Gas Price Hike Has Commuters Thinking Hybrids
Posted May 14, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
As the price at the pumps climbs higher, drivers are taking drastic measures to save their hard-earned cash.
Some have put on concerts at gas stations. Others are filling up less often, or hoping the government cuts its share of the gas tax.
And some are looking at other ways of making their morning commute. From bikes to car-shares to the TTC, the options are out there and many drivers are leaving an oil-addicted life behind.
One method of getting to work that’s slowly getting the green light is hybrid vehicles. They work on a combination of a gas engine and electric motor. They cost more up front, up to $5000 more than a similar, non-hybrid model. For example, the Toyota Camry hybrid retails for around $31,000. But a 4-cylinder Camry is $26,000. Consumers hope to save on future gas bills.
The sticker shock doesn’t deter consumer Mary Woo. “I think for both of us the environment and climate change has always been important,” Woo says.
It’s even more important now that Woo has a child to think about. She wants her son to grow up aware of the influence he has on the world.
“Because we have family growing . we want to set up a role model for him.”
It’s mainly urban consumers who do a lot of city driving that will benefit the most from the hybrid vehicles. Though the cars are safe enough, and fast enough, on the highways, the ‘green’ benefits aren’t the same – both for the environment and your wallet.
“You are using the gas engine; you are not using the electric motor,” explains Mohammed Bouchama of CarHelpCanada.
“So therefore you’re just consuming as much gas as a regular car. It’s the same thing. You’re not saving any money,” he laughs.
Ike Rai, a product advisor for Toyota, agrees. He says that these cars are for “anyone who does a lot of city driving. My client who purchased a hybrid Camry yesterday, she does about 200 kilometres a day in the city. So the savings over a regular vehicle is going to be significant.”
“You’re going to save a lot of money,” Bouchama concurs. He points to rising gas prices as a way to recoup the initial purchase cost.
“There is no doubt, especially now with the gas $1.20, $1.30 and it might get to $1.40, $1.50 by July,” he points out.
“In the city, when you go and stop, you are using the electric motor a lot more, so you’re not using fuel,” Bouchama outlines.
Looking for a car yourself? Look fast. The Toyota lot at Spadina and Front sells more hybrids than any other dealer in Canada. That includes celebrity favourite, the Prius.
“Prius [is] an icon in technology for over ten years. It’s the best selling hybrid in the world,” claims Rai.
In fact, there’s now a wait list for the popular vehicle. It could be six months before you get behind the wheel.
Is a hybrid right for you? Check out this list of four things to keep in mind when buying hybrid cars.
Looking to go car free? Check out the other options below.
Hybrid Vehicles
Pros: reduced pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions of greenhouse gases; consume half as much energy as regular cars; less dependence on oil
Cons: Initial cost – more expensive than similar gas vehicles; weight – the car has to carry the electric motor, the generator, the gasoline engine and the batteries
Electric Cars
Pros: 100 per cent emission free; less dependence on oil
Cons: Long recharge times; weight and cost of batteries
Bike
Pros: less dependence on oil; better health; low cost; better for the environment
Cons: inclement weather is a challenge; few dedicated bike lines in Toronto; arrive at work sweaty
TTC
Pros: Low cost; no traffic jams on subway; fuel efficient; reduces congestion
Cons: Doesn’t go everywhere; not 24 hours
Information courtesy allabouthybridcars.com; International Energy Agency; Science Daily; How Stuff Works.com; The London Cycling Campaign; Toronto.ca.
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