BURNABY, BC, June 7 /CNW/ - While many drivers will be thinking of ways
of 'going green' this Clean Air Day (June 8), few are likely prepared to
swallow the apparent extra cost of switching to a gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
But a cost analysis conducted by the British Columbia Automobile Association
(BCAA) reveals that, over a five year period, the cost differential between
fuel-efficient hybrids and comparable gas-powered vehicles is minimal. And in
one case, the hybrid is identified as being cheaper than its conventional
cousin.
The cost analysis judged four hybrid models against their conventional
gas-powered equivalents, namely the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Ford Escape and
Toyota Prius / Matrix. In addition to the initial purchase price, a number of
variables were considered: fuel savings, the provincial Alternative Fuel
Vehicle tax concession, and eligibility for low-interest rate financing. With
all these factors in play over five years, two of the vehicles would end up
costing approximately $3,200 more than their conventional cousins, one would
cost $2,400 more and one - the Honda Accord Hybrid - would cost $3,000 less
than the comparable V6 model.