Hybrid Car FAQ #1

Valid points, I live in Iowa where there are no smog tests therefor I can run a open exhasut sytem if I so choose so(it helps with fuel consumption. I normally drive older Chevrolet V8 trucks so my registration is $20 and insurance will level off usually unless I get anything newer than a 91. I will be getting a small 4 cyl SUV within a few weeks however. I don’t need a whole lot of truck to drive anymore but still need to haul stuff. Cheers.

We got our sales tax refunded to us, and if it had been new, we would’ve gotten a $2000 rebate from our province (other high-efficiency cars get this bonus too, btw. If it’s a small, low-polluting, high efficiency car, it’s on the list, not just hybrids.). So the cost balancing equation should factor in more than just “How much will I save on gas?” Mind you, gas WILL continue to climb in price, and that gap will widen.

We’ve always been looking for ways to decrease our impact. We couldn’t afford new, but we got a deal on a used one. Aside from fuel economy, there are other advantages, like, we don’t need a Drive Clean test, ever, so there’s one less errand to do, and our insurance actually went down a few bucks.

Our previous car was a Honda Civic (97) and was among the most fuel efficient in its class. Short of going with a sub compact, which wouldn’t have been practical for our family, or a SmartCar (even less, being a two-seater), the next level was a hybrid.

not trying to mean but did you evaluate how you could cheaply increase your fuel economy on your exsisting vehicle before you set out to but $22,000 battery? Iam just curious, I never got a chance to talk to a hybid owner.

I was thinking of filming it driving by to demonstrate, but I wasn’t sure my digital camera (not a proper video camera) would pick up the sound well enough to be able to hear it, but I may try next time.
It’s got plenty of pep when I need it to on the highway. From a standing stop, not so great. From what I’ve heard, the Ford Escape is the opposite. I’m working on the next episode now. I got an e-mail asking about the “pulse and glide” technique for maximizing fuel economy.

Like to see how quiet it is. Have a car drive by and then have your Prius drive by.
Also, would like to see how fast it goes on the highway. try passing a Big rig.