News on hybrid vehicles, fuel cell cars, and the future of automobiles

Is the only difference the Hybrid part? Or are there any other differences such as safety?
I’m hoping to buy one soon and would really like to get a hybrid suv to be eco-friendly but not sure I would save the $10,000 price difference between the hybrid & non-hybrid version in the long run.

The car is built the same way, so it will be just as safe in either model. The Hybrid has optional soy-cloth seats which are obviously green yet still durable since there’s no plastic which is petroleum/fuel.

If you do get the hybrid though, plan on keeping it for 5+ years because if you just want to sell it under that time frame then you just wasted $10,000.

Also, the intent of a hybrid is mostly for stop-and-start city driving, so if your job has you commuting on the expressway every day for a good distance, then the four-cylinder will get you about the same mileage, and hey, you saved $10,000.

Good choice for a vehicle though, you’ll like it no matter what model you get.

In the absence of high idle times, heavy loads on the drive train and increased pressure to cut costs, what do you think of starting to use hybrid-electric ambulances (SUVs) for first response work?
I am aware of common practice, and an EMT. This vehicle would be a part of a community First Responder Program, and not be required to idle to maintain heat, AC or power.

Thanks!

It’s been my experience that most ambulance drivers leave the truck’s engine idling when on a call to power lights, heat/AC and other installed electrical equipment. Seems that a hybrid truck would be a waste of time and money in this situation.

I’m new to looking at hybrid cars and am not sure what I should be looking for. Any suggestions?

You can start by going to http://www.hybridcars.com
This site will give you all the info you want about Hybrids in general.

MY PICK:

Ford Escape Hybrid. It’s the ‘greenest’ SUV

It also has a large federal tax incentive available & it has actually gone DOWN in price each year of its production (‘05-’06-’07-’08)
Here’s a price comparison for you.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape/…

(note; the ‘08 Hybrid Escape qualifies for a federal tax incentive of $3000 , which has NOT been applied to the prices shown in this example)

I’ve driven one extensively & it is really FUN to drive.

In my experience, I DOUBLED my MPG (hybrid vs non-hybrid V6 Escape, both 4X4 ) & I drive like a complete idiot!

Also New York City taxi drivers have put HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of miles on theirs (withno problems, btw) & if they can survive that kind of abuse ( LOL ) I think they can handle anything.

Saturn Vue, Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape….any others??

toyota highlander is a great car, its got a lot of space and its even better now that its a hybrid! um the escape is very small and idk about the VUE

I’m looking to purchase a hybrid suv. I would like owners or people that have some basis in fact to give me some answers about them.
1. Are they really as fuel efficent as the EPA says?
2. What benefits does the government give me (I live in CA)?
3. The batteries? Are they really as big of a concern as they say they are?
4. How are the warranties on them? Do they transfer easily or not at all?

Lastly can you recommend one to me and give me at least three reasons why you like yours or that one best. Or tell me why you don’t like it.
The ones I really like are the Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape, and Saturn Vue. But I have heard some very bad things about the Vue.

If nothing else can someone provide me with a website that gives me answers not based in car lingo (I don’t know much about cars.)

1. In most cases, especially with the new EPA guidelines you will find that it is pretty close. In my case I own a Camry Hybrid and I exceed the EPA’s estimated gas mileage.

2. The tax incentives that you receive are from the federal government. Some manufacturers no longer qualify for tax incentives since it was based off how many hybrid cars they sold. For example you will not receive any tax break if you buy a Toyota because they sold too many of them to qualify. However I think Ford hybrids still qualify since they’re still under the limit.

3. If by the batteries, you mean will they last then you should be fine. They batteries are meant to last the life of the car. Also since you live in California you will find that the warranties on the hybrid system are excellent. For example on a Toyota you will find the hybrid system is under warranty for 10 years and 150,000 miles.

4. All the manufacturer warranties would transfer if you purchase a used car.

I would personally recommend that you go with the Highlander or the Escape as they are both two mode full hybrids. Last I checked the Vue was a mild hybrid and the car couldn’t be propelled soley on the electric motors so the mpg isn’t a big improvement over the non hybrid variant.

You will find some good info here:

http://www.hybridjungle.net

http://forum.hybridjungle.net

I think they are trying but what they have offered us still isn’t good enough. I have a hybrid civic and its always always at the dealership being fixed and I just had to replace the hybrid battery already. I don’t see how you are saving money with this one.