
  
  
• A $4,000 base tax credit awarded for the purchase of a battery electric vehicle, and an additional credit of up to $2,000 for vehicles with extended range or payload capabilities.
  
  
• The CLEAR ACT offers a range of credits for medium and heavy duty vehicles. Fuel cell or battery electric medium or heavy duty vehicles earn a tax credit of up to $40,000; medium or heavy alternative fuel vehicles earn a tax credit of up to $32,000; and medium or heavy hybrid electric vehicles earn a tax credit of up to $24,000.
  
  
• A credit of 50 cents for every gallon of gas equivalent is provided to retail distributors will be provided for 6 years as an incentive.
  
  
• In addition to the fuel credit, the CLEAR ACT provides a credit of up to $30,000 to assist with the actual costs of installing an alternative fuel site that is available to the public.

Why focus on automobiles?
The CLEAR ACT focuses primarily on promoting a responsible and secure energy policy through vehicles because alternate and advanced fuel technologies are more economical and effective than industrial or domestic options. Additionally, "transportation accounts for nearly 2/3 of all oil consumption." Use of these technologies can help reduce our overwhelming dependence on foreign oil.

Why give tax breaks?
Alternative fuel vehicles cost more than their traditional gasoline powered brethren, and tax breaks help to fill that gap. In his Senate press conference, Orrin Hatch (Republican-Utah) attributed the localized high demand for hybrids:

"I have heard one or two people question the need for incentives for hybrid vehicles... it may be true that demand for these vehicles is high in a few areas... [that] tend to have local or state incentives in place for the purchase of these vehicles. Where incentives are not in place, hybrid sales are minimal... incentives can indeed provide a market breakthrough to consumer acceptance of alternative vehicles."

You can help support cleaner air and a more responsible energy policy BY BUYING A HYBRID VEHICLE!

The following groups support the CLEAR ACT:

• Ford Motor Company
  
  
• Honda
  
  
• Toyota
  
  
• Union of Concerned Scientists
  
  
• Natural Resources Defense Council
  
  
• Environmental Defense
  
  
• American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
  
  
• Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition

There are numerous online tools that will show you what the most fuel efficient alternative is/can be to your current automobile.

It basically takes the class and general specifications of your car and shows you a set of practical alternatives that are actually better for the environment.

Here is one such sample:

http://www.hybrid-car.org/alternative/aston%20martin/

Step 1: Select the make of your current vehicle.

This program will output a selection of alternative vehicles based on engine size, vehicle class, and fuel economy.

TRY IT OUT!
ALSO, keep a keen eye on the new product launches and innovations making their way onto the market.

In surveying and weighing your options for a hybrid vehicle, you will want to consider:

• Size
  
  
• Price
  
  
• Gas Mileage
  
  
• Appearance

SOME MORE QUICK FACTS AND HISTORY ABOUT HYBRIDS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE, MOST SUITED TO YOUR NEEDS, BUDGET AND REQUIREMENTS

The Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Toyota Prius are the four hybrid cars available to purchase from dealers today. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid SUV available, but additional choices now available are the Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander and Mariner Hybrid.

NOTE # 1: Future 2007 models not discussed here are the Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Nissan Altima Hybrid.

NOTE # 2 : some cars like the Toyota Prius, due to their popularity and high-demand,  may have a waiting period of two to nine months, as order-filling and delivery takes time.

Size  (always start with what you know/think you are/will be comfortable with)

1. Space-saving, trunk space, driver/passenger comfort, dimensions
   
   
2. Getting in and out of the car
   
   
3. Sometimes the trunk is smaller for storage of the battery
   
   
4. How many passengers can it take?

Here are some examples from online offerings and specifications:

1. The Honda Civic Hybrid is a compact sedan that seats five
   
   
2. Pruis 2nd generation much more roomier and even comes in a hatchback version (mid-size).
   
   
3. Accord also has a mid-size offering
   
   
4. Lexus will add a sporty GS 450h hybrid sedan
   
   
5. 5- passenger Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Ford Escape, or Mariner Hybrid. They are available in two and four wheel-drive models.
   
   
6. NO MINIVANS
   
   
7. Toyota's Highlander Hybrid is the only hybrid that seats seven passengers.

Price

1. Ranges in US $ from $19,000 to over $49,000 (base models).
   
   
2. Typically MORE expensive, as much as $3,000 – 5,000 + MORE than their non-hybrids
   
   
3. Insight and Lexus at the low and high point of the pricing scale.
   
   
4. Price List:
   • 2006 Honda Insight, $19,330 manual transmission ($21,530 for automatic)
     
     
   • 2006 Toyota Prius, $21,2745,
     
     
   • 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, $21,850
     
     
   • 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid, $30,140.
     
     
   • 2006 Ford Escape hybrid begins at $27,515 for the two-wheel drive version and $28,595 for four-wheel drive.
     
     
   • 2006 Mariner Hybrid $29,840 (four wheel drive is standard.)
     
     
   • 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid begins at $33,030 for the two-wheel drive version and $34,430 for four-wheel drive.

2006 Lexus RX400h $49,060.

HYBRID CAR FACT: Don't forget, THESE PRICES QUOTED HERE ARE PRICED, MSRP for the base model. Any additional features will increase the cost!

Fuel Economy and Gas Mileage

EPA estimates are higher than for internal combustion engine vehicles
designed to get the best mileage
MANUAL TRANSMISSION: As much as 60 mpg in the city and 66 mpg on the highway
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS: 57 city/56 highway

Prius and Honda Civic comes close too!

Here are some more quoted online facts and statistics on fuel economy:

• Up until model year 2006 the Honda Civic Hybrid was available with a manual transmission that was rated at 46 city/51 highway; the automatic at 48 city/47 highway. The 2006 the Civic Hybrid has been redesigned and is only available with an automatic transmission with epa mpg estimates of 50 hwy/50 city.
  
  
• The Honda Accord Hybrid is rated at 29 city/37 highway.
  
  
• The Ford Escape is rated at 36 city/31 highway. That is much better than a non-hybrid Escape that is only rated at 22 city/25 highway.
  
  
• The Mariner is rated at 33 city/ 29 highway.
  
  
• The Lexus RX 400h is rated at a still-respectable 31 city/27 mpg highway.
  
  
• The Toyota Highlander, being the largest of the hybrid SUVs gets the lowest mpg and is at 22 city/27 highway.

Appearance

When it comes to what the car looks like, you are dealing with personal preferences. Ask yourself some tough questions:

• What do you want for the look of your car?
  
  
• Similar or different, unconventional style, daring?
  
  
• Unique and futuristic appeal to you?
  
  
• Aerodynamic?
  
  
• When you look at it for the first time, do you love or hate it? Do you want them looking just like their non-hybrid counterparts?

Test drives are recommended and advisable PLUS IT IS FUN!)

Ask about City MPG , Highway MPG and MSRP

Here is a quick comparison of hybrid cars and hybrid SUVs.
The comparison of the hybrids includes:

• the hybrid's name
  
  
• EPA gas mileage estimate for city
  
  
• EPA gas mileage estimate for highway
  
  
• the hybrid's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

The hybrid with the highest fuel economy is on the top of the chart, the hybrid with the lowest fuel economy is at the bottom.

As you might expect, the two-seat Honda Insight tops the list again, as it has since it's inception. As you might also expect, hybid SUVs are at the bottom of the list; the 4 wheel drive version of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus RX 400h. But remember, these SUV are still getting 31 city and 27 hwy, that's pretty darn good for an SUV.

Hybrid Car Comparison

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