While gas-electric hybrid vehicles may have saved thousands of tonnes of CO2 and other emissions from entering the atmosphere, they haven’t saved owners much money, if at all, according to a new study.
The annual Hybrid Vehicle Cost and Savings Analysis released by the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA), found that only four of the 23 hybrids on the market today would produce cost savings when compared to their closest conventional counterparts – even with gas prices at near record highs.
The story changes, however, for hybrid owners who drive more than the average. When BCAA adjusted annual kilometres driven in the analysis from 20,000 to 40,000, 13 of the 23 hybrid models became less expensive to own and operate over the five-year timeframe.
“Hybrids can make a significant difference to the environment,” says BCAA President and CEO Tim Condon, noting that hybrids produce up to 48% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their gas-only equivalents. “But potential purchasers should choose carefully to make sure the hybrid they choose meets their needs and objectives. All hybrids offer better fuel economy, but there is still a price premium to be paid for most models. The good news is there are more hybrids to select from than ever before.”
Here are a few highlights from the BCAA’s 2011 Hybrid Vehicle Cost and Savings Analysis:
• The four vehicles that beat their closest gas-only equivalents in five-year purchase, financing and fuel costs are: Lexus CT200h, Mercedes S400, Lincoln MKZ and Infiniti M35h.
• The lowest cost hybrid is the new Honda CR-Z (purchase, financing and five-year fuel costs = $39,173). The most expensive hybrid is the Lexus LS 600h (purchase, financing and five-year fuel costs = $176,167).
• The hybrid vehicle that offers the greatest savings over its closest conventional counterpart is the new Lexus CT 200h which, over five years, is $3,378 less expensive to own and operate than the Toyota Venza I4.
• The hybrids with the greatest greenhouse gas (GHG) emission advantage over their gas-only equivalents are:
• Toyota Prius (48% fewer GHG emissions)
• Lincoln MKZ (48% fewer GHG emissions)
• Lexus CT200h (46% fewer GHG emissions)
• Honda CR-Z (44% fewer GHG emissions)
The 2011 BCAA analysis of 23 vehicle pairings is based on a fuel price of $1.35 per litre and an annual driving distance of 20,000 kms (50/50 highway/city). The base analysis was altered to test the impact of higher fuel prices, greater distances driven and the re-introduction of a provincial sales tax incentive.
For more information about the BCAA visit:www.bcaa.com.
