Current Models
There are currently three hybrid cars available on
the American market: the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, and the
Honda Civic Hybrid.
The five-passenger Toyota Prius has a mile per gallon
(mpg) rating of 48 when combining highway and city driving. Regarding
emissions of carbon monoxide and smog forming gases, it is extremely
clean and classifies as an SULEV (super ultra low emissions vehicle). This
rating is second only to ZEV (zero emissions vehicle) for cleanliness.
Picture courtesy of http://www.ucsusa.org/publication.cfm?publicationID=438
The two-seater Honda Insight is the most efficient
car on the market, and therefore reduces carbon dioxide emissions
the most. It can achieve between 56 and 70 mpg. Its CVT (continuous
variable transmission) model is an SULEV, while its others are
ULEVs (ultra low emissions vehicles). Thus overall it is not quite
as clean as the Prius. It contains an advanced nickel-metal hydride
battery, and can travel up to 700 miles on a single tank. Yet
as a two-seater the Insight has limited passenger space.
Picture courtesy of http://www.ucsusa.org/publication.cfm?publicationID=438
The five-passenger Civic Hybrid is a hybrid version
of the Honda Civic model. Like the Prius, it obtains 48 mpg and
thus achieves about the same carbon dioxide emissions reduction. However,
rated as an ULEV, the Civic Hybrid emits more carbon monoxide and
smog forming gases than does the Prius.
Picture courtesy of http://www.hondacars.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Hybrid
All three of these models achieve higher mpg ratings
in city driving than on the highway, probably due to regenerative
braking and the ability of the combustion engine to shut off during
stops. They lie in the $19,000-$21,500 price range.
Sources:
http://www.ccities.doe.gov/vbg/consumers/hybrid.shtml
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml
http://www.ccities.doe.gov/vbg/progs/search_type.cgi?8
http://www.care2.com/channels/ecoinfo/hybrid
http://www.ucsusa.org/publication.cfm?publicationID=438
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