Hypermiling is getting a lot of attention these days, as the environment becomes more precious and the price at the pump climbs ever higher. Hypermiling is the practice of driving to get the maximum fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Wayne Gerdes of CleanMPG.com holds the hypermiling record (2,250 miles on a single tank – roughly 164 miles per gallon) and is credited with starting the phenomena. Though hypermiling began as a way for hybrid drivers to “compete” against themselves for ultimate fuel economy, the methods of hypermiling can be applied in any car.

Hypermiling for Beginners

Hypermiling drafting is more than just a way of driving – it is a way of thinking. Rather than rushing about town, worrying about finishing your errands quickly, as you get deeper into hypermiling, you’ll find that you measure errands and trips in fuel economy and not time. It is best to start with just a few simple steps and habits and add more as you become accustomed to driving for ultimate fuel economy.

• Reduce your speed. I drive about seven highway miles to work each day and prior to hypermiling, I would race down this stretch at about 70 mph. My total commute time was about ten minutes (I live in Iowa, so rush hour doesn’t really go down). Now, as a hypermiler, I drive about 55 mph and my commute is still approximately 10 minutes. Hybrids and standard vehicles operate at higher fuel efficiency when the RPMs are low, so slowing down releases a lot of pressure on the engine – saving me gas and money. (Note: Driving slower than about 40 miles per hour can actually have a negative effect on your gas mileage, and in a 55 zone it might be illegal.)

•  Go with the flow…coast to stops. When you’re driving in the city, anticipating stoplight changes can really boost your fuel economy. If you see the light ahead of you is red, immediately take your foot of the gas pedal and coast toward the stop. That way, you aren’t using gas just to rush up to a red light and idle. It’s amazing that even with gas at an all time high, many drivers still speed to the stop light and slam on the brakes in the last few seconds.
   
• Lose some weight. Heavier loads take more energy to haul, so unpack all the non-essentials from your car. Expert hypermilers know the value of a traveling light. Was it US Airways that recently announced they were removing their in-flight entertainments systems to reduce weight? It’s the same concept with your car, truck, or SUV.
   
• Regular check-ups do a hybrid good! Keeping your tires properly inflated and oil clean will also help increase fuel economy in your standard car or hybrid. If you are hypermiling on a hybrid, be sure to check the engine control module is reporting properly. This way, you can keep track of just how much of an impact hypermiling is having on your bottom line.

Are you a hypermiler? Check us out next week for more advanced tips and techniques on hypermiling (aka hypermileing and hypermilling)! While you’re waiting, you can learn more at the hypermiling wiki (here) or try a forum on hypermiling.com (here).

GM likes to add that the green Aura is the lowest priced hybrid on the market, and a $1,300 hybrid tax credit from the IRS may also be available to those who qualify. The hybrid version of the Aura features the same safety package that earned it’s gas-only twin a five star government safety rating for both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

The second hybrid to come from GM and Saturn (right behind the Saturn Vue Green Line), this four-door sedan is considered a mild hybrid and runs on a 2.4l Ecotech Engine with an electric motor/generator and 4T45-E four-speed transmission. However, this difference under the hood does not result in drastic differences in fuel economy. While the Aura Green Line gets 24 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway, its standard-vehicle sister, the Aura XE gets 22 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway.

One interesting feature in this entry-level hybrid is the air conditioning features. The driver can choose if the air is cooled using energy from the battery or the engine. If the AC is set to 65 or above, it can run on pure electricity – meaning no more debates about whether it is more efficient to roll the windows down or crank the air conditioner.

With the 2008 Aura Green Line starting at $24,550, it represents a good deal for anyone in the market for a hybrid car. With the room you’d expect from a standard sedan, slight fuel economy over the standard versions, and utilization of greener technology, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how far Saturn has come since the days of its plastic hatchbacks. Just don’t expect the substantial savings (financial and environmental) that you would see with a full hybrid. In addition, you might have to contact quite a few dealers to get a test drive of a new hybrid Aura as these hybrids are in very limited production and are only available in select markets.

Since the hybrid Saturn Vue is scheduled to get the 2 mode hybrid system, beginning production in late 2008, we can only hope that news of a 2009 or 2010 Saturn Aura Green Line Two Mode won’t be far behind.

More Reviews and Information on the ‘08 Saturn Aura Green Line:

Saturn.com
Wikipedia.org
CNN.com article

It’s no secret that hybrid cars are a great buy these days. As gas prices skyrocket, reaching new “record highs” each day, more and more people are rushing to their nearest car dealership and scrambling for hybrids. Demand is high and there should be more hybrids on the roads than ever before.

