Tag Archives: hybrid cars

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5 Things You Should Know About Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

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If you’re making an effort to go green, it’s time to consider an alternative-fuel vehicle. This one, simple change will help you lower greenhouse gas emissions, save on fuel costs, and qualify for tax breaks. Before you take the plunge and buy a brand new Tesla, do some research to help you determine the best vehicle for your lifestyle. In June of 2017, CarMax teamed with CleanTechnica to find out more about the people who drive alternative-fuel vehicles. Their survey resulted in a whopping 2,300 responses, and we’ve sifted through the data to answer these 5 frequently asked questions.

  1. Who buys alternative-fuel vehicles?

You may think that all hybrid owners are millennial hipsters with ironic t-shirts and Bernie Sanders bumper stickers. However, the reality is quite different. The average hybrid-owner is a 30-year-old male from the east coast with a bachelor’s degree. The truth may be surprising, but you can’t argue with the numbers:

  • 88% of alternative-fuel vehicle owners are more than 30-years-old.
  • 70% of the responses came from people with bachelor’s degree or higher
  • 26% of the responses came from the pacific coast

  1. Why do people buy hybrid and electric vehicles?

For many people, alternative-fuel vehicles have less to do with environmental concerns and more to do with practical considerations. More than half of the survey’s respondents report spending less than $100 per year on vehicle maintenance. In addition, more than 60% of the respondents expect to own their vehicle for more than 4 years. Last, but not least, some cities offer tax credits and HOV lane perks to drivers with hybrid or electric vehicles. Here are the details:

  • 29% purchased their vehicle to save money
  • 38% purchased their vehicle to save the environment
  • 29% purchased their vehicle for another reason
  1. How far can a person drive without recharging?

Range anxiety is one big reason why people hesitate to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles. Fortunately, these fears are (mostly) unfounded. Less than a quarter of all survey respondents have driven their vehicle until running ran out of fuel. On the other hand, nearly half of survey’s respondents have never driven more than 100 miles on a single charge. Here’s the breakdown:

  • 42% have a second non-electric vehicle for long trips
  • 14% have driven until they ran out of fuel and charge
  • 48% have never driven more than 100 miles on a single charge

  1. How do people charge their vehicles?

Charging stations are another other major hesitation among alternative-fuel vehicle owners. However, the survey results contradict this basic assumption. More than three quarters of the respondents own a vehicle with some sort of plug-in functionality. See for yourself:

  • 85% own a plug-in or all-electric vehicle
  • 84% of these people charge their vehicles in their home
  • 56% say it’s convenient to use a public charging station

  1. What are the most popular alternative-fuel vehicles?

The alternative fuel craze is really taking off. Since 2001, CarMax has sold nearly 100,000 electric and hybrid cars in the U.S. According to their survey, more than 75% of the respondents have owned their vehicle for two years or less. In addition, nearly two thirds of these vehicles were purchased by first-time alternative-fuel vehicle owners. That said, the top five most popular alternative-fuel vehicles are as follows:

We left the most important statistic for last. The CarMax survey also asked respondents whether or not they would recommend a hybrid vehicle to a friend or family member. On a scale of one to five, the average response was 4.8. I guess it’s true what they say–once you go green, you never go back.

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Most Important things to know about Electric Cars and Hybrid Cars

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Guest post:

Eco friendly, the term has been creating quite a buzz for the past few years, especially in developed countries, these taking upon their shoulders the brunt of accusations levelled at industrialization for the globally inimical effects of development; the environmental activism hype still surging, the message being disseminated by those in power has always revolved around what those individuals with negligible authority on the world stage could do to assuage what many think is a dire situation.

Eco friendly cars have admittedly proven to be quite popular in developed countries, those that aren’t already sporting a hybrid car already making plans to acquire one, if only to attain comfort in travel while reducing their carbon footprints. With all the trepidations regarding Eco friendly vehicles, fears elicited by misinformation, it would behoove anyone intending to go the hybrid or electric way to take into consideration certain factors regarding these new age machines:

  • First of all, hybrids are considerably easy to drive, most people taking a rather skewed view of these vehicles because of the complications of their operations. However most hybrids are equipped with automatic transmissions, many taking advantage of continuously variable transmissions, the driving experience only accentuated by intricate displays detailing the exact amount of power you are using, allowing you some control over the amount of gas you are consuming. It is worth remembering to keep an eye on the road while analysing your battery meter.
  • Hybrid batteries last a considerably longer time than most people assume; the unfounded myth that hybrid batteries require continuous replacement at up to half the cost of the original vehicle is false; chances are by the time you need to replace your battery, it is probably the right time to relinquish ownership of your vehicle.
  • Be it manual transmission models, assisted trucks and luxury vehicles, there is more to the cast of hybrid vehicles than the Prius, this much loved vehicle alongside other Toyota products such as the Lexus currently prevailing in popularity and referred to many as the face of the hybrid world, so much so that most people place little effort in perusing the large varieties of hybrids on the market, designed to meet a diversity of needs.
  • Again despite the myths hybrid cars are capable of generating considerable levels of performance, the variety of models on the market so widespread that even sporty brands such as BMW are providing equally sporty and almost as reliably performing hybrid versions. You do not need to sacrifice economy in favour of performance in acquiring an electric car.
  • Indeed it is difficult to deny the fact that the hybrid’s most unattractive quality is its pricing; hybrid cars have always been priced higher than their fossil fuel powered counterparts and with current hybrid technologies this isn’t a trend that is likely to change any time soon. Yet the question isn’t how expensive hybrids are but whether what you are receiving is value for your money, which is what electric cars offer, a means through which to comfortably traverse distance without impacting the environment.
  • Yes electric cars do have a tendency to come in smaller packages than their gas powered counterparts, thought that doesn’t make them any less safe.

