Resources for the Washington DC area

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles have gone mainstream. They've caught on far more quickly than even the car manufacturers expected. Auto experts are saying 2005 is the year of the hybrid. Hybrids excel in several areas:

gas mileage - up to 66 MPG. It's like buying an insurance policy against future increases in the price of gasoline. Energy is going to be an issue that you are going to hear about constantly from now on, as countries like China, South Korea, Russia and many others greatly increase their consumption of energy. We've already seen that when gas prices have suddenly jumped, sales of hybrid vehicles have surged. It makes sense to plan now and get one before everyone else decides they want one too. In addition to saving money, you can reduce the frequency between fillips. With ranges of up to 600 miles, some people only fill up about once a month!

reduced emissions - up to 90% lower than regular vehicles. Hybrids produce less of several pollutants: carbon dioxide (the global warming gas), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO; a poisonous gas), Particulate Matter (PM: tiny particles of solid matter that lodge in the lungs and deposit on buildings), Formaldehyde (HCHO; a lung irritant and carcinogen). The difference is so significant that Congress has granted a Clean-Fuel Federal tax deduction. For 2005, a hybrid vehicle can qualify for a $2,000 tax break.

People want to do their part to make a safe and healthy world for their children and grandchildren. But we don't always know how. However, driving a hybrid car is a very tangible thing we can do to be doing our part in creating a healthy future. Even conservatives like former CIA Director James Woolsey, are driving hybrids, as a way to make America energy independent.

By 2007, there may be 22 or more hybrid models available. Here's a rundown of what the auto manufacturers are offering now or planning in the future.

Current models:

	Ford Escape Hybrid
	Toyota Prius
	Honda Civic Hybrid
	Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Insight Chevy Silverado	GMC Sierra Dodge Ram pickup