It’s true that hybrids cost more than regular vehicles. This prompts many to wonder if the extra cost for these high efficiency cars is worth it, and in fact if the difference can be offset over time by the cash saved from buying less fuel. While plenty of generalizations have been made on this in recent years, the concept of payback for a hybrid’s incremental cost involves many variables and can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. Green Car’s research shows that a realistic answer is not so simple and boiling this down into a simple chart is misleading … so we’re not going to do that. Instead, we’re going to do this the right way and help you come up with a valid payback factor for the hybrid you may be considering.

You need to know that crunching the numbers involves some elements that are moving targets. For example, higher gasoline prices work to shorten the number of miles needed for payback. Changing government incentives mean that calculations made today may be different than the realities of calculations made a few months down the road. And let’s not forget that the retail price of hybrids also appears to be in play as some dealers tack thousands of dollars onto a hybrid’s suggested retail price because of high demand.

Still, the basic equation for determining a hybrid’s breakeven point is straightforward. It begins by identifying the combined city/highway mpg number for a hybrid and that of its closest conventional counterpart. These mpg figures can be found online at www.fueleconomy.gov. Once armed with these numbers you can figure each vehicle’s operating cost per mile based on current fuel prices.

To do so, simply divide the price of fuel (such as $4.00 per gallon) by a vehicle’s combined mpg. As an illustration, a Honda Civic Hybrid would pencil out as follows, assuming the above gas cost: $4.00 ÷ 42 mpg = $0.095 (9 ½ cents) per mile operating cost. If a Civic EX was used as a conventional comparison, this would pencil out at $4.00 ÷ 29 mpg = $0.14 (14 cents) per mile. So, the hybrid variant would cost $0.045 (4 ½ cents) less for each mile driven. Placed in these terms, it’s enlightening that even at 42 mpg, you’re burning nearly a buck’s worth of gasoline every 10 miles you drive. Ouch. Read the rest of this entry »

Eco-Driving. What does it mean for consumers? As fuel costs rise and concerns about the environment increase, many vehicle owners are wondering what they can do to conserve fuel.

Whether it is the latest hybrid vehicles, fuel efficient powertrains, sustainable materials,electric cars or simply driving more eco-friendly, Ford‘s automotive experts are committed to delivering what consumers want. The Ford Green team has worked for years to build eco-friendly vehicles that drive efficiently, have better gas mileage and conserve fuel, while at the same time are stylish, safe and reliable.

No matter what you drive, when it comes to maximizing your fuel economy, the most common questions are what to do and where to start? We asked Ford’s Lisa Drake, chief engineer for the Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle programs, to provide easy tips to help us all drive more efficiently.

Drake shared some eco-driving tips and said, “what many people don’t realize is that driving green goes well beyond hybrid vehicles, which are just one way you can be more eco-friendly. All drivers can do their part to help conserve fuel resources and help keep the road a safer place for drivers by incorporating simple eco-friendly driving techniques.”

Below are a few tips to help drivers conserve fuel and save money at the pump, while at the same time helping the environment and improving traffic safety.

1. Slow down and watch speed – Drive 55 miles per hour instead of 65 to save fuel. EPA estimates a 10-15 percent improvement in fuel economy by following this tip. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speeds and conserve fuel.
2. Accelerate and brake smoothly – Accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the car components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.
3. No idling – Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds. Read the rest of this entry »