Is the Accord hybrid dead in 2008?

When the Honda Accord Coupe Concept was revealed at NAIAS I was in attendance hoping to hear something about an updated Accord hybrid. Unfortunately, a hybrid version of the Accord was not mentioned as part of the debut. I later asked a Honda spokesperson if the new Accord Coupe, which is set for launch as a 2008 vehicle, would include a hybrid version. To that question, I was simply told there is not yet an answer.

Considering that Honda's debut focused on Honda's efforts in fuel efficiency, it was surprising not to hear something about an Accord hybrid, which only makes me think that the Accord hybrid could be phased out.

Hybrid vehicles still offer excellent reliability - Consumer Reports

Hybrid vehicles are very reliable according to Consumer Reports survey research. The Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Prius hybrid are the number one and two most reliable family cars, and the Honda Civic hybrid took third place for most reliable small car. The Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400h took the first and fifth spots for most reliable midsized SUVs.

The only hybrid to suffer a bit this year compared to last year was the Ford Escape hybrid, which dropped from above average to just average.

(Source: CNNMoney)

Hybrids only 9% more efficient than regular vehicles?

Are hybrid vehicles only 9% more fuel efficient than conventional vehicles? That's what J.D. Power claims, according to the Detroit News. While noting that interest in hybrids is growing, J.D. claims that hybrid buyers have unrealistic expectations in terms of performance.

While I agree that some buyers have unrealistic expectations, I have to question the 9% figure. Other studies have claimed the same, but those studies were done using track testing. For the majority of drivers, track testing is about as accurate for gauging real world fuel economy as are EPA estimates of hybrids.

Moreover, saying 'hybrids' are only 9% more efficient than conventional models is completely deceptive. For example, some hybrids were not produced to achieve the highest fuel efficiency possible. The Honda Accord hybrid, for example, is really a performance hybrid, though it achieves excellent fuel mileage for that performance. The same is largely true of both the Lexus RX400h and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, though these vehicles are - for their class - more fuel efficient than the Accord hybrid.

In terms of fuel efficiency, both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Prius hybrid, are the two hybrids most designed for fuel economy. While the Civic hybrid is a very fuel efficient vehicle as well, so to is the standard Civic. Additionally, the Civic hybrid doesn't offer as much electric assist as the hybrid Escape or Prius.

Consequently, comparing some hybrids is about as accurate as comparing apples to oranges. Thus, averaging their fuel economy is completely useless.

Even worse, if the Silverado hybrid was also included in the 'hybrid class' by J.D., then the results are completely skewed against hybrid fuel efficiency. The Silverado hybrid isn't even a mild hybrid in my book. In fact, its not even a hybrid in my book.

Consequently, the class of current hybrid vehicles are actually a very diverse group of vehicles. To average their fuel economy is misleading at best and, ultimately, deceptive. Studies by both Consumer Reports and Edmunds very much call into question the number, 9%.

Some hybrids are more fuel efficient than other hybrids. Some hybrids offer more power than other hybrids. Some hybrids perform better on highways compared to other hybrids, and some hybrids perform better in urban slow-and-go or stop-and-go traffic than other hybrids. Inevitably, hybrid fuel efficiency can ONLY be assessed vehicle by vehicle. Even then, two different drivers of the same hybrid can still achieve vastly different outcomes.

So, don't take this 9% very seriously. It might be true for some hybrids, but it certainly isn't true for all hybrids. If you want to read more about real world fuel economy from real world hybrid drivers, check out these hybrid testimonials.

News for hybrid cars this week

I've been sick this week, so I haven't been doing much writing. To top it off, I probably won't be doing much writing today, as I found out that someone threw a cinder block through my windshield last night - just another day in L.A.!

Anyway, over the weekend, I read an interesting article in the Detroit News, San Antonio joins hybrid-incentive trend. Aside from San Antonio joining the hybrid incentive trend, the article kind of paints the question, 'Do hybrid vehicles receive too many perks'?

The article references policies in Salt Lake City, for example, which - at times - are more favorable to small cars than some hybrid vehicles.

I think supporting small vehicles is great. Still, I don't believe that if every American drove a small car that America would be doing enough to fight oil addiction.

In fact, I'm not SURE we CAN'T do enough to fight oil addiction.

This week Toyota also released a press release noting that worldwide sales of the Toyota Prius hybrid have surpassed the 500,000 vehicle mark. While that is great P.R., what is the real impact of 500,000 cars? Not much.

Still, in America - even in the most unfavorable hybrid driving conditions, the Prius can achieve well over 40 mpg. How many compact cars achieve that kind of mileage? Then, when you add in stop-and-go traffic performance and emissions, it's pretty hard to top the performance of the Prius. And, when it comes to hybrid cars, this is just the beginning - better battery technology could easily double performance and fuel efficiency in just a few years.

Technologies, such as hybrids, represent the true power of the computer revolution and no country more than America has more to gain by embracing this revolution.

Of course some hybrids, such as the Lexus RX400h or the Honda Accord hybrid, are geared more for performance than fuel efficiency. Nonetheless, for the performance these hybrids provide, the fuel efficiency of these hybrids is nothing short of stellar. More important, buying such a car STILL invests in hybrid technology.

Let's face it, gas isn't going to get cheaper any time soon. Now that Prudhoe Bay is reducing capacity, places like California will almost certainly see $4.00 gas. In some areas of California, $5.00 gas won't be surprising before the end of this year.

Of course, if the situation in Israel-Iran-Lebanon-Syria continues to escalate, $5.00 gas will dominate all of America.

The world has changed and we're never going back to $25.00 barrels of oil. In fact, we're probably never going back to even $50.00 barrels of oil.

Ultimately, we cannot embrace hybrid technology fast enough.

Honda hybrid tax credits now official

The IRS has officially determined the tax credits for Honda hybrid cars. The 2006 Civic hybrid qualifies for a $2100.00 tax credit. The Accord hybrid actually qualifies for a better credit than originally estimated, if it offers updated control calibration. Thus, the new credit is $1300.00. For those without the calibration, the credit is $650.00. The Honda Insight qualifies for a $1,450 tax credit. More on tax credits for hybrid vehicles.

Newsweek's Green Gap: Hybrid Critics have become boring

I was just reading Newsweek's Green Gap which asks, "Hybrids might be hip, but are they saving consumers enough at the pump to compensate for their high sticker price?" Over and over auto writers have noted that the Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid are not selling well because of their sticker price. So hybrid cars are dead, right? Well, not exactly, the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid are hot, the Honda Civic hybrid is also hot. Ultimately, hybrid sales keep going up, and the hybrid market is only just emerging, only just being understood. It seems today's media loves to talk about hybrids. Recently, I questioned whether there was a media bias against hybrids. When Toyota announced a recall that includes the Prius, but wasn't limited to hybrids, nor was it related to hybrid technology, yet most of the media focused only on the Prius, not the fact that the majority of the affected cars were NOT hybrids.

