Hybrid
electric vehicles offer savings
By
Marlow Gum
The Oracle
TAMPA, Fla. (U-Wire)—Students may think gas prices are becoming outrageous,
but Americans should keep in mind that most of Europe pays more than $5, with
some places, such as the Netherlands, paying well over $6 for a gallon of regular
unleaded gasoline.
There are now a variety of options to make American dollars go the extra mile.
Toyota and Honda are battling it out for hybrid vehicle supremacy.
Honda has set the mark on the map for the availability of hybrid technology
by offering three different models. In a straight miles-per- gallon performance,
nothing beats the Honda Insight hybrid, the two-seaters with the rear wheel
covers.
Insights were the first hybrid cars to be sold in America and are still unmatched
in fuel efficiency, with models boasting a maximum of 66 miles per gallon.
The Insight starts around $19,000. Honda also offers hybrid versions of the
Accord and Civic, both praised for performance.
Toyota has brought its touch of quality and technological innovations into
the Prius. This four-door hybrid sedan has features never seen in a car, ranging
from a new type of car entry system to Bluetooth capabilities. The Prius has
no need for a key to turn the ignition. Instead of a key, the Prius relies
on a transponder that transmits a secure code used to unlock and start the
car.
The Prius’ fuel efficency makes out at 51 to 60 miles per gallon.
In the wake of Honda’s hybrid versions of the Accord and Civic, Toyota
has introduced the hybrid version of its popular mid-size SUV, the Highlander.
This hybrid model is anything but underpowered, with a 268 horsepower V6 engine
able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in just a little over seven seconds.
The Highlander hybrid starts around $33,000. Don’t expect a fuel saver-though;
SUVs are gas hogs no matter what. It will get a max of 33 miles per gallon,
which is still more fuel-efficient than any other SUV in its class.
There are still more benefits for switching over to a hybrid vehicle. The government
gives up to $2,000 in tax deductions with the purchase of most hybrid models.
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