In the Army now…

Through a special purchase agreement with the Government Services Agency, the Army has acquired 502 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The US Army became the leader in utilizing HEVs among all federal agencies in August of 2009, with the delivery of 502 hybrid vehicles. An HEV is a vehicle that combines a conventional propulsion system with a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional “gas only” vehicle. Its secondary propulsion system means that it does not require recharging visits to an electrical charging unit.

This effort of purchasing HEVs has greatly reduced operating costs for the Army. The Army staff estimates that a 1% reduction of fuel consumption in theater means roughly 6,000 fewer soldier fuel convoys. US Army officials are trying to convince Congress, Army senior leaders and the public to demonstrate their concern and responsibility for the environment.

Rent Green!

Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers customers the opportunity to benefit the environment. By opting to pay $1.25 per rental, customers can fund certified offset projects that will work to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The  foundation will match customer contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $1 million. For every 100,000 customers who choose to take part in this program, this effort will offset more than 30 million pounds — or 13,500 metric tons — of CO2.

Of the 927,000 rental car fleet, 25% of vehicles have an estimated 32 MPG and 46% of the entire rental is US EPA certified SmartWay vehicles. Enterprise has a total of 7,000 Hybrids and 59,5000 FlexFuel vehicles. In February 2009, Enterprise added 5,000 Hybrids to their 80  ’Hybrid Branches’ locations nationwide, including 4 locations in Hawaii!  These branches offer a variety of hybrid SUVs, trucks, and sedans.

This is a great opportunity for customers who do not own a hybrid. By renting and donating $1.25 per rental, customers are donating to a worthy cause by helping the environment while receiving a quality service and experience.

A New Tradition

My roommate’s father, Joe Ferguson, recently purchased a 2009 Sierra Hybrid in early August.

Me: What made you want to purchase a hybrid truck?

Joe: “Well I’ve always bought GMC trucks for years but when this hybrid came out I just wanted one. I didn’t really think I would ever buy a hybrid though.”

Me: What do you like about it?

Joe: “Obviously for the gas mileage. It usually gets around 20 or so in the city and on the highway about 25. I still use it for yard work and hauling around my boat.”

Me: What is the best feature?

Joe: “It’s a good looking truck! That’s what I like about it the most. There’s no way I would have bought it if it had hybrid written all over it. The engine is also very smooth. Definitely the most powerful truck I’ve ever owned.”

The Sierra comes with a 6.0L V8, which gets an estimated 22 MPG in the city. This is definitely the truck for someone who doesn’t want to lose the look and power of the traditional truck. And of course, better gas mileage is always a bonus.

Keepin’ up…

Although the economy has delivered a T.K.O. to the overall auto industry, hybrid car sales have remained steady. Experts believe that sales will gradually drop but they will also out-sell the regular car market. The Toyota Prius – the third generation that debuted in January 2009 – continues to be the biggest seller among hybrids. However, the 2010 Honda Insight will definitely give the Prius a run for its money this year. Honda has a US sales target of 100,000 units this year but it seems they will have difficulty reaching that number.

There are currently 15 different models of hybrid sedans but with the new hybrid from Ford and Mercedes, along with other companies, the number of models could reach up to 20. Ford unveiled the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, which gets up to 41 MPG, early this February and has the potential of having sales equal to that of Honda. Also, Mercedes has climbed on the hybrid bandwagon by releasing the 2010 S400 Hybrid which gets an estimated 29 MPG. Luxury has definitely met efficiency.

Even though the car industry is down due to the economy, it seems that all car makers have unleashed their own version of environment-friendly, fuel-efficient, joyrides.

Take a Break…

There are a lot of pro’s to buying a hybrid but one of them would definitely be the Federal Tax Incentives. Honda of Fayetteville sales manager, Jeff Brockinton, said the tax breaks are great for Hondas. “When you purchase a Civic Hybrid you can receive around $2,100 in tax credit.”

Me: Has anyone purchased a hybrid for the tax credit alone?
Brockinton: “Not really. It’s a great incentive which the customers respond to really well.”

