They used to be a faintly eccentric imported quirk, these cars that had two sources of power. They looked like beetles -- not the German kind - and they were largely reserved for those who had few of the obligations of the Great American Middle Class. If you had a kid or a dog, well, hybrids just weren't for you. They were impracticality defined by great gas mileage, but then back in the nineties people didn't even buy hybrids for the fuel economy: they bought to save a tree. Or maybe a bush.
No longer. Turns out that Honda and Toyota were right all along, and as we stretch into 2005, hybrids have merged into mainstream USA. They are now a great idea for those who drive big cars and SUVs out of necessity, because they save at the pump, reduce emissions and offer it all in exactly the same package as any other car - almost. Pretty soon, hybrid powertrains will be part of every vehicle model lineup. The choice is yours, and as the choice grows the price goes down.
There are already quite a few hybrids to choose from, and the choice doesn't just come down to body style: there are real differences on the road now. Should you desire the best fuel economy, the Honda Insight is still your best bet. If convenience is right up there with fuel economy, look at the Ford Escape Hybrid or the upcoming Toyota Highlander Hybrid. If you like the idea of saving gas but want more performance, put the Honda Accord Hybrid on your list. If you're looking for an ideal commuter car with great gas mileage and a low price tag, check out the Civic Hybrid.
And of course there is always the Prius, the darling of the Jet set and the car that put hybrids in the headlines. Toyota has recently committed to doubling production of the Prius, so while the lines will get shorter it's likely to remain popular. Classified as a mid-size sedan, the Prius is roomy and fuel miserly. And let's face it - the Prius has style.
But then all hybrids are getting hip. And while we all can thank the Prius for that, who would have thought, ten years ago, that Ford would be the one to bring the hybrid choice to Main St. USA. Sure, Ford's debut of the Escape Hybrid was just moments ahead of Toyota's own hybrid SUV, but that first SUV means more than the meek introduction of a compact car that simply gets greater gas mileage. It has made hybrid an option for all of us.
This is the start. It promises to get exciting from here on out, as hybrid vehicles fit themselves permanently into the American automotive landscape.
2005 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
MPG & MSRP:
Automatic (2WD) 18/21, $30,345
Automatic (4WD) 17/19, $31,835
A mild hybrid, GM's first offering to the public is more about adding the convenience of electric power for accessories than the benefit of fuel economy or emissions. Also available as the GMC Sierra, these hybrid pickups feature GM's 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with hybrid technology that delivers 10 to 12 percent improved fuel economy over GM half-ton pickups. The GM hybrid pickups feature four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical auxiliary power outlets under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed that can accommodate up to four accessories while driving or when parked. With this auxiliary generator capability, the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in the ignition. The hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups could power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop. This design shuts the engine down before the tank is emptied, leaving enough gas to drive to a station for refueling. All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system to prevent overloads and short circuits. What makes these
pickup trucks more fuel-efficient is a compact electric motor that generates up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power. This is used in lieu of a traditional starter/alternator. As with most hybrids, at a stoplight the gasoline engine stops running. When the light turns green and the driver releases the brake, the gasoline engine kicks in again.
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
MPG & MSRP:
Automatic (2WD) 36/31, $26,970
Automatic (4WD) 33/29, $28,595
The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, as the first SUV built with a hybrid powertrain, makes hybrid technology viable in the sprawling suburbs of America, thus incrementally reducing our dependency on foreign oil, our abuse of the planet, our mucking up of skies -- with SUV convenience. Sure, there are other hybrids on the road, some which run faster and get better gas mileage. But right now, there are no other hybrids that offer SUV convenience with significant fuel savings and clear skies technology. That will change, soon enough, but here's to Ford for getting the job done first. Engineers labored long and hard to deliver this vehicle, and the fruit of their work is a fine vehicle that features a true hybrid system - you can actually roll forward with electric power only -- that's derived from its own source of energy, courtesy of regenerative braking power. Price-wise, the Escape hybrid is about $3,300 to $3,425 more expensive than a comparably equipped 2005 V-6 powered Ford Escape XLT models. Fuel mileage ratings are in the neighborhood of 35 mpg in the city, though how effective your hybrid is at saving money at the pump entirely depends on how you drive. The Escape will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Emissions ratings are targeted to be SULEV and PZEV, which translate into virtually zero emissions.