Honda Will Share Hybrid Technology

Honda announced that it would share its hybrid technology if other auto companies were interested, joining at least Toyota and GM/Chrysler/BMW. Already Nissan is going to lease Toyota hybrid technology for the upcoming Altima hybrid, and Ford leases some Toyota software. Perhaps, Honda is making a play for Hyundai, whom recently announced the delay of any hybrid cars until 2009? (More)

Fickle consumers underscore need for hybrid technology

Most Consumers Still Demand Performance and/or Size

Hybrid technology is just emerging and still evolving, but already there are mild hybrids, full hybrids, one-mode hybrids, two-mode hybrids, gasoline hybrids, diesel hybrids, hydrogen hybrids, plug-in hybrids, flex-fuel hybrids, etc.

Another class of hybrids, performance hybrids, have often been the source of much media ridicule because they are as much about performance as fuel efficiency. Such hybrids include the Lexus RX400h and the Honda Accord hybrid. Additionally, other hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, could have been made to be more fuel efficient, but Toyota figured Highlander drivers, and many SUV drivers, still favored a certain level of performance more than fuel efficiency. Much evidence seems to show that Toyota is right.

According to a CNN/Kelly Blue Book study, almost 25% of consumers are willing to give up performance and size for better fuel economy; however, 25% refuse to give up anything for better fuel economy. The other 50% will give up a little size, or a little performance, etc.

Along those same lines, an AutoWeek article notes, Loyalists won't quit big SUVs; hauling power, improved fuel economy help move vehicles . "Arguably, Americans insist on SUVs. It's unique to their lifestyle and utility."

Additionally, while Congress is going to finally address CAFE, it now appears that the new regulations will still protect Detroit's SUV domain. It is just too obvious in Congress that Detroit probably cannot survive if CAFE is pushed too high.

Unfortunately, performance and size are simply more important to most Americans than is fuel efficiency. Nonetheless, ever rising oil prices, ever more realizations of the connection between foreign oil, terrorism and American hate, will slowly force more and more Americans to take fuel efficiency seriously.

The technology behind hybrid cars enables automakers to continue to provide performance and size to Americans, while also significantly reducing foreign oil dependency. This isn't something that should be done, it is something that must be done. While Congress will probably be weak on CAFE, they should be overly aggressive in offering tax incentives to promote hybrid technology.

Join our Campaign to Make Congress Act On Hybrid Tax Incentives.

Ford's Slow Hybrid Sales Surge 50% in April

Last week I read at least 4 articles talking about the slow sales of hybrid vehicles. MotorTrend, for example, carried the article Hybrid Sales Running On Empty.

Then, today, I read that Ford increased its sales of hybrid vehicles by 50% in April - some slump(Reuters).

While it is true that incentives played a role in the sales increase of the Ford Escape hybrid, I bet rising gas prices also didn't hurt. Still, the whole "hybrids losing momentum" sentiment was really annoying.

Sales of the Toyota Prius weren't slow, nor were the sales of the Honda Civic hybrid. These two vehicles account for the far majority of hybrid vehicle sales, yet because the Honda Accord hybrid isn't selling well - a performance hybrid - hybrid sales are slumping?

Hybrid cars are an emerging technology and not every hybrid is going to sell well - there will be winners and losers. Additionally, costs and the price of gas are extremely important. Still, with no end in sight for high gasoline prices, I expect a lot more slow sales from hybrid cars.

Nonetheless, I don't get it. Why does it seem so many want to see hybrids fail?

Reduced Accord hybrid sales are not the end of hybrid cars

One might think the end of hybrid cars is near. Carlos Ghosn, whose Nissan Company has no hybrid technology, and Honda make some bearish comments regarding hybrids, suddenly, hybrids are no longer hot.

"We've had to reevaluate our position [regarding the Accord hybrid]," Honda Executive Vice President Dick Colliver recently stated. "It's having a hard time in the market." (MSNBC)

Well, it isn't necessarily surprising that the Accord hybrid might see a production decrease. Nonetheless, Honda's other two hybrids, the Civic hybrid and the Insight are seeing very good sales. Moreover, Honda has never been as bullish regarding hybrids as Toyota and they are still not.

More important, the Toyota Prius is still attracting waiting lists and is blowing all the competition away. The Prius is a unique vehicle powered by excellent technology.

Let's face it, sticker shock is the most important factor in buying a vehicle. Even if all hybrids saved $2000 compared to their conventional cars after 5 years, but customers had to pay more upfront, the majority of buyers would still go for the most immediate savings.

As hybrid technology becomes cheaper and gas prices go higher, America's perception of hybrids will continue to improve. Today, however, if you want to sell a 100,000 hybrid vehicles, produce a unique hybrid.

The hybrid vehicle revolution is dead?

The Wall Street Journal reported that sales of some hybrid cars are slowing, according to Car and Driver. That magazine cited such evidence as interest free loans for the Ford Escape hybrid, as well as new financing deals for the Toyota Highlander hybrid, and cuts in production on both the Highlander hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid.

Of course, the Toyota Prius hybrid car is burning off the lot, and the Honda Civic hybrid is also seeing strong sales.

So, what's the problem? Cost effectiveness.

Ultimately, I believe there two main types of hybrid consumers: those driven by the environment and foreign oil dependency and those driven by saving money on gas.

The Prius and the Civic hybrid fit the demands of both of these consumer segments. The rest of the hybrids don't fit the majority of consumers in either one of these segments very well.

Still, the best of hybrid technology is yet to come and even large hybrid SUVs will eventually see lower prices and higher fuel economy.

Hybrid vehicles are far from dead.

Camry and Accord hybrids: Another view

Last week I wrote about the upcoming battle among hybrid cars between the Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid (more). This week, the New York Times has done the same. "RELIABLE, practical and popular, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are as mainstream as white bread and as exciting as mom's meatloaf. But hybrid technology has transformed versions of these family cars from conservative appliances into cutting-edge green machines."

(Read the New York Times Story)

Accord hybrid versus the Camry hybrid

Hybrid Competition Heats Up, A little

Slowly, albeit very slowly, competition amongst hybrid cars is building.

Already we have the Toyota Highlander hybrid versus the Ford Escape hybrid versus the Lexus RX 400h, as well the Toyota Prius versus the Honda Civic hybrid, and soon we'll have the Toyota Camry hybrid versus the Honda Accord hybrid.

Both the Accord and the Camry are already top selling cars in America. So, how will the hybrid battle between these two champions play out?

Unfortunately, it probably won't be much of a battle.

The Accord hybrid is a performance hybrid, offering some of the best performance of any Accord. For the power offered, the Accord hybrid offers good fuel efficiency. Ultimately, however, the hybrid Accord was built to perform on the highway, not to set fuel efficiency records.

The Camry hybrid, on the other hand, will offer significant gains in both fuel economy and pollution reductions compared to a standard Camry. While the hybrid Camry will still perform well, it wasn't designed for 0 to 60 supremacy, however the hybrid Camry should offer exceptional fuel efficiency.

Ironically, the real competition in the hybrid vehicle wars will probably be between the Camry hybrid and the Prius.

Consumer Reports and Hybrid Cars: What you need to know

What's the word on hybrids?

Consumer Report's Annual Auto Issue is one of the most important sources for unbiased ratings and reviews of automobiles. So, what can we learn from Consumer Reports when it comes to hybrid cars.?

