Hybrids May Not Be Your Best Bet in 2010
December 27, 2009 by tisha
to get a new vehicle with the best gas mileage and lessen the impact on the environment as a whole may not want to jump on the hybrid boat come the new year. The government is putting in place new standards for motor vehicles that will require cars and light tricks to achiever 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. In order to comply with such goals, many car makers will have to up the ante with in the next year.New technologies will need to be developed and implemented to make all vehicles more gas-efficient. GM is currently working on an HCCI system that is predicted to provide a fuel savings of up to 15%, without adding the high levels of nitogen oxides typical in diesel exhaust but comparable in fuel efficiency.
While hybrid vehicles can still help you save at the pump and provide a tax advantage, it doesn’t necessarily mean a hybrid vehcile is the right choice for you. You may save money over time but what a hybrid will cost you can be just too expensive to see the benefit. Experts agree that consumers are wise to wait for the regulated changes in the car industry to start catching up to the mainstream and produce quality vehicles people can afford.
Another reason for the wait is the estimate that hybrd vehicles will depreciate faster than other vehicle models. Technology for the hybrid is changing rapidly and down the line, consumers will not be seeking out first-technology hybrid vehicles. While environmental protection and fuel economy are important, it may pay for consumers to research new models of vehicles rolled out that are competitive with the fuel economy of the hybrid which are priced more reasonably. As the changes and technology begin to take place, more consumers will have options outside of hybid vehicles that will not only save at the pump but will save in vehicle price. Much of the cost will depend on the type of vehicle you are looking to buy but it really can pay to do your homework before you hit the car lot, ready to make a deal.
To determine the potential fuel savings of the vehicle you have in mind, you can use this simple calculation to better understand your savings. First, estimate the amount of miles you drive annually. Then divide that figure by the vehicle’s combined fuel economy, which can be found here to determine the amount of gas you’ll use in a year. Multiple that figure by the current cost per gallon of gas. This will give you a starting point for researching which type of vehicle is the most efficient purchase for you.
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