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
MPG & MSRP:
Automatic 29/37, $29,990
The latest
Honda hybrid, the Accord represents Honda's slow and steady march toward an all-hybrid lineup. The Accord Hybrid should give them plenty of reasons to soldier on, as it offers Civic-like gas mileage with better V6 performance. Powered by an advanced V6 hybrid powertrain, the Accord Hybrid has a 5-speed automatic transmission and earns an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 29/37 mpg, similar to a Civic 4-cylinder sedan. The Accord Hybrid employs the third-generation of Honda's advanced Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) full hybrid system in combination with new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology to provide perhaps the world's best V6 fuel efficiency along with highly responsive and powerful V6 performance. The Accord Hybrid generates 255 horsepower (versus 240hp for the Accord V6 sedan) with fuel economy that is reportedly 27 percent better than the current Accord V6 in city driving and 19 percent in highway driving. The new Accord Hybrid comes equipped with a leather trimmed interior, dual zone automatic climate control (with industry first hybrid air conditioning system), 8-way power driver's seat, XM® Satellite Radio and in-dash 6-disc CD changer. An exclusive rear deck lid spoiler and specially designed alloy wheels. All Accord Hybrids come equipped with driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Traction Control System (TCS).
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
MPG & MSRP:
Automatic 48/47, $20,800
5-speed manual 46/51, $19,800
The first mainstream vehicle to be offered as a hybrid, the Civic Hybrid did not seem to fare well at first - why spend more when the standard mpg is already so good - but has since picked up some speed. Indeed, the only drawback to the Civic Hybrid is speed, as in it just doesn't go that fast. But then, Civics out of the box really were intended to be great commuting vessels. The 2003 Civic Hybrid is equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, I4, 85-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 45-mpg in the city and 51-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The CVT is equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, I4, 85-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 47-mpg in the city and 48-mpg on the highway. Like the Insight and Accord, Civic Hybrid incorporates Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) uses a gasoline engine coupled to an electric motor (creating a hybrid system) that boosts performance and fuel mileage. While braking or decelerating, energy is re-captured by the electric motor and stored in the battery for later use. As the vehicle accelerates, stored energy is directed to the high-torque electric motor to supplement the engine's performance. All of this takes place automatically without any additional driver input. Since the Civic Hybrid's electrical system is completely self-sustaining, it never needs to be plugged in for recharging like an electric vehicle.
2005 Honda Insight 2005 Honda Insight
MPG & MSRP:
Automatic 57/56, $21,530
5-speed manual 61/66, $19,330
With the introduction of the Insight in December 1999, Honda became the first company to sell a hybrid vehicle in the U.S. With an aluminum body, ultra-efficient IMA powertrain and world-class aerodynamics, the Insight has held the title of America's most fuel-efficient car for each of the past five model years (2000-2004). The Insight is equipped with a standard 1.0-liter, I3, 67-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 61-mpg in the city and 68-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The CVT w/ AC is equipped with a standard 1.0-liter, I3, 65-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 57-mpg in the city and 56-mpg on the highway. From the tires to its powertrain and exterior design, the Insight -- the original hybrid -- is built for people who want to make a statement, and aren't too concerned about room, convenience, ride or performance.
2006 Lexus RX 400h2006 Lexus RX 400h
MPG & MSRP:
26/30 (estimated), pricing estimated at low $40,000
"It's not just about being green or more fuel efficient," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "It's about offering the total package." Clements was talking about the Lexus RX 400h, and by all initial accounts, he's right. As with the Highlander Hybrid, Lexus estimates that the RX 400h will generate about 270 horsepower, and that the EPA emissions rating will be SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle). The design of the RX400h will be very similar to the RX 330, except for brushed aluminum interior highlights and a slightly styled nose. According to Clements, the RX 400h should comprise 20% of the RX 330 market. "We'll let the market decide," said Clements "But we know that dealers have already taken a huge number of orders for the RX 400h." The difference between the Prius and the RX/Highlander hybrids is that this
new hybrid powertrain features a larger-capacity battery that will provide nearly double the power and an all-new high-speed electric motor that will operate at twice the speed, and deliver more than twice the power.
