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When Hybrids Do (And Don't) Make Sense

Posted by Zonk on from the gas-is-really-expensive dept.

prostoalex writes "Recently NPR, CNN Money and Wall Street Journal Online have all dedicated some time and space to discussing hybrid vehicle pros and cons. It seems that hybrids do not make much financial sense if (a) you're buying after getting yourself into a debt with not really good interest on a car loan, (b) your battery requires replacement after being out of warranty, (c) your daily commute is not too long, so the price markup you pay for a hybrid does not translate into long-term gas savings." From the CNN article: "They may make a social statement you're interested in, but if you want to save money because of rising gas prices, you're heading down the wrong road, at least for now."

1 of 720 comments (clear)

  1. Misguided joiners by w9ofa · · Score: 0, Troll

    It is my perception that the people who think hybrids are "great for the environment" are misguided joiners who want to feel
    like they are contributing something to the environment while simultaneously standing outside the social mainstream. My theory is that they derive a sense of enjoyment
    and self satisfaction from this.

    The actual analysis as to whether hybrid vehicles are "better for the environment" is a very complex calculation
    that involves boring and rare information (Where are the batteries supplied from? How are the
    plastic parts made? What are the emissions from the steel plants? How are the materials for the magnets in the
    electric motor mined and processed?) Of course a regular car has similar concerns. Many people look at the MPG
    number on the sticker that came from the EPA tests (YMMV of course :) ) and it gives them certain feelings
    about their environmental or geo-political points of view. These feelings might motivate them to buy the car
    but the truth about these effects is very complex.

    The economic justification for such a car is even more dubious. You would have to put a high price on externalities
    in order to justify the higher price of the hybrid, even discounting the fuel costs.

    All this adds up to a nexus of confusion, materialism, environmentalism, geo-politicking and contraianism.
    Plus, the blinky lights show you when you are running on battery power!