Me: Do Hondas have the most tax credit towards the hybrids?
Brockinton: “Unfortunately not. You can receive up to $3,000 when you buy a Ford Escape Hybrid. I really wish Honda would increase their tax credit! It would definitely draw more people in here.”

Me: Do you think that Honda will increase it?
Brockinton: “I think in time they will as hybrids become more popular. I sure hope so though.”

What a Ride

Coupes and sedans aren’t the only models you can get in a hybrid. Chevrolet offers the 2009 2WD Tahoe Hybrid, which can reach up to 22 MPG on the highway! The Tahoe actually gets better MPG than Toyota’s Camry. It was introduced in 2008 as America’s first full-size hybrid SUV. Although this SUV if very efficient for the environment and low on your gasoline consumption, it will definitely give your wallet a beating. The 2WD Tahoe hybrid starts at around $37,280 MSRP, ouch. But that’s not to say you’re getting stiffed. The Tahoe comes with a 6.0L Vortec V8 with 332 HP and 367 lb. of torque. If that isn’t enough for you, it can tow up to 6,200 lbs! Although it may not be as cheap as a Honda or Toyota, it’s definitely a smart buy for someone who just can’t let go of the style of the SUV.

Still going strong…

The Camry has been a very successful vehicle for Toyota for decades. The 2010 Camry Hybrid is very attractive as well as efficient after all these years. The Camry Hybrid is listed at $26,150 with excellent fuel economy. It can get up to 33 in the city and nearly 34 on the highway. It looks like the regular Camry LE model with twice the benefits. It has everything from dual exhaust, heated side mirrors, and LED lights for the tail, stop and side marker lamps. The Camry Hybrid was first introduced in May 2006 with a estimated sales of around 60,000 a year and still going strong. This model has been very successful since 2006 and the numbers will only increase for the well-equipped eco-friendly sedan.

The Cost

Well we know that hybrid are safe for the environment but are they safe for your bank account? According to Chris Nichols, a Honda maintenance advisor, it is if you maintain the maintenance schedule of your hybrid. “Most hybrids aren’t any more expensive to maintain than a regular car,” says Nichols. “If you keep up with the oil change schedules and regularly updated services it doesn’t cost much at all.” Most people worry about the battery packs of the hybrids. After all, they’re the main difference between them and a regular gasoline consuming vehicle. “We had a lady come in not too long ago that hadn’t taken care of her Honda Insight at all. The cost for a battery service was close to $500.” Nichols said it’s not any different than owning a regular car. Plus, you get the tax-breaks which save you some money that could potentially cost you on maintenance in the long run. “Honda’s brake pads on the hybrids last much longer than regular vehicles,” Nichols said. The main thing is efficiency and making sure you meet the transmission and scheduled tune-ups. If you don’t take care of your hybrid, it won’t take care of your bank account.

The Fam Sedan

My aunt and uncle just recently purchased a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. They had been driving a 2006 Hyundai Sante Fe but decided they wanted an attractive, more efficient SUV. “I absolutely love driving the Highlander,” my Aunt Laura said, “it gets better gas mileage and it can go faster!” When asked why he liked the Highlander my Uncle Dale said, “It was a smart buy! We are going to get a good tax break.” My Aunt Laura has a 30 minute commute to work everyday and from there she takes my cousin Kyle to soccer practice. “It’s great to just throw Kyle’s soccer equipment in the back. It has tons of room.”

Sharp, Attractive Hybrids

Lexus has recently unveiled their 4 brand new, very attractive,  hybrid models. The GS, RX, LS, and HS are all brand new vehicles which are easy on the eyes and the environment. Each model produces about 70% fewer smog-forming emissions. Not only are these classy rides better for the environment, they are also a little more powerful as well. The V6 has the power of a V8 and the V8 has the power of a V12! The new Lexus’ battery life is also very efficient. The nickel-metal hydride is very advanced and designed to last the life of the vehicle. No more dead batteries! I will definitely say that the engineers at Lexus have definitely designed an efficient but elegant vehicle.