Cheaper hybrid vehicles thanks to commodity crash?

A recession isn't all bad

One of the big reasons that hybrid cars cost more than conventional vehicles is the greater need for expensive metals such as copper and nickel for batteries and electric motors. In the last several months, however, the price of these metals has skyrocketed downward.

This should give automakers the ability to lower prices on hybrids, especially if demand slows with the recession. It could also help bullish NiMH-hybrid producers significantly increase production.

While lithium might be the future, NiMH is still going to be a cost-effective solution for many more years. Sadly, however, only Toyota, and maybe Honda, are going to be able to truly cash in on these price discounts.