Miken

China Looks to Electrify Our Cars

I would like one person to prove to me that ANY hybrid makes economic sense. For example, compare the Toyota Corolla to a Prius. Both within 200 lbs. of each other, wheelbase less than 4" different, basically would be appealing to the same customer from a size standpoint. The Corolla base model is $16,150 and the Prius is $23,375, a difference of $7225. Based on the EPA estimated combined mileage, the Corolla gets 30 mpg and the Prius 46.

At $2 per gallon gas, and driving 12,000 miles per year, it would take 26.0 years to pay off the premium cost for the Prius. At $4 per gallon, it would take 13 years, of course.

An even better comparison would be the Honda Civic and the Hybrid Civic. The regular Civic gets 29 mpg and the hybrid 42. There is a $7545 difference in base price. Using the same calculations it would take 29 years to pay off the premium.

If you want to save the world, by all means, drive a hybrid. If you just want to save money....not a smart idea.