But, even though sales of hybrids are brisk and represent a growing percentage of auto manufacturers’ sales, the car companies just aren’t selling as many as they could. Why? The answer is two-fold: a) contracts that prohibit increased production of hybrid batteries and b) a shortage of the plants that are able to make the nickel-metal-hydride batteries.

How big is the market?
According to an article in Time, standard vehicle sales are at an all-time low compared to the rising sales of hybrids. Hummer is hurting GM, Ford’s trucks and SUVs have seen sluggish sales, and even Toyota’s Pruis’ sales have slowed – but for different reasons. With gas prices shooting up and the environmental vibe sinking deeper into our collective consciousness, it makes sense that no one wants a big, clunky gas-guzzler anymore. So, why did the Prius’ sales slow as well? It’s because demand has exceeded supply and now those in the market for a Pruis are putting their names on waiting lists of six months or longer.

Resources
This 2004 USAToday article didn’t get everything right, but it did correctly predict the current shortage of nickel-metal-hydride batteries. The article discusses how just a few plants are expected to keep up with the increasing demand for hybrid car batteries. Although the market for hybrids has grown in the past few years and particularly the past few months, new production facilities for the batteries are not expected to be ready to work until 2010. This has the auto manufactures scrambling for ownership of battery production facilities so that they can feed the demand. Ultimately, though, car buyers will most likely experience this crunch in supply until the new battery facilities are operational.

The contract issue
Building the specialty batteries needed to keep a hybrid running is a niche market and very few plants have the ability to produce them. On top of that, auto companies have delicately balanced contracts with the battery producers to insure the best final cost and profit. With a sudden and dramatic rise in demand for hybrid cars and thus the nickel-metal-hydride batteries, the contracts have no wiggle-room and so the needed batteries are not being produced.

So, when might the hybrid vehicle battery problem be fixed? Based on everything I’ve read, it’s not going to be any time soon. In fact, it might be well into 2009 before we start to see some relief.  And with the most popular hybrid car (Prius) undergoing a major overhaul for next year (2009 Prius changes), including a different battery than the 2008 model, we can only hope that Toyota is planning to place a much larger order for them - before it’s too late.  Maybe it’s time to buy some stock in hybrid battery manufacturers.
 

The Honda Accord hybrid runs using variable cylinder management, meaning that it can shut off three of its six cylinders to conserve momentum and fuel. This technology was also seen in the Honda Odyssey minivan. As a result of the hybrid technology, the Honda Accord was rated as getting anywhere from 24-37 miles per gallon, depending on the model year and driving conditions.  The average on GreenHybrid.com is currently at 29 mpg.

USA Today heralded the new, 2005 Honda Accord hybrid as the “best hybrid yet.” Sales were high and the car was quickly becoming one of the best-selling hybrids available.  Unfortunately for Honda Motor Company, that exuberance faded as fast as it appeared.

In 2007, sales slowed and buyers were no longer willing to pay the $3,000 premium to own the hybrid Accord over the gas-powered, four-cylinder traditional gas-only model. The two cars looked the same and, after having features such as a power sunroof and extra four-inches added (making the car heavy enough to move up t the next weight class for mileage testing), got virtually the same mileage. At the same time, the benefit of fuel economy and the image of being “green” were stronger with other available hybrids. Treehugger.com called the 2006 Honda Accord hybrid a “mixed bag” because although it was rated AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology, Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle), its fuel usage was too similar to standard four-cylinder vehicles.

A person in the market for a slightly used, low-mileage hybrid Accord should be prepared to pay about $18,000-$30,000. For similar vehicles in about same price range, with as good or better mileage, potential buyers might also consider a Nissan Altima hybrid ($25,000) or a Toyota Camry hybrid ($25,200).  If you are looking to stretch your dollar further as gas prices around the country rise, you might find that you can get more bang for your buck with the newer hybrids.  Even so, this more eco-friendly, full-size sedan from Honda seemed to have everything going for it, and it will be sadly missed.

Honda Accord Hybrid Reviews:

Soultek.com
CNET 2007 Hybrid Accord video review
ForbesAutos - 2006 model year

Without going into all the specific details, the Chrysler $2.99 gas guarantee promotion (running from 05/07/08 to 07/07/08, and likely to be extended) works like this…

First, you purchase one of the following “eligible vehicles” during the two month promotion:

Chrysler 300, Chrysler 300C, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler PT Convertible, Chrysler Sebring Sedan, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Charger, Dodge Charger RT, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Magnum RT, Dodge Dakota Club Cab, Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, Dodge Durango, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup, Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Pickup, Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, and Jeep Patriot.