First, we learned that the Toyota Highlander hybrid is the best SUV over $30,000 and that the Toyota Prius hybrid is the Best Green Vehicle.

Second, we learned that the Prius is the Most Satisfying vehicle according to owners. A whopping 95% of Prius owners would buy another Prius (more).

Third, we learned that hybrid vehicles have thus far proven to be extremely reliable. In fact, the Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid topped CR's rankings of Most reliable, with just 4% of owners reporting problems. In addition, the Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400h hybrid and the Accord hybrid also did very well in reliability.

Of course, the long term reliability of hybrids is still a question, a question that can only be answered once enough hybrids have been on the road for more than a decade. Ultimately, the reliability of hybrids is extremely important as it is the factor in determining the overall value of hybrids, which brings us to our final point.

Fourth, are hybrid vehicles worth the cost?

According to Consumer Reports, only two hybrids can save you money after the first five years: the Prius and the Civic hybrid. Of course, once the capped tax credits for hybrids expire, these vehicles will then cost more than their conventional counterparts, well, maybe.

The article, Hybrids: Save gas, lose money, notes that "six hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles, will lose 2 percent to 3 percent more in value over five years of ownership than otherwise identical non-hybrid vehicles." While the Prius can save $406 after 5 years and the Civic hybrid saves $317, the rest of the hybrids lose money after five years: Ford Escape Hybrid ($1,883), Honda Accord Hybrid ($4,263), Lexus RX400h ($4,171) and Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($5,508).

Of course, as in life, few things are ever black and white.

To start, there is no "identical non-hybrid vehicle" to compare to the Prius. If the Prius were simply a hybrid Corolla, it would be called the Corolla hybrid. Quite simply, the Prius is a unique vehicle and when you consider performance, reliability and customer satisfaction, the Prius is a unique, awesome vehicle.

As for the rest of the hybrid vehicle segment, it is true that cost is an important concern. Still, for those that care, can you really put a cost on foreign oil dependency or a cleaner environment? Sometimes doing the right thing is neither the cheapest nor easiest thing to do.

Furthermore, the Consumer Reports study makes several important assumptions. For example, it assumes that your auto insurance will cost more. Overtime; however, this might not be true, especially when you consider that some insurance providers have already offered discounts to hybrid drivers.

CR also assumes extra financing costs for hybrids. Already, Ford has begun to offer incentives and better financing deals on its hybrid vehicles, so this 'cost' might not remain an extra cost.

The most important assumption affecting the costs of hybrids; however, is extra depreciation, which CR claims could range from $2,900 to 6,300 after 5 years. These are huge numbers that cannot, at this point in time, be backed by fact.

For example, if hybrid batteries generally last the life of these vehicles, which Toyota engineers claim is quite possible, then these numbers will be horribly wrong. Additionally, as more hybrids are built, hybrid battery costs will come down.

Moreover, it could turn out that replacing the battery packs of older hybrids could make hybrids twice as fuel efficient as before with new battery technology, such as lithium batteries. Not only would this reverse depreciation costs, but it would double fuel savings costs.

In 10 years, it could turn out that replacing the hybrid battery pack on an old hybrid actually results in a better hybrid than when new. Imagine the effect this would have on resale value.

Additionally, "Hybrid supporter and Prius owner James Bell, publisher of the automotive guide IntelliChoice, recently sold his two-year-old Prius for just $4,000 less than he originally paid for it -- a remarkably low rate of depreciation." (more)

So, hybrid depreciation is a complete wild card.

Furthermore, "We really like hybrids in terms of their overall performance" and environmental benefits, says Doug Love, a spokesman for Consumers Union.

In conclusion, the CR study does demonstrates that hybrid vehicles do pose some risk when it comes to long term value; however, the CR study largely assumes the worst case scenario. If hybrid batteries are very reliable and/or new battery technology could cost-effectively make old hybrids twice as fuel efficient, then hybrids could end up as long term bargains.

Hybrid cars and reliability

Can you trust hybrid technology?

I regularly receive e-mails that ask, "Are hybrid cars reliable?"

Well, according to Consumer Reports, they are. In fact, both the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid were found to be the most reliable vehicles by CR, with just 4% of owners reporting problems.

Additionally, the CR study also picked the Toyota Highlander hybrid as one of its Top 10 vehicles of 2006, a ranking which also includes reliability. Two other hybrids, the Lexus RX400h and the Honda Accord hybrid also received high marks.

Sure it is possible that the smaller production lines of these hybrid vehicles eases the ability to ensure their reliability. Moreover, the long term reliability of hybrids is still somewhat of question, since hybrids simply haven't been around long enough. Yet, first generation Prii and Honda Insight hybrids have proven to be reliable after several years.

While the long term reliability of the hybrid battery pack will remain a question for another decade, based upon current evidence hybrids appear extremely reliable. If the hybrid battery pack lasts the life of the vehicle, as many Toyota hybrid engineers believe, the long term value of hybrids has been significantly underestimated.

Fit Honda adding another hybrid vehicle to lineup

Honda set to offer the first subcompact hybrid.

In 2007, according to unofficial reports, Honda will begin offering the Honda Fit Hybrid, a subcompact hybrid. With a starting price of just $11,790.00, the Fit hybrid should shake up the world of hybrid cars.

According to the report, the new Fit will achieve fuel efficiency in the range of the Toyota Prius hybrid or the Honda Insight hybrid.

Some analysts already speculate that this move is a sign that Honda now believes that hybrid vehicles will have a much more critical role in the future. In the past, Honda has indicated that it wasn't sure about the future of hybrids. In addition to the Insight and Fit hybrids, Honda also offers the Civic hybrid - now in its second generation - and the Accord hybrid.

Ironically, this will be Honda's fourth hybrid car. GM, on the other hand, has stated that it is mostly interested in putting hybrid technology only in its large vehicles. Thus, one cannot help but wonder if GM is not sealing its fate with its stubborn refusal to challenge Japan in small cars and the new battle for fuel efficiency supremacy.

Stop selling the Toyota Prius and Toyota Highlander hybrids?

Solomon Technologies, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Toyota for patent infringement that seeks to stop Toyota from selling the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid in the United States.

Thus far, for legal reasons, Toyota is not commenting on the case.

Still, it is kind of interesting that Solomon Technologies, Inc. didn't file a lawsuit against Toyota until September of 2005. They didn't realize their patent was being illegally used until then? Moreover, the Solomon site claims that its technology is used not only in Toyota hybrids, but also in the Ford Escape hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid.

Is Honda or Ford paying Solomon?

Since Ford and Toyota negotiated on hybrid patents, it seems odd that Solomon's 'proprietary' patent could have been missed if Solomon and Ford have a relationship. If they don't have a relationship, why does the lawsuit only name Toyota?

On the face of it, this case seems derived to drive publicity to Solomon, but that is only my gut feeling. When I researched this company's stock and some other corporate information, I noticed that all questions were referred to the President of the company, which made me wonder if there are any other corporate officers in this company.

If an investor thought that Solomon had a case and that Solomon would eventually obtain a bucket of cash from Toyota, maybe a small stock purchase would be worthwhile? Is that Solomon's game? Again, I am just speculating.

