At what point will hybrid cars become more cost efficient than standard compacts?

[dullard]

I say the biggest drawback is the battery cost. If you do the regular battery replacement, you are definately losing money in the long run by using a hybrid. The battery price needs to drop to 25% of its current price or the price of gas has to at least double before I'll consider a hybrid.

For reference, I drive a 2002 Honda Civic.

The Hindenburg was made out of highly flamable materials, and paint that is extremely volitile and burns rapidly when in contact with a spark. Yes hydrogen burns, but only in the presence of enough oxygen. Only the very outer layer of hydrogen burned in the Hindenburg crash (the center of the hydrogen had no contact with oxygen as it was surrounded by more hydrogen and couldn't burn). Hydrogen burns with a different color than the Hindenburg burned. Cars won't be made of combustable materials and nearly explosive paints...

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: rahvin
As far at the title goes. Volvo has begun serious discussion of welding their hood shut to prevent customer access.

Something to think about:

Is this for real?? thanks

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: ElMono

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
The only problem with hybrid cars is if you find a model that comes in standard or hybrid, they usually jack up the hybrid price about $3k. SO by the time you make up the difference in gas costs, it's time to get a new car anyway.

I'm hoping the Hydrongen Cell things GM is working on come out and work well. Next time you go to Epcot Center, be sure to go on the Test Drive ride. At the end of it they had a huge GM display with a video and a guy to ask questions about their new fuel cell thigns they have in the works.

But he said pobably not until 2009.

Honda has already released the FCX in Los Angeles. It uses hydrogen for fuel and its only emission is water vapor. Unfortunately, they're very expensive and they plan to only release 30 of them in the next several years...

GM has stated that when they release theirs they will be the same price as normal cars specifically so people can actually buy them. That's the problem with today's hybrids... $3k extra to buy totally kills any fuel savings you might have.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
The only problem with hybrid cars is if you find a model that comes in standard or hybrid, they usually jack up the hybrid price about $3k. SO by the time you make up the difference in gas costs, it's time to get a new car anyway.

I'm hoping the Hydrongen Cell things GM is working on come out and work well. Next time you go to Epcot Center, be sure to go on the Test Drive ride. At the end of it they had a huge GM display with a video and a guy to ask questions about their new fuel cell thigns they have in the works.

But he said pobably not until 2009.

I figure they'll be here sooner than you think! Honda already has the first commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and it's legal to drive in the US!: http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2045

Too bad you can't buy them, though

 

[oboeguy]

Originally posted by: dullard
The Hindenburg was made out of highly flamable materials, and paint that is extremely volitile and burns rapidly when in contact with a spark. Yes hydrogen burns, but only in the presence of enough oxygen. Only the very outer layer of hydrogen burned in the Hindenburg crash (the center of the hydrogen had no contact with oxygen as it was surrounded by more hydrogen and couldn't burn). Hydrogen burns with a different color than the Hindenburg burned. Cars won't be made of combustable materials and nearly explosive paints...

Exactly. It's not like cars today lack a large tank of highly flammable fuel.

 

[guyver01]

Toyota is coming out with a 2005 HYBRID highlander

http://www.toyota.com/index1.html

It will have a 3.3L DOHC 24 valve V6 Gas/Electric hybrid engine.... 270 hp

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
The only problem with hybrid cars is if you find a model that comes in standard or hybrid, they usually jack up the hybrid price about $3k. SO by the time you make up the difference in gas costs, it's time to get a new car anyway.

I'm hoping the Hydrongen Cell things GM is working on come out and work well. Next time you go to Epcot Center, be sure to go on the Test Drive ride. At the end of it they had a huge GM display with a video and a guy to ask questions about their new fuel cell thigns they have in the works.

But he said pobably not until 2009.

I figure they'll be here sooner than you think! Honda already has the first commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and it's legal to drive in the US!: http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2045

Too bad you can't buy them, though

Too bad you're about a dozen posts too slow.

- M4H

 

[LAUST]

LOL, man both of the one's I used to have treated me well.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: LAUST

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: LAUST
These best bang for the buck is still the regular old Civic.

Holy crap, LAUST condoning the purchase of a Civic?

- M4H

LOL, man both of the one's I used to have treated me well.

awesome on gas, great brakes (unlike my 95 Corolla/prizm) and when I had to get parts for the 88 they were cheap.

There's the stereotype that someone who drives a big truck and has reason to is also an ignorant redneck who hates small vehicles and Japs. Probably mostly true.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
The only problem with hybrid cars is if you find a model that comes in standard or hybrid, they usually jack up the hybrid price about $3k. SO by the time you make up the difference in gas costs, it's time to get a new car anyway.

I'm hoping the Hydrongen Cell things GM is working on come out and work well. Next time you go to Epcot Center, be sure to go on the Test Drive ride. At the end of it they had a huge GM display with a video and a guy to ask questions about their new fuel cell thigns they have in the works.

But he said pobably not until 2009.

I figure they'll be here sooner than you think! Honda already has the first commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and it's legal to drive in the US!: http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2045

Too bad you can't buy them, though

Too bad you're about a dozen posts too slow.

- M4H

Yea, I noticed that after I finished reading the whole thing