A Hybrid Moment

By Christopher Forestieri

There was a time when buying a new car was relatively simple. Something fast, sturdy and modern was all that many required. But astronomical increases in fuel costs, coupled with a growing concern over the impact of automobiles on the environment, have made choosing a new car a much more detailed consideration.

First and foremost on the minds of many drivers is fuel economy. A fuel efficient car not only saves money at the pump, but also reduces emissions and the impact one’s driving has on the planet.

The Environmental Protection Agency explains the importance of fuel efficiency like so:

“The better gas mileage a vehicle gets, the less fuel it burns. Less fuel burned means fewer natural resources are used and less pollution is created from the extraction and processing of the fuel. Less fuel burned also means that less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas is added to the atmosphere.”

The EPA has prepared a fuel economy guide to assist car buyers in finding a fuel efficient vehicle at www.fueleconomy.gov.

With the recent wealth of technological advancements the automotive industry has seen regarding fuel efficiency, there are now more choices than ever for fuel-conscious drivers. Many popular models are becoming available as hybrids which draw from both fossil fuels and electricity.

Ideally, electricity powers the hybrid car at times when a traditional car would use the most gasoline, such as starting from a dead stop. After the car gets up to speed, it begins to burn fuel while regenerating electricity through motion. In turn, a hybrid gets superior fuel economy.

One thing to be aware of when considering a hybrid vehicle is its average Miles Per Gallon (MPG). While some vehicles are considered hybrids, they still may get the same MPG as a traditional car. For example, larger SUVs and trucks which have been turned into hybrids typically get far lower MPG than a smaller, non-hybrid vehicle. Still, if the buyer lives in an area or has a lifestyle or job which requires a large vehicle, a hybrid SUV or truck is a much more efficient alternative to a traditional a SUV or truck.

However, a large hybrid should not be an excuse for extravagance. Driver’s concerned about fuel economy should avoid buying a car larger than they need, hybrid or not. A smaller, lighter car will almost always get the most fuel efficiency, especially the smaller hybrids.

Of course, those truly concerned about saving money and the environment will look for ways to avoid driving all together. There are many ways to get around that don’t involve driving. While alternative methods of travel may not be an option in every situation, walking or biking short trips and utilizing public transportation when possible is a good start.

Driving is a staple of our culture, for good or ill; but, if you’re going to drive, drive smart. You may not be able to drastically change your lifestyle and stop driving altogether, but you can take time to do the research when buying a new car mitigate your impact on the environment while saving a couple bucks at the pump in the process.