Of course, on the contrary, Solomon could have a case, and what would happen to hybrid cars if Solomon wins?

Hybrid car testimonials: Read others and add your own

Do you own a hybrid vehicle?

Have you added your experiences to our hybrid cars testimonials? What kind of gas mileage are you achieving with your hybrid? What else would you tell others that are interested in buying a hybrid?

Click on one of the links below to add your hybrid experiences.

Ford Escape Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Accord Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Civic Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Insight Hybrid Testimonials
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Testimonials
Toyota Prius Testimonials
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Testimonials

The Toyota Prius New Year's Rush; Deduction Bias?

Are you planning to buy a new Toyota Prius hybrid car in 2006?

If you have been waiting for the New Year because the hybrid tax deduction for the Prius is bigger than in 2005, then you are not alone. There have been numerous reports of Prius buyers telling dealers to wait until 2006.

So, will this make it hard to buy a Prius in 2006?

Sometimes the beginning of the year can be a slow time for car sales, and this might have an effect on hybrid cars as well. Nonetheless, demand for the Prius has been, and continues to be, far greater than supply. Since the tax deduction for the Prius is both bigger in 2006 and capped, some Prius buyers will not qualify for the hybrid car tax deduction.

All this makes me wonder whether some hybrid vehicle buyers will look at other hybrids such as the Civic hybrid or the Accord hybrid, instead of the Prius, after the Prius deductions meet their cap.

Additionally, since hybrid deductions are capped by manufacturer, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will also be affected by Prius demand. Consequently, the Ford Escape hybrid or the Mariner hybrid could become a better deal simply because they will continue to qualify for the tax deduction longer than the Highlander hybrid.

If you are in the market for a Toyota Prius and the new deduction is a primary concern, you better buy your new hybrid as soon as possible to ensure that you will qualify for the deduction. Unfortunately, many hybrid buyers will already have this in mind, which could make finding a Prius more difficult than ever.

If the hybrid tax deduction won't have a big effect on your return, it might not be a bad idea to shop for a hybrid in these last few days of the year.

It's kind of ironic that Toyota's hybrid success could be to Honda and Ford's gain. The caps for hybrid vehicles are both far too few and too biased. If the government wants to get hybrids on the road as quickly as possible, then the free market approach to caps would have been to cap the total number of hybrids eligible per year, not to cap them by manufacturer.

Now Toyota hybrids will probably meet their cap before GM even starts selling real hybrids. That's a shame.

What IS the point of hybrid vehicle critics?

Hybrid cars make up around one percent of total automobile sales, yet hybrid hype could almost make you believe that hybrids are dominating automobile sales.

So, is it the hype that makes critics sound off?

Do hybrid critics just hate change, or do they hate hybrids because most of them aren't built in America?

I just don't get most hybrid critics.

Some hybrid critics claim hybrids won't save money. In some cases this is true; however, even in these cases, hybrid vehicles still pollute far less than their conventional counterparts, but you can't put a cost on that. It means everything to some people, nothing to others.

Anyway, why are some so concerned with criticizing those that stand up and use their money to cause less pollution? Why is acting on one's beliefs a bad thing? What are critics acting on anyway?

Besides, many hybrids can save money. There is no doubt that hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid can save money and can achieve significantly better fuel economy than their conventional comparisons. Yes, you will have to drive differently, but if reducing your fuel consumption is important, hybrids offer the greatest and most convenient tools available for achieving this goal.

Of course, driving habits aren't the only concern. While the Honda Accord hybrid is regularly ridiculed by hybrid critics, the Accord hybrid is built for the open highway. If you are driving in urban traffic, this car will not achieve great fuel efficiency. If you regularly drive between Temecula and Fontana, California every day, then an Accord hybrid can be a great buy.

So, again, what is the point of hybrid critics?

Many educated hybrid critics claim that hybrids are just a distraction along the path to fuel cell vehicles. Interesting point except for the fact that even GM has recently admitted that fuel cell vehicles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles, as has Toyota (more on this). Thus, purchasing a hybrid vehicle helps invest in the fuel cell future. These critics see no value in that?

Even without fuel cell hybrid vehicles, current hybrid technology offers the ability to easily achieve 100 mpg with today's technology, and experimental hybrid technology goes even further, at far less costs than fuel cells.

So what? Well, achieving 100 mpg across America's fleet would easily end foreign oil dependency.

So, these critics don't think that foreign oil dependency, in addition to pollution and global warming, are important issues? These critics don't find it interesting that the Chinese are now building hybrid vehicles as they scour the Earth for oil deals?

Besides, so what if some want to invest in the future, without necessarily profiting from it personally. Is that really a waste of time? Instead, selfish gas-guzzling greed is a better use of resources?

Does this all come down to guilt? Is that what is it about?

Perhaps hybrid vehicles don't ultimately save every consumer money, but only help reduce oil dependency, help reduce pollution and help invest in the future. How pathetic.

Is this the point these hybrid critics are making?

Toyota Prius Hybrid Testimonials

I HAVE A 2005 PRIUS. ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 75 MPH, WITH THE AIR OFF, I GET 54.SOMETHING. IN TOWN I GET 46-47 MPG. THE CAR HAS 17000 MILES ON IT AND USES MOBIL 1 SYNTHETIC OIL. CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE IT A PLUG IN HYBRID.

THE WIFE HAS A 2005 CIVIC HYBRID,7000 MILES GETS 39 IN THE CITY 41-43 ON THE ROAD.

PUTTING IN A PHOTOVOLTIC SYSTEM TO POWER THE HOUSE ALSO WANT TO USE IT WHEN I CONVERT THE PRIUS TO A PLUG IN HYBRID.

JERR
_________________________________

My 2004 Prius gets an average of 46.7 mpg!

B. H.
_________________________________

On Prius wife is getting 48mpg in city, no idea on open road, we
don't go any place.

On Lexus RX400h, my car, with 91 octane, 24.6 in city, using 87
octane 21.9 in city. Almost happy with Lexus, very pleased with Prius.

W. K.
Palm Desert, CA
_________________________________

We drive Toyota Prius's. Mine is a 2001, hers is 2003. During the summer and winter when the AC or Heat is running I average 40mpg, she does a little better, 43mpg. In the spring and fall when we don't use AC or heat much our averages are better 45-50mpg. We work 2 jobs each. One job for both of us is 25 miles away, the other is 75 miles away. The closer jobs are about 45 mph range. The further jobs are 65 mph range, with which we get lower mpgs.

Happy Holidays,

B. B. & J. J.
_________________________________

I have a 2004 (Jan) Prius 30,000mi. I admit I am a little lead footed. My worst mileage for a tank was last winter 38MPG. The best was last spring 54MPG. Mostly though its 40 to 45 in winter, 48 to 52 in spring, summer & fall.

