By Sara Piccola |
The idea of looking at the “big picture” when buying a new vehicle is nice, however, working with the “now” is a more realistic trend for buyers. Our cars are more than just a piece of machinery that get us from point A to point B. When purchasing a vehicle drivers take into consideration all the possibilities and tasks they will need their car for. The idea of buying a practical car is abstract, because in today’s market-driven society, the things we buy are a representation of ourselves, and practical cars often fail in this category.
Living where we do, many of us lean towards SUV’s and vehicles that are more versatile. Vehicles that can get us up the mountain in the winter and accommodate all our beach toys for the summer. However, there are eco-friendly options that can provide us with what we want from a vehicle, and more.
Hybrid cars have gained in popularity over the last few years. By 2015 sales of hybrid cars are expected to have tripled. Nonetheless, per month, hybrid cars only account for 2% of all new vehicle purchases. The hybrid car gets better gas mileage, costs less to maintain, and preserves the natural environment. So why aren’t more of these cars being sold?
Part of the problem is the demand for certain hybrid models. The Toyota Prius and Camry Hybrid are the most popular hybrid models and the companies are unable to respond to heightened consumer demand for high-efficiency vehicles.
A second set back is that people often ask the wrong question when thinking about a hybrid, “Do hybrids save money?” What needs to be asked is, “Do people who are buying hybrid cars really care about saving money?” Research done on hybrid car owners has shown that consumers purchase a hybrid to express their vision of a better world, and their desire for a society where people work together to improve the greater good, not to save money. Nonetheless, hybrid owners do save some money in the long run.
How big of a difference do hybrids make?
For every gallon of gas burned, we produce 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is immediately released into the air. Hybrid cars can save the earth a couple of tons of greenhouse gases. Hybrid cars are powered not only by gas but by a rechargeable electric battery. This makes the car more fuel efficient and takes off the full reliance on gas.
The conventional car runs on a lead acid battery which is not environmentally friendly. Today, hybrid cars use a Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) battery which lowers the toxicity levels and environmental impact. Hybrid car dealers, such as Honda and Toyota, also place decals on their batteries for a toll free number that consumers can call for returning the battery to the dealership. Once returned the battery is 100% recycled. Toyota even offers a $200 bounty for returned batteries.
Dealers have begun to make hybrids in all shapes and sizes so that our everyday lives do not need to be compromised for a fuel efficient car. Today there are 15 different models of hybrids available and more than 50 are expected by 2010.
Options Outside of Hybrids
You don’t have to buy a hybrid to have a fuel efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. You’ve probably noticed more scooters than usual on the streets. The most popular brand of scooter is the Vespa. Vespas have been running in Europe since the 1940’s, however, high gas prices have increased sales of Vespas in the United States.
Vespas can get between 75-120 miles per gallon. Although most Vespas do not average over 60 mph, the more expensive you’re willing to go, the faster your scooter will go. Even then, your average price is still immensely lower than a conventional vehicle.
Vespa doesn’t stop at their amazing gas mileage; they’ve moved forward with the times and have come out with the three-wheeled hybrid Vespa Scooter. The hybrid scooter can receive up to 170 miles per gallon. The electric powered motor of the scooter can be programmed to fit individual preferences. Now there’s something you can’t find anywhere else.
The Choice is Ours
In the end the question is not what our options are, it is what we really care about when purchasing a new vehicle. Style, speed, and image often hinder our options. However, with a little research and consideration for how our purchases affect the environment, an eco-friendly option is better for the “now” and the “big picture”.
References:
1. www.hybridcars.com
2. www.ecogeek.org/content/view/857/
3. www.engines.piaggio.com/_vti_g2_env.asp
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