Probably the most important thing you need to realize before you buy any car is what all you require for driving it safely. If you want to get any information on driving licence contact to Dvla Contact.

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The Facts About Hybrid Cars

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For those who have never read about them or looked into buying one, hybrid cars remain a bit of a mystery. Generally, people are aware that hybrid cars run with electricity, and that they provide excellent gas mileage and are better for the environment than ordinary cars. However, these facts fail to address the true details and functions of hybrid cars. To better understand the significance of hybrids, here are three must-know facts.

1. Hybrids Still Use Gasoline

Though the word “hybrid” itself implies a combination of functions, many people are still under the false impression that hybrid cars are the same as electric cars. In fact, however, hybrid cars still do use gasoline, in addition to rechargeable batteries. The combination of these different factors does lead to increased efficiency and reduced fuel emissions. In fact, many hybrids give you up to 50-60 miles per gallon, and a single rechargeable battery can last you about 100,000 miles. However, it is important to remember that some gasoline is still involved.

2. Batteries Recharge During Use

When most people hear the phrase “rechargeable battery” they instantly picture plugs and cords. However, hybrid cars do not recharge their batteries this way – once again, the idea of plugs is a misconception that is meant instead to apply to electric cars. Hybrids instead recharge through their own operation. Typically, when you use your brakes, your car automatically replenishes electric power in your battery, meaning that you are actively recharging your battery even as you drive. Batteries won’t last forever this way, but as mentioned previously they can often give you up to 100,000 miles before needing replacement.

3. Efficiency Does Not Sacrifice Power

While it is true that some of the older models of hybrid cars, and some of the cheaper versions that remain on the market, can sacrifice some degree of power, hybrids are not necessarily weaker or slower than gasoline alternatives. Some modern hybrid models can even exceed 300 horsepower (such as the Lexus LS 600h, among others), and most any hybrid can still reach any speed you could possibly require in an efficient and stable manner.

Ultimately, if you are considering purchasing a hybrid, you may find that owning one is quite comparable to owning a normal car. You will still have to apply regular maintenance, secure an insurance policy, and even stop for gasoline on occasion. However, the extensive benefits offered by hybrid technology – most notably the combination of battery power and gasoline that is efficient both for the environment and your finances – make these cars well worth exploring.

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Figure Hybrid Insurance Discounts into Overall Cost of Ownership

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Statistics compiled earlier in 2009 suggest that 62% of consumers contemplating a car purchase either consider or are committed to buying some kind of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle. Confusion exists, however, on the question of the expenses involved in insuring a hybrid vehicle. In calculating the actual cost of choosing a hybrid, several factors come into play.

Insurance risk profiles have now been updated to recognize the fact that hybrid drivers are more environmentally conscious and tend to drive less. Therefore, the assumption is that they are safer drivers. On the other hand, there is the wisdom that hybrids require specialized parts and are more difficult and expensive to repair, thus making for more costly insurance settlements. There is truth to both perceptions, but regardless, Farmers Insurance Group of Companies took the lead in October 2005 when they began offering 5% discounts to hybrid drivers in California. Now, discounts of roughly 10% for hybrids are more or less industry standard, although consumers still may have to go after those savings proactively.

In negotiating coverage for a hybrid, all the conventional automotive insurance discounts can still be used, like those available for anti-theft devices or for an exceptionally clean driving record. But in considering the real cost of ownership, drivers should also consider available tax credits.

Between February 17, 2009 and January 1, 2010 new car buyers can deduct their state and local sales and excise taxes up to a $49,500 limit. The value of this deduction will, of course, vary from state to state, but buyers will still want to avail themselves of the deduction while it is available. Additionally, the “cash for clunkers” Car Allowance Rebate System discounts, ranging from $3,500 to $4,500 will be available through roughly November 1. Since hybrids are sure to meet the program’s mileage improvement requirements, this is another major potential savings. Finally, there is an actual Hybrid Vehicle Credit that can take as much as $3,000 off federal tax returns, and a $4,000 federal credit for plug-in hybrids.

Additionally, hybrid drivers are currently being rewarded by some hotel chains that offer lower room rates to customers who drive or rent a hybrid and in some parts of the country, hybrid drivers get free or discounted parking in city and county lots. So, given the current climate of dealer discounts, federal deductions and discounts available, and popular rewards for hybrid drivers, the accrued savings may take so much of the sting out of the initial purchase, that insurance coverage automatically becomes more affordable.

Drivers who play their cards right and go after all the traditional automotive insurance discounts in addition to the roughly standard 10% hybrid discount should find themselves well-placed for low premiums. The important points are to be prepared to negotiate, to comparison shop, and to figure insurance rates into the overall cost of driving the vehicle. In the case of hybrids, other savings and discounts will likely outweigh insurance costs in the first year to two years of driving.