Art in the Northeast
_________________________________

Hello,

The gas mileage for our 2004 TOYOTA full loaded prius from the display screen is about 44 miles/gal city mileage. This is an interesting question for us because I used to calculate gas mileage when I am at the pump. With the display of TOYOTA, I simply take down the number it gives us.
Regards,
_________________________________

I have a 2004 Prius, which was bought in November of 2003. I believe it to have been the first Prius on the road in our county. It has made mostly area trips, but did take us to the Outer Banks of NC during the summer of 2004, and to Iowa in the spring of 2005. During the trip home from NC we did reach 60mph for a short time. Otherwise, we average about 46-48 mph in the colder weather and when using AC. During the rest of the year - spring and fall- we average about 49-50 mph. I absolutely love this car. It is fun to drive, has plenty of pep, and is very comfortable. We have had no problems with it, except for the original tires, which were probably cheap. I replaced them after about 25,000 miles. We have had folks follow us home to ask about the car! Now, however, there are several others in our area. We live in NE

P.A.
_________________________________

I drive locally, 4-6 50 mile roundtrips a week and 3-5 times a year longer
trips, putting on about 18,000 miles a year. My 2004 Prius averages 44 to
47 mpg.
_________________________________

My husband and I bought a Prius in June, 2005. Most of the driving has been in the city. The car is averaging 45 mpg. I just bought a 2005 Accord Hybrid. I have only driven in the city so far and am averaging 24 mpg.
_________________________________

Are you the owner of a Toyota Prius hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Prius hybrid. What kind of gas mileage do you get in your hybrid Prius and in what kind of driving?

Add your Toyota Prius hybrid testimonial.

More on the Prius.

Honda Accord Hybrid Testimonials

My Accord hybrid gets 17-18 mpg when my driving consists only of inner city San Francisco's stop and go traffic with lots of hills.

Local highway trips yield 26-28mpg generally.

I usually get 37-39 mpg on trips from San Francisco to Orange County (which is past LA.) The drive is all highway, but often has some mix of stop and go in the bay area and then the long steep grade up and down the Grapevine.

Hope that helps.
_________________

I just bought a 2005 Accord Hybrid. I have only driven in the city so far and am averaging 24 mpg.

_________________

Are you the owner of a Honda Accord hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Accord hybrid. What kind of gas mileage do you get in your hybrid Accord and in what kind of driving?

Add your Honda Accord hybrid testimonial.

More on the Accord hybrid.

Another reason to check out the Accord hybrid?

Car and Driver has again named the Honda Accord as the Best Family Sedan. Since the Accord hybrid is both one second faster and more fuel efficient than the conventional Accord, many have called it the best Accord ever. Unlike many hybrid cars, the Honda Accord hybrid is a highway hybrid, so it doesn't achieve its best fuel efficiency in city driving. Nonetheless, if you are a highway driver, maybe you should check out the Accord hybrid.

Hybrid car tax estimates for the 2006 Clean Vehicle Tax Credit

While the tax credits for hybrid cars have not been officially calculated by the IRS, ACEE has estimated what those credits should be by vehicle.

Ford Escape Hybrid = 2wd=$2600.00; 4wd=$1950.00
Honda Accord Hybrid = $650.00
Honda Civic Hybrid = Auto=$2100.00; Man=$1700.00
Honda Insight Hybrid = Auto=$1450.00
Lexus RX400h Hybrid = $2,200.00
Mercury Mariner Hybrid = $1950.00
Toyota Highlander Hybrid = 2wd=$2,600.00; 4wd=$2,200.00
Toyota Prius Hybrid = $3150.00

Honda hybrids from Thailand

Honda is considering a move to build hybrid vehicles in Thailand as a way to cut down on production costs according to a recent story.

"We are looking for a further development of tax benefits (in Thailand) at this stage," Asian Honda's spokeswoman told AFP on Tuesday.

In addition to tax benefits, "Honda cars made in Thailand could enjoy a high ratio of local content enabling the carmaker to ship its hybrid vehicles overseas at a competitive cost, the spokeswoman said."

Honda's second generation Civic hybrid is now hitting showrooms across the country. It's new hybrid drive should help the hybrid Civic better compete with the Toyota Prius. In addition, Honda offers the Accord hybrid.

Toyota has also announced that it will develop and build hybrids in China as well.

AutoWeek and Hybrids: Makes me wanna laugh

I know that AutoWeek is a horsepower magazine and that many of their fans are the American-made, period, type of crowd. Still, sometimes the magazine is just plain silly.

I've noted in the past that any time a hybrid graces the cover of their website, it also includes some sort of negative caveat. Currently, things are slightly different this time on the home page of their website which includes a story about the Honda Accord hybrid.

"At $1.50 a gallon for gas, few Americans seemed to care about fuel economy, but how quickly apathy turns into concern when prices reach $3 per gallon. Suddenly, the word "hybrid" is on every lip. So the funny thing is, actual owners of hybrids - those who responded to our AutoFile survey on the Honda Accord Hybrid - seem to defy any real monetary motivation in their purchase decisions."

No, actually it isn't that funny. The funny thing is the way that AutoWeek plays dumb.

There are different kinds of hybrids vehicles. For example, Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius and Highlander hybrid, and Ford's hybrids, such as the Escape hybrid, are quite different than either Honda or Lexus hybrids.

Honda's hybrid technology increases fuel efficiency on the highway, where as Ford and Toyota achieve their best performance in the city. Ford and Toyota hybrids have the ability to function on just electric power during congestion and stop-and-go traffic, the same conditions that make conventional vehicles - even Honda hybrids - perform their worse. This is set to change with the upcoming second generation Civic hybrid, which will act more like Toyota and Ford hybrids. Still, there is a vast difference between Toyota and Honda hybrids.

The Accord hybrid, like the Lexus RX400h hybrid, is a performance hybrid. Sure the Lexus hybrid still offers excellent fuel efficiency in congestion compared to the conventional version, but it was not built for fuel efficiency, it was built for performance.

Both the RX400h hybrid and the Accord hybrid are about a second faster from 0 to 60 than their conventional counterparts, yet they achieve this performance while also achieving better fuel efficiency than their conventional counterparts. Of course, the RX400h excels at urban driving, while the Accord hybrid excels at highway driving. Nonetheless, you don't buy either one of these vehicles because you are on a budget trying to save money on gas.

Thus, contrary to AutoWeek, classifying the owners of the Accord hybrid with owners of the Prius hybrid, for example, is just plain silly. They are not hybrid owners from the same tree. So, why does AutoWeek do it? Is it because Forum members of AutoWeek are offended that some hybrid owners question their gas guzzling, so this article makes hybrid owners seem confused and silly?

I don't have the answer, but I know that AutoWeek knows fully well that comparing the Accord hybrid to the Prius hybrid is about as effective as comparing apples to oranges - they are fundamentally different. So, I can only guess that this appeals to their core audience - the hybrids just don't really makes sense audience.

Ultimately, there are different kinds of hybrids and consumers buy for them for many different reasons. Perhaps, one common thread of hybrid buyers is that hybrid consumers believe that buying hybrids sends a message to the auto industry that fuel efficiency is important, especially in light of the problems that foreign oil dependency so obviously has caused and continues to cause to America.

Let's be real, even Bill Ford believes that foreign oil dependency is important for America.

Hybrid vehicles, such as the Engima, and other experimental hybrids demonstrate that hybrid technology can lead to unbelievable gains in fuel efficiency and performance - something to which AutoWeek should be able to relate.

