Author : Peter J.H. Johnson
Every once in a while a life-changing product is introduced yet it's potential is lost
on the public and it's viewed as a novelty or fad. It took 10 years for anyone to
become interested in the invention of the photocopier. Perhaps the only people that
can see the full potential of an invention are the people who designed it. When the
telephone was introduced a mayor of one American City stated, "I can see the time
when every city will have one." Looking back it's easy to see how some people aren't
forward thinkers.Just a few years ago many industry pundits viewed hybrids as an over-priced fad. At
the time America's appetite for large SUV's was only getting stronger leaving no love
hybrids. Though no one could argue that hybrids were better for the environment
and far more fuel efficient, consumers were interested in fully loaded Ford
Explorers. With oil at $40 a barrel, nobody was interested in paying thousands more
for a vehicle that got better fuel mileage. It's taken some time (the Prius is almost
10 years old) but the hybrid movement has finally caught on with mainstream
consumers. How times have changed over the last 5 years. Sales of the Ford
Explorer were down 42% in April while sales of the Ford Escape Hybrid were up 68%.
With gas flirting at $3.00 a gallon consumers are more interested in hybrids then
ever before. So interested that automakers are having a difficult time keep up with
demand.As gas prices continue to move upward and onward, hybrids save their owners more
money. According to the EPA, a V6 Ford Escape driven 15,000 miles a year will use
$2085 worth of unleaded regular (at $2.91 a gallon). The Escape Hybrid will use
$1415 worth of fuel, an annual saving of $670. Assuming gas prices stay the same,
it'll only take about 3 years to recoup the cost. And if gas prices go up (which is very
likely), you'll save even more money. But the deal is even sweeter with a variety of
tax incentives for those who purchase a hybrid vehicle. And many cities allow
hybrids to use the carpool lanes. This can be priceless (the good kind) if you live in
a busy urban area, or priceless (the bad kind) if you don't.Not everyone is sold on hybrids. Some people think of hybrids as being slow and
underpowered. That couldn't be further from the truth. The Honda Accord goes
0-60mph in less than 7 seconds. In fact, the Accord Hybrid is the most powerful
Accord ever built. The Toyota Highlander produces 268hp and can achieve 60 mph
in 7.3 seconds, not bad for a 7 seat SUV. And let's not forget the upcoming Lexus
GS450h. It makes more than 330hp and goes 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds, making it
one of the fastest luxury sedans on the planet. Hybrids actually have an advantage
when it comes to acceleration. The electric motors produce their maximum output
from a very low speed, unlike a typical gasoline internal combustion engine that
produces power at higher rpm's.Other than a few laggards, most people can see the virtues of owning a hybrid.
Great fuel economy, fewer emissions, and the warm fuzzy feeling that goes with
doing something good for Mother Nature. The acceptance of hybrids is long
overdue but like many great inventions, we're only now seeing the potential. I
wonder what those industry pundits have to say?Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection.com.
Keyword : hybrid vehicle, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Accord hybrid, hybrid
สมัครสมาชิก:
ส่งความคิดเห็น (Atom)
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น