Hybrid Vehicles

[FortLaudy 10]

So we're looking into buying a new vehicle... If it was up to me I would have an electric compact SUV that I can charge with the solar system at home, but unfortunately toyota stopped manufacturing their EV in 2003 (replacing battery would cost as much as buying a new car is the reason). Hybrids are all the buzz but it's just not good enough for me, still dependant on petrol, and petrol primarily from the middle east... Both our cars are paid off (small, high mpg), so it's a really hard decision financially right now as yes, we're dependant on gas, but atleast we don't have car payments, just hate having to fill up a car with precious petrol.

http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/#/car/index The Nissan Leaf is coming out sometime this year, woop woop!!

Does anyone drive a Hybrid, do you think it's worth it?

Does anyone drive an electric car, how's that battery doing?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Do the math, it's not that hard. You know how many miles you drive on average. You know the MPG difference. You know the retail price difference. Bada bing bada boom.

[Peikko 1,575]

Buy bicycles!

Seriously, I don't think a good alternative to the petrol/diesel engine is in mass production. Of course, if you think gas prices will increase significantly in the next couple of years, then that might alter the equation a tad.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Do the math, it's not that hard. You know how many miles you drive on average. You know the MPG difference. You know the retail price difference. Bada bing bada boom.

Yep. There a lot of fuel efficient cars out there that get close to what hybrids get. I'm looking forward to the not-too-distant future when we'll have more plug-in models that you could technically charge from a solar source.

[FortLaudy 10]

Do the math, it's not that hard. You know how many miles you drive on average. You know the MPG difference. You know the retail price difference. Bada bing bada boom.

I'm far more interested in electric vehicles than the MPG, just wondering if anyone owns one, and how good of an investment they really are considering the problem with the batteries.

[Peikko 1,575]

I'd keep the high mpg cars you have now, unless they are about to fall apart. If that's the case, replace with something similar.

Try not to use them as much. Walk or bike for shorter journeys. That's what works for me

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Do the math, it's not that hard. You know how many miles you drive on average. You know the MPG difference. You know the retail price difference. Bada bing bada boom.

yup. it can take 100,000 miles or more to break even. just depends on the mpg difference.

[FortLaudy 10]

I'd keep the high mpg cars you have now, unless they are about to fall apart. If that's the case, replace with something similar.

Try not to use them as much. Walk or bike for shorter journeys. That's what works for me

Good advice! Yes, we bike a lot too.

I'm just thinking that if we can be off the grid when it comes to our house, why not be also self sufficient when it comes to other energy needs, but in doing so we would need to change the vehicles we drive. My only concern is how good of a car the electric cars are, and if their worth the investment.

[Peikko 1,575]

Good advice! Yes, we bike a lot too.

I'm just thinking that if we can be off the grid when it comes to our house, why not be also self sufficient when it comes to other energy needs, but in doing so we would need to change the vehicles we drive. My only concern is how good of a car the electric cars are, and if their worth the investment.

It is a good idea - in your case (because you create your own energy). Sorry I don't have any personal experience with them. They look so small and puny for US roads though. In the UK, smaller cars seem normal but here, they look like so vulnerable.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Good advice! Yes, we bike a lot too.

I'm just thinking that if we can be off the grid when it comes to our house, why not be also self sufficient when it comes to other energy needs, but in doing so we would need to change the vehicles we drive. My only concern is how good of a car the electric cars are, and if their worth the investment.

Try this site:

http://www.allcarselectric.com/

The have a whole section on car reviews.

[FortLaudy 10]

It is a good idea - in your case (because you create your own energy). Sorry I don't have any personal experience with them. They look so small and puny for US roads though. In the UK, smaller cars seem normal but here, they look like so vulnerable.

Yes, small puny and impractical for our 3 dogs. I can't wait for an electric compact SUV to hit the market.

[My Name Is Nobody 3]

If your a true enviromentalist ( do what you preach) you will walk or ride a bike and sell all your gas burning vehicles.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If your a true enviromentalist ( do what you preach) you will walk or ride a bike and sell all your gas burning vehicles.

A true environmentalist would be living in a small grass hut and living on locusts and wild honey.

[My Name Is Nobody 3]

I hope so. We cant have any hyprocrits.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

A true environmentalist would be living in a small grass hut and living on locusts and wild honey.

Goat need that grass to live, you know. How selfish of you to rip it out just so your hut can look pretty.