Until then, sometimes when I read AutoWeek, I guess all I can do is laugh.

GM dealers in mad hybrid push with Sierra / Silverado

According to AutoWeek GM dealers are trying hard to push the green factor of the Sierra / Silverado hybrid truck. While GM has been one of the industry's staunchest hybrid critics, its dealers are trying hard to utilize the frenzied interest in hybrid cars. And who can blame them when they are in the midst of a horrific sales slump?

Unfortunately, the Silverado hybrid barely qualifies as a hybrid. In fact, 'mild' hybrid is almost too strong of a word for this vehicle.

I would almost argue that the first generation Honda Civic hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid are 'mild' hybrids because these Honda hybrids cannot function on primarily electric power, as do Ford and Toyota hybrids in certain driving conditions (fortunately, the 2006 Civic hybrid will offer more hybrid performance). This ability makes the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid extremely efficient in city driving.

The Silverado hybrid, on the other hand, lags far behind Honda hybrid performance.

As AutoWeek notes, "The trucks' big selling point is not the hybrid powertrain, but their capability as mobile power generators."

Ultimately, the GM Silverado hybrid is a baby hybrid and isn't scheduled to join the hybrid big leagues until 2008. That's too bad, because a full hybrid truck would sure be a great product right now.

Hybrid vehicle shopping, again

Every couple months I go out and do some hybrid vehicle shopping to check out demand, availability on the lot, and to take an extra test drive or two. Thus, I hit the dealers in my neighborhood over the weekend for the first time since early August, and the results were not good.

My first stop is always Toyota, home of the Toyota Prius. While I did go there to check out the lot's selection of available new and used Prii, I was more interested in scheduling a time to test drive the Highlander hybrid.

Back in August, the selection of Prii was fantastic on this lot. There were 5 new Prii hybrids found in various packages and colors and there were even 2 used Prii, but there were not any Highlander hybrids. So, I added my name to the waiting list.

This time around; however, there weren't any hybrids on the lot and my saleswoman told me that every hybrid they receive immediately sells. This didn't really surprise me as I know that high gas prices have really driven hybrid demand since I last visited this dealer. Nonetheless, I wanted to know what it would take to get into a Highlander hybrid.

"In two to four weeks," my saleswoman told me, "2 new Highlander hybrids are scheduled to arrive, but we d0n't know the color, options, etc."

So I asked if there was a waiting list and I was told there was not - it was first come first serve.

Now I have several phone numbers and I use different names and numbers so that when I visit the same dealer on multiple occasions, their contact management system finds me as a new customer, rather than a repeat prospect that isn't buying.

So, if there isn't a waiting list, what had I signed two months ago? My guess is that there is no 'official' waiting list at many dealerships, and that different salespeople have their own lists and make calls as hybrids become available.

The last two Highlander hybrids, I was told, were delivered the morning of the previous Saturday and were gone by lunch. Thus, it probably doesn't take too many phone calls - if they are even calling. Maybe there is enough foot traffic that they don't even have to make calls, saving those numbers for when demand cools. Now, it's a salesman's free-for-all when a hybrid hits the lot.

Somewhat disappointed, I left my contact info and headed to Honda to check out the new Civic hybrid. Yet again, however, I was disappointed. I was told there wouldn't be any new Civic hybrids until December - the first two had been pre-sold. The only hybrids on the lot were the Accord hybrids - a vehicle I've already test-driven more than once (So no deals to be had on the first generation Civic hybrid - yet).

At this point, I was ready to call it day, but as two Ford dealers still stood between me and my home, I thought I'd give it a shot. While each did have at least one Escape hybrid on the lot, only fully loaded versions of the hybrid Escape were available, and I asked whether base models are ever available. Sometimes, I was told, but I find that hard to believe, since I haven't seen one in all my visits.

My day still could have been salvaged had I had the opportunity to compare and contrast the Mercury Mariner hybrid to the Escape hybrid, but I'm sure you already know that didn't happen.

If you are in the market for a hybrid, I'd suggest calling before visiting any dealers, especially if you are seeking a particular color, or option's package, as such requests will probably take months to fulfill. If you are looking for a deal on a hybrid....you might want to check back in a year or two.

When it comes to shopping for hybrid cars, unless money is no object, expect to be disappointed. Car-salespeople typically aren't the best salespeople to deal with any way, but when demand overwhelms supply, your salesperson is in complete control.

Two hybrids tops for resale value cars

Kelly Blue Book rated two hybrid cars in the Overall Top 10 of Resale Value Cars. The Honda Accord Hybrid and the Toyota Prius took honors in the sedan and hatchback categories in addition to being rated Overall Top 10 Best Resale Value Cars. (CNNStory)

Re: Hybrids: Don't buy the hype

My boys love the movie Napoleon Dynamite, and it was Napoleon that I thought of when I read the article Hybrids: Don't buy the hype.

"Idiots."

"There may be reasons to buy a hybrid vehicle right now, but they aren't financial reasons," says Peter Valdes-Dapena .

Really, Peter?

"A hybrid Honda Accord costs about $3,800 more than the comparable non-hybrid version. Over five years, you'll make up that cost in gasoline money if the price of gas goes up immediately to $9.20 a gallon."

Nice one, Peter, the Accord hybrid? First, the Accord hybrid isn't a top selling hybrid. Second, it's a performance hybrid, not a hybrid built for fuel efficiency. Third, there is a huge difference between Honda hybrids and Toyota hybrids. In city driving, Toyota hybrids offer far more fuel efficiency because of their ability to function on electric power only.

"For the Ford Escape hybrid, the difference is less stark. To make up the difference between the Escape hybrid and a Ford Escape SLD, gas prices would have to rise to $5.60 immediately after you purchase the vehicle or you would have to drive 37,000 miles a year. Still an unlikely scenario." At least based on Edmunds.com data, Peter notes.

How about some investigative journalism, Peter?

The Edmund's study was largely based on EPA data, and is therefore unreliable and over-generalized. For example, in city driving, the EPA is off by as much as 50 percent in its fuel economy ratings according to Consumer Reports (more on this). Additionally, Edmunds, like the EPA, assumes that most drivers drive mostly on the highway.

Not me, Peter, and not millions and millions of other Americans that live in cities and suburbs.

Then you mention diesel as a more viable option. Peter, did you know that according to CR, the Jeep Liberty Diesel, estimated to achieve 22 MPG in the city, actually only achieves 11 MPG. Is that the kind of real money savings you are talking about Peter?

Then you state that "driving more gently" can save up to the 30 percent.

C'mon, Peter, driving more gently can also make the Ford Escape hybrid more fuel efficient as well as the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Toyota Prius - of course that wasn't how Edmunds tested their hybrids, was it Peter?

And why didn't you cover the Toyota Prius in your article, since it is by far the best selling hybrid vehicle? Instead, you chose the least 'hybrid' of the hybrids to make your argument. Nice objectivity.

Since the Department of Transportation and numerous University studies claim that city driving, or congestion, is not only the new American norm, but a major American problem, shouldn't that be the standard for testing fuel efficiency?

