If you are purchasing a hybrid to save money, it simply wouldn't make sense unless gas was $3.75 a gallon or more. However, anyone that is purchasing a hybrid is generally purchasing it for other benefits it offers. And the benefits are
MANY.
BENEFITS TO OWNING A HYBRID:
1.) The GREAT benefits to the environment. Hybrids emit 97% less toxins emissions into the environment and HALF as much greenhouse-causing carbon dioxide into the environment as their comparable counterparts....See the charts below :
Carbon dioxide is the dominant greenhouse gas that causes global warming. The effects of global warming are uncertain, but they potentially include disruption of global weather patterns and ecosystems, flooding, severe storm, and droughts. Sample comparison (based on 14k miles per year/EPA ratings):
2005 Toyota Camry
3.0L, 6 Automatic
2004 Toyota Prius
1.5L, 4 CVT
11,100 pounds
of Carbon Dioxide per year
4,800 pounds
of Carbon Dioxide per year
Carbon monoxide, when inhaled, combines with hemoglobin in our blood, impairing the flow of oxygen to our brain and other parts of the body. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and poisonous even to healthy people (at high levels in the air). It can seriously affect people with heart disease, and can affect the central nervous system. Motor vehicles remain the number one source of carbon monoxide pollution in many countries. Sample comparison (based on 14k miles per year/EPA ratings):
2005 Cadillac SRX SUV
3.6L, 6 Automatic
Bin 5
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
2.3L, 4 CVT
Bin 4
330 pounds
of Carbon Monoxide per year
230 pounds
of Carbon Monoxide per year
Sulphur oxides contribute to respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly, and aggravate existing heart and lung diseases. It contributes to the formation of acid rain, which damages trees, crops, and buildings; and makes soils, lakes, and streams acidic.
Nitrogen oxide is a noxious pollutant. It is a lung irritant and reacts with compounds in the air to cause acid rain and ozone (the main reason for smog). Nitrogen oxide is one of the main ingredients involved in the formation of ground-level ozone (which can trigger serious respiratory problems), and contributes to global warming. Sample comparison (based on 14k miles per year/EPA ratings):
2004 Volkwagen Jetta
1.9L, 4 Automatic
Bin 10
2004 Honda Civic Hybrid
1.3L, 4 CVT
Bin 9
49 pounds
of Nitrogen Oxide per year
17 pounds
of Nitrogen Oxide per year
Particulate matter, consisting of tiny particles of smoke, soot and dust—primarily from engines, car parts, tires, and diesel exhaust—are an established cause of lung problems, from shortness of breath to worsening of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, damage to lung tissues, and cancer. The EPA estimates that particulate pollution kills more than 60,000 people per year. In addition, particulates are associated with increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits for people with heart and lung disease, as well as work and school absences. Particulates can travel deep into the lungs, or in smaller form, directly into the bloodstream. Sample comparison (based on 14k miles per year/EPA ratings):
2005 Range Rover
4.4L, 8 Automatic
Tier 1
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
3.0L, 6 Automatic
ULEV II
670 grams
of Particulate Matter per year
240 grams
of Particulate Matter per year
Hydrocarbons, in their many forms, are directly hazardous, contributing to what are collectively called "air toxics." These compounds directly irritate the lung and other tissues, can cause cancer, contribute to birth defects, and cause other illnesses. Sample comparison (based on 14k miles per year/EPA ratings):
2005 Hummer H2
6.0L, 8 Automatic
HDT-Bin 11
2005 Honda Insight
1.0L, 3 Manual
Bin 9
29 pounds
of Hydrocarbons per year
8 pounds
of Hydrocarbons per year
Lead damages organs, affects the brains, nerves, heart, and blood. Although overall blood lead levels have decreased since 1976, urban areas with high levels of traffic or industrial facilities that burn fuel may still have high lead levels in air. In 1999, ten areas of the country did not meet the national health-based air quality standards for lead.
2.) Mileage is noticeably higher. While the EPA rates are inflated, I still get
45-59 MPG when I am driving around. That is significantly higher than my SUV which gets
15 MPG. And official EPA fuel economy numbers are inflated for all cars—
not just hybrids.
3.)There is a federal tax deduction for Hybrid buyers the first year, up to $3800. (There is one for SUV gas-guzzlin' drivers too).
4.) There are many States that offer Money incentives too. Many cities/states exempt Hybrid buyers from sales tax, parking meter fees, and vehicle inspection responsibilities.
5.)You can often have a faster commute to work due to the
ability to drive Hybrids in carpool lanes in some states.
6.) Many businesses offer incentives for their employees.
Here are three examples:
Employee Incentives Hyperion, a software company based in Santa Clara, Calif., offers their employees $5,000 for the purchase of a hybrid. The company has committed over $1 million a year toward the hybrid purchase incentive, enough for 250 of the company’s 2,500 employees to make a painless shift from gas-guzzler to gas-electric.
Google applies its spirit of innovation to the arena of green transportation, with its "Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Incentive Program." The company offers its full-time U.S.-based employees a $5,000 subsidy toward the purchase of a vehicle with an EPA fuel economy rating of 45 mpg or higher. Google contributes $2,500 toward leased vehicles.
Patagonia is giving up to $2,000 to workers who buy hybrids or alternative fuel cars.
7.) Many Insurance Companies offer discounts.
Travelers, the second largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance through independent agents, offers a 10 percent discount on auto insurance for hybrid owners
8.) Many clubs offer their members a discount:
9.) Even hotels offer discounts:
Hybrid-driving overnight guests at the
Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, get free parking.
The Argent Hotel in San Francisco cuts their rate for overnight parking in half—from $42.00 to $21.00—for hybrid drivers.
provide proof of your hybrid ownership at the
Little River Inn, on the Mendocino coast three hours north of San Francisco, you only pay for one night of a two-night stay in one of their ocean-view rooms.
10.) Some Universities offer there students discounts:
Hybrid-driving students, professors and staff of the
University of Miami (Florida) can save up to 50 percent of their parking permit price, which can run up to $352 per year.
What about the Smart though? Is it better than the other hybrid cars?