The RX400h will also be one of the first vehicles to have the upgraded Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) system, an improved vehicle control system that will anticipate the onset of a skid or slide. As the first luxury hybrid, and the second SUV on the market, the RX 400h should receive a very warm reception, regardless of price.
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
MPG & MSRP:
Estimated at 27.5 mpg, price to be announced: expect about $3,000 more than traditional Highlander MSRP.
From the Prius family line comes the Highlander Hybrid, right on the tail of the Ford Escape Hybrid and with its brother, the Lexus RX 400h, in tow. The Hybrid Highlander will offer buyers a best of all worlds scenario - space, utility and fuel economy. According to Toyota officials, the Hybrid Highlander should be able to generate compact sedan fuel economy numbers - 27.5 or more was quoted by one spokesperson. Given the hybrid technology, officials claim that there is only an incremental weight gain. Exterior changes include a new grille for improved air intake. The hybrid version will be available in the spring of 2005, in base and limited three-row seven passenger models. According to Jim Press, executive vice president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., in a speech at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system powering the Highlander was "specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements of a midsize SUV. Compared to Prius, the system features a larger-capacity battery that will provide nearly double the power and an all-new high-speed electric motor that will operate at twice the speed, and deliver more than twice the power as the motor in the Prius. Toyota claims that the Hybrid Highlander will produce in the neighborhood of 270 horsepower, and that the hybrid system will improve Highlander acceleration.
2005 Toyota Prius2005 Toyota Prius
MPG & MSRP:
Automatic 60/51, $20,875
Call it Toyota's guinea pig toward an all-hybrid line up. Or the popular kid on the hybrid block. Either way, the importance of the Prius can't be overstated, even with its record-breaking sales and months-long waiting lists. This second-generation version hybrid is practically an all-new car and, as a world car, it's one of global significance. It's bigger, moving up to the mid-size sedan class, and its refinements, upgrades and amenities move it upstream in the market. Perhaps the most significant improvement is that the new Prius powertrain moves along more quickly, a key component when it comes to the evolution of hybrid technology. Prius has moved from science project to mainstream player. Its price and fuel economy, of course, are two of its best attributes, and its hybrid technology is the standard-bearer in the industry, offering 30 percent lower emissions than the first-generation Prius.
Powered by a hybrid system with a permanent magnet-type, 40 hp electric motor and a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine (70 horsepower and 82 lb.-ft. of torque), the Prius has a net output of 98 hp., about as much as a typical compact car. Hydrocarbon output is about 30 percent less than last year's model, while the engine puts out 50 kilowatts and 500 volts, up from 33 kW and about 300 volts. Its EPA fuel economy rating--60 MPG/ city and 51/ highway, with a combined rating of 55 MPG-is a significant increase over the previous-generation Prius- a combined fuel economy rating of 48 MPG. Additionally, it has increased in size from a compact-class sedan to mid-size sedan; has more power and now accelerates on a par with the Camry LE; has optional the Smart Entry and Start system; optional curtain/side airbags; optional enhanced Vehicle Stability Control; with the same $19,995 MSRP as the original Prius.
Notes Hybrids coming soon…
2006 Saturn VUE SUV
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Midsize SUV
2006 Nissan Altima Hybrid
2007 Chevrolet Malibu
2007 Chevrolet Equinox
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe (AHS II) SUV
2007 GMC Yukon Hybrid (AHS II) SUV
2007 Ford Futura Midsize Car
2008 GMC Sierra Hybrid (AHS II) Full-size Pickup
2008 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid (AHS II) Full-size Pickup