According to Consumer Reports, not only are 3 hybrids the most fuel efficient vehicles available, but in city driving - the new American norm - the Prius is without rival. For example, the Prius is more than 150% more fuel efficient than the Ford Focus in congestion.

Hmm, Peter. So 45 MPG versus 17 MPG isn't good enough? And if I drive "gently" in the city, my Prius can achieve even 50 or 60 MPG. Still, not worth it, huh, Peter?

More important, hybrid vehicles are an emerging technology and the best is yet to come. Plug-in hybrids and experimental hybrids have been demonstrated to achieve as much as 250 MPG.

Not worth the investment Peter? Instead, we should drive more "gently"?

Buying a hybrid can save money, more important; however, it can help fund a technological revolution that can significantly help the environment and end foreign oil dependency - without finding some miracle to make million dollar fuel cell vehicles more cost effective.

Of course I guess we could just drive more "gently" to fix these problems, huh, Peter?

Hybrid Cars and Fuel Efficiency: The most important point

Hybrid cars are leading an automotive revolution. Yet, critics are everywhere. Hybrids cost too much, they don't achieve EPA estimates, diesel and biodiesel are better, fuel cells are the future and on and on.

On Friday Consumers Reports sent out a press release regarding the inaccuracy and inefficiency of the EPA's fuel economy ratings. Of course, even Consumer Reports had to take a stab at hybrid cars, noting that the Honda Civic hybrid missed its EPA estimated city fuel economy - utilizing CR's testing methodology - by a whopping 46 percent.

Of course CR did have to admit that hybrids still fill the top 3 most fuel efficient vehicles slot - not bad considering only a handful of hybrids are available.

In city driving, according to CR, 9 out of 10 vehicles - not just hybrids - miss their EPA estimates by as much as 50 percent. 9 out of 10 of the worse offenders were NOT hybrids. The Jeep Liberty Diesel estimated at 22 mpg city, actually achieves only 11 mpg. Chrysler's top selling 300C estimated at 17 mpg, actually achieves 10 mpg. A couple of Dodges only achieve 8 mpg in the city.

That's right just 8 mpg, yet we're worried that the Civic hybrid only achieves 24 mpg? Of course on the highway, the Civic hybrid does much better, as do all vehicles.

Still, this is an important point, especially when it comes to hybrids. Hybrids are not all the same. The Honda Accord hybrid and the Civic hybrid are built upon the same hybrid technology, but not the same hybrid technology as the Toyota Prius hybrid. Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius or Highlander hybrid, can actually function on electric power only at low speeds. This means that in city driving, where congestion creates stop-and-go traffic, Toyota hybrids can use much less gasoline, as can the Ford Escape hybrid.

Honda hybrids do not benefit from this gain. The second generation Civic hybrid, due out in October; however, will offer this capability, but its electronic component will still not equal that of Toyota hybrids.

Thus, all hybrids are not created equal and viewing hybrids as one class is as inaccurate and misleading as utilizing EPA fuel economy data. While the Civic hybrid only achieves 26 mpg in the city according to CR, the Prius achieves 45 mpg. The Ford Focus, for a conventional comparison, only achieves 17 mpg.

At today's gas prices, driving 15,000 miles per year, the Civic hybrid would save you $1500.00 in gas versus the Focus, the Prius would save $4500.00 per year in gas savings versus the Focus. Of course, not everyone drives in these conditions all the time, but for those that live in large cities, the cost-benefit of hybrids like the Prius is pretty dramatic.

Additionally, if you HAVE to drive an SUV and you drive mostly in the city, driving a Highlander hybrid or Escape hybrid will probably save close to $700 - $1000 per year. For many hybrid drivers, gasoline savings in the real world ARE enough to cover the cost of hybrid components, plus you are helping to clean the environment - can you really put a cost on that?

Ultimately, hybrids are not all the same. Currently, the Prius is best in class - at least until the second generation Civic hybrid. Still, it isn't the fuel economy of hybrids that should be in focus, rather is should be the incredible fuel inefficiency of conventional vehicles.

Honda Civic Hybrid Expectations

Honda. Honda is the most fuel efficient and green automaker in the world. PERIOD.

Yes, Toyota has the best selling Prius hybrid car, but Toyota also offers a number of very fuel inefficient automobiles. Nonetheless, Toyota is the second greenest automaker and is taking the automotive world by storm with its Hybrid Synergy Drive, which Toyota has added to the Highlander hybrid, the Lexus RX400h, and is about to add to the Camry hybrid.

So what has happened to Honda hybrid cars?

While Honda was a hybrid car leader, Honda Corporation did not accurately assess the importance of the hybrid car market.

For example, the Honda Insight Hybrid is and always will be a niche vehicle. The Honda Accord hybrid is a performance hybrid, not a hybrid designed for fuel efficiency. The Honda Civic, on the other hand, has always been a fuel efficient automobile. Still, in terms of hybrid efficiency, the Civic hybrid just isn't up to the same level as the Prius hybrid.

Well, all that could change with the new Civic hybrid.

According to MotorTrend the new Civic hybrid "features a 1.3 litre inline-four engine that employees Honda's intelligent Variable Valve Time and Life Electronic Control (VTEC) system to provide three stages of valve timing (low-rpm, highrpm and cylinder-idle mode) combined with a significantly more compact and efficient Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system."

So what you might ask? Well, according to Honda, the 2006 Civic hybrid should offer "significant improvements in both performance and fuel economy over a similarly equipped 2005 Civic hybrid." Thus, the Civic hybrid could become a serious competitor of the Prius hybrid.

As for me, I can't wait to test drive the Civic hybrid. Hopefully, it will spring Honda back into the role of a hybrid vehicle leader, while creating real competition for the role of hybrid leader.

Do high gas prices affect hybrid car sales?

Earlier today I argued that market incentives are not enough to drive consumers to purchase fuel efficient vehicles and technologies. As I've sat back and thought about that, I'm reminded of Toyota Prius demand.

Long before this spike in gas prices, the Toyota Prius had been very difficult to find. Even when one was found, there were very few choices. Demand was simply far beyond supply.

Perhaps gas prices are driving this demand even higher, but the increased demand will, ultimately, have little affect on overall sales. However many Prius hybrids Toyota can produce, they will sell - even if gas prices drop.

Recently, I have gone to Toyota dealers in the Los Angeles area numerous times and have had a very hard time finding a Highlander hybrid. I've been told that each dealer gets only a few hybrid Highlanders per month, but they are sold almost as soon as they hit the dealership.

I've had a little better luck finding the Ford Escape hybrid, but Ford maintains they will easily sell all the hybrids they can make - only about 25,000 this year.

There has been a good supply of Honda Accord hybrids and Honda Civic hybrids, but these vehicles aren't as 'hybrid' as either Ford or Toyota hybrids. While I think both vehicles are excellent vehicles, they do carry some issues. On the one hand, the Accord Hybrid is a performance hybrid, not a hybrid derived solely for fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, the Civic hybrid is a fuel efficient vehicle, but so is the standard Civic. Yes, the Civic hybrid is more fuel efficient, but it just doesn't carry the glamour of the Prius hybrid. (Something I hope Honda's next generation of hybrids will address - which are coming soon!)

