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One year after our first tip on the subject, are we still hot for hybrids?

09.11.2006

Submitted by idealbite on Mon, 09/11/2006 - 5:00pm.
The Bite:
You better believe it. As you already know, hybrids run off self-charging batteries and a lot less fuel. And while the Prius is still holding its own against the competition, by next year we'll have 18 models from which to choose.
The Benefits: 
  • Gas-powered autos cause almost 25% of US CO2 emissions. Compared to similar gas models, hybrids cut emissions in half.
  • Gas prices keep going up - in a hybrid you'll get up to 60 mpg (Honda's Insight).
  • Less smog and more convenience.  Even biodiesels (see tomorrow’s tip) add more smog to the air than gas cars and there are fewer biodiesel stations. We're still in love with both… stay tuned.
Personally Speaking: 
Heather's tooling around town in a ZipCar and a used Vespa until they come out with an electric-hybrid-biodiesel. (Yep, we Biters want it all). If you want to vote on what kind of car she should buy, sound off in the Ideal Bite blog.
Wanna Try: 
  • hybridCARS.com - great news and reviews, including a list of all the hybrid options and a gas mileage impact calculator.
  • Federal Tax Credits - get up to $3,400 back (which helps to offset hybrids' higher price tags). Sorry, new Toyota credits have gone down due to the government's annual cap, but full '06 credits for Hondas and Fords are still available.
  • CalCars - souping up hybrids so they're plug-in and can get over 100 mpg.
  • Travelers - 10% discount on insurance to hybrid owners.
  • Some companies, like Google and Bank of America, will match their employees' hybrid tax rebates.

Cocktail Fact

Among hybrids, the Toyota Prius outsells its closest competition (the Camry) 2:1.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters choose a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid instead of a regular '06 Civic, in a year we'll prevent the emissions of 4,714 regular '06 Civics.

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Ana  on April 29, 2009 at 06:59 AM 1
Hybrid autos are getting more poular and the choice is now wider. The technology is improving and we can definitely are here to stay! And their are especially welcomed in some countries where there are some tax incentives when you buy such an economically friendly car! Have a look at some hybrid autos' prices at http://www.cbg.ie/hybrids.aspx
Joss  on September 28, 2009 at 10:55 AM 2
I just came across an interesting article: Hybrid cars - under the bonnet. Maybe before buying it is worth to check how exactly hybrids work. The article is not too long, quite informative and rather eaasy to read... http://www.green-blog.org/2009/07/12/hybrid-cars-under-the-bonnet/

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