The point is, market forces can't have much impact on hybrid car technology this year. Yet, Hugo Chavez could have a huge impact on the American economy this year. Perhaps he won't or maybe he'll suffer an unexpected heart attack. Who knows? Still, market forces cannot meet consumer expectations fast enough, or many more hybrid cars would now be available.

While rich Americans can walk away from very high oil prices, even gas lines, the average American; however, could be affected for years by these issues.

Are those 'free' market conditions really worth the costs? And are 'free markets' really free?

California's hybrid vehicle carpool lane policy

Last Friday I called California's carpool lane status for hybrid cars "hype" (more). Today the LATimes added to that hype when it announced that California will only be giving hybrid status to 3 vehicles, the Honda Civic hybrid, the Honda Insight, and the Toyota Prius hybrid. Of course this caused angst for Ford.

"The U.S. Congress determined the formula for hybrid vehicles in [carpool] lanes with single occupants, and in that law, the Ford Escape hybrid is equal to the Toyota Prius," said Mike Moran, a spokesman for Ford Motor Co. in Washington, D.C.

Boohoo, Mike.

First, giving carpool lane status to hybrid vehicles as a fuel efficiency incentive was simply a lazy plan by Congress, and more fuel for hybrid haters. Why not just raise fuel efficiency standards? Using the carpool lane to help fight foreign oil dependency can only be called one thing, a joke. It's like using a band-aid to cure a severed artery.

Second, California is only planning on giving the carpool lane exemption to 75,000 total vehicles. Within a year all of the hybrid exemptions will be gone, so the whole move really has limited impact.

For argument's sake, California is trying to clean the air and that is why other hybrids, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the Lexus RX400h were not included. While these hybrids offer improved fuel efficiency and much less pollution than their conventional counterparts, they are not as fuel efficient as the leaders. With only a limited number of exceptions available, the greatest impact had to be the priority.

Vehicles, such as the Prius hybrid and Civic hybrid offer the kind of fuel efficiency that can end foreign oil dependency. Yes, hybrid SUVs are better than conventional SUVs, but they aren't 'there' yet. Ultimately, while hybrid technology can significantly improve fuel efficiency, it can also significantly improve performance, such as with the Accord hybrid and the Lexus RX400h. That is not the trend to be supported.

In the future hybrid SUVs could become as efficient as today's Prius. A few software tweeks here and a new hybrid battery development there and today's hybrid SUVs might achieve 45 mpg in their next generation.

Nonetheless, the point is that the hybrid carpool lane exemption is nothing but hype, as are the clean vehicle tax credits. Once again Congress is protecting the status quo, while offering a few 'token' programs - programs that taxpayers, not automakers - are funding.

The real focus should be on the fact that oil topped $67.00 per barrel for a number of reasons, including oil refinery problems (more). Moreover, according to a new poll, two-thirds of those surveyed said that rising gas costs were going to create a "financial burden" within the next few months.

Let's just hope terrorists don't watch the news. It's pretty obvious that choking America's oil supply would cause significant problems to the American economy, and doing that wouldn't be very hard.

Good thing Congress is taking the issue so seriously. They're the biggest joke of all - is it really any wonder so many Americans have given up on voting?

Hybrid vehicles: It's the technology, stupid

I was watching Team America last night, which provided a few laughs, but was mostly unimpressive. While making fun of Hollywood, the movie also poked fun at hybrid cars.

The other day I read an article about hybrids and the carpool lane. A man shopping for a Honda Accord was told of the Accord hybrid and the fact that it might qualify for the carpool lane, to which he said he didn't like the way hybrids were styled.

Excuse me? Isn't the Accord hybrid styled the same as the conventional Accord? Isn't the Ford Escape hybrid styled the same as the conventional Escape?

Is it just the winds of change that breed so much hate and ignorance?

Hybrid vehicles are not about styling, but about technology. The potential of hybrid technology could change the world, freeing it from pollution and foreign oil dependency - not to mention reducing the threat of oil wars and terrorism.

Is that really so bad?

Honda is high on natural gas

Before I rip on Honda, let me start out by acknowledging that Honda is the greenest auto company in the world, and they deserve kudos. Additionally, they produce excellent vehicles, and the Honda Civic GX is the cleanest vehicle on the road and it doesn't depend on foreign oil. Nonetheless, natural gas vehicles are not going to take over the American automarket, and anybody who thinks they will is just plain silly.

Thus, John Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations of American Honda Motor Co., seems to have inhaled a few too many natural gas fumes. "We'll do hybrids as it makes sense, but I do not think they are the best solution. Right now hybrids don't make sense economically," Mandel was recently quoted as saying as he expressed his vision that natural gas vehicles are more important than hybrid vehicles.

I don't even know where to start on this one. First, natural gas simply isn't going to replace gasoline as the new energy infrastructure. The savings simply are not that great, and while Honda can sell home fueling systems, most consumers simply are not going to buy into the concept.

Second, while natural gas vehicles do offer independence from foreign oil, and burn cleaner than gasoline vehicles, new technologies - particularly hybrid vehicles - could easily outweigh every positive aspect of natural gas vehicles. One significant upgrade in hybrid batteries ends natural gas's cost effectiveness. Two upgrades and, well, you get the point.

Third, the hydrogen economy is the future. While it will probably take a few decades to achieve it, the hydrogen economy will be built upon fuel cells and those fuel cells will work in coordination with batteries. The hybrid powertrain can evolve into fuel cell-electric vehicles and help move the world entirely from fossil fuels. Natural gas is a fossil fuel.

Fourth, Mandel states, "you can use the car pool lane (in California)." Yes you can in the short term, but don't expect this privilege to last, if sales start numbering in the 1000's.

Additionally, if natural gas capabilities were to be added to trucks and SUVs, or even cars, which demand greater horsepower, the lure of natural gas begins to tarnish rather quickly. In terms of the future natural gas is already dead. In reality, the most interesting natural gas vehicle would be a natural gas-electric hybrid vehicle.

So, what is Honda's deal? I don't know. While Honda has been much more bullish on hybrids than the Big 3, they are still far behind Toyota. The Civic hybrid is a great vehicle, nothing flashy, but a quality vehicle. Still, in terms of hybrid technology, it really isn't Best of Breed. The Accord hybrid is the best Accord ever,but it also is a mediocre hybrid at best.

In terms of pure hybrid technology, Toyota and Ford stand above Honda. The Prius is simply the best hybrid vehicle. The Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid, and the Escape hybrid demonstrate that very fuel efficient hybrid SUVs are possible - as more efficient batteries are developed. This, while frustrating for environmentalists, is simply an important aspect of the American automobile market.

Natural gas is a new fuel for a dying technology. While it offers great potential for fleets, it does not offer the same for the average consumer.

Hybrid technology, on the other hand, is a step towards the future, a future that can offer unlimited horsepower without foreign oil, without pollution. More important, hybrids can work within the current energy infrastructure and the technology can naturally, transparently accommodate fickle consumers afraid of change, as the industry adapts and evolves into the hydrogen highway.

Yes, hybrid technology is a bit expensive, but not as expensive as the first calculators, cellphones, and computers.