Then, you can drive your new vehicle up to 12,000 miles per year, for 3 full years, and the cost of your gas is guaranteed not to exceed $2.99 per gallon.  According to Chrysler, the gallon allotment calculation used to determine three years of gas at $2.99 per gallon is as follows: 12,000 miles driven per year multiplied by 3 years, divided by the vehicle’s adjusted combined EPA City/Highway average miles per gallon.  (You are able to drive more than 12,000 miles per year, but you’re on you own in terms of gas prices for those additional miles.)

Seems like a pretty good deal, wouldn’t you agree?  So, would you be better off buying one of these vehicles and locking in the three year “special incentive gas card deal”, or would it make more sense to purchase a hybrid car like the Prius or Civic?  Part of the answer depends on the price of gas over the next 36 months, which is anyone’s guess.  Even so, let’s pick a number and take a stab at it.

Currently, a gallon of gasoline is averaging about $3.82, down a few cents from it’s all-time record high just a week or two ago.  So, to keep the math simple, let’s assume that gas averages an even $4 per gallon over the next three years.  Of all the cars listed above (we’ll exclude the SUVs, minivans, and trucks), the ones most comparible in size to a Toyota Prius would be the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Nitro, or the Dodge Caliber.

Let’s say you decide to buy a Dodge Caliber, since it is the most fuel efficient of all the eligible vehicles.  The Caliber’s average EPA is set at 24 mpg for this promotion.  This means that Chryler guarantees you will pay no more than $2.99 per gallon for the first 500 gallons of gas you buy each year, for the next 3 years.  (12,000/24=500).  Since you only have to pay $2.99 per gallon, you would spend about $1,500 per year for gas - or a total of $4,500 during the 3 year promotional event.

Now imagine that you elected to go green, and instead purchased a Toyota Prius.  Again, you drive 12,000 miles per year for the next 3 years, but now you pay an average of $4.00 per gallon for gas.  With an EPA 48 mpg rating, your Prius would use 250 gallons of gas per year (half of what the Caliber used), which amounts to an annual fuel cost of $1000.  Even though you paid $1 more per gallon for gas, after 3 full years, your total fuel expense is $1,500 less than what you would have paid while driving the Dodge under the “Let’s Refuel America”deal.

Obviously there are several other factors which must be factored in to determine which is a better deal.  A new Dodge Caliber can be purchased for under $15,000, although one with similar equipment to a base model Prius ($21,500) would run closer to $20,000.  Then you have to consider the cost of ownership during the 3 year period (the Toyota has the advantage here), as well as the residual value if you plan to sell the car (the Prius is predicted to have a much higher resale value).

While the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep gas promotion might seem tempting, it pays to crunch the numbers.  Let’s rethink this one America, because it may be more hype than help.  If you’re trying to decide, the hybrid car vs. gas-only calculator might also be of use.

The gas mileage comparison tool is simple to use.  Start by entering the number of miles per gallon (MPG) your current car gets.  Then, take a guess at how many miles you drive your vehicle each year.  If you don’t have any idea, 12000 is fairly typical.  Next, enter what you expect to pay on average for a gallon of gas over the next 12 months (for example, 3.85).  Finally, choose a hybrid vehicle from the drop down menu and click the “Calculate My Gas Savings” button.

Note:  It is not necessary to include a comma in your annual miles, or a dollar sign ($) in your cost for a gallon of gas.

Obviously there are many other ways to save gas and reduce your fuel costs without buying a hybrid.  In a recent article from CNN.com, the author outlined several ideas on how to save gas.

• Don’t punch it when the light turns green.  Accelerate slowly to save fuel.
• Don’t race toward red lights.  Instead, let up on the gas pedal, which also reduces braking.
• Will driving 55 mph save money on gas?  You bet it will.  Slow down a little to lesson resistance.
• Stop tailgaiting.  Besides being unsafe, the extra braking and accelerating waste fuel.
• Reduce periods of zero miles per gallon.  If your car won’t be moving any time soon, turn off the engine.
• For really short trips, leave the car and either walk or ride a bike.

In addition, there are many non-hybrid cars with good gas mileage for 2008 and 2009.  A few that come to mind are the Honda Civic, Toyota Echo, Scion XA, Ford Focus, Honda Fit, and the Toyota Corolla.  These high gas mileage cars are often priced thousands below similar hybrid models.  Gas mileage isn’t the only major consideration.  You should also calculate your car payment or loan payments to see what you can afford.  At the same time, hybrid vehicles that get top gas mileage will save you even more money in the long run, and many are less harmful to the environment.

Online calculator for gas milage comparisons provided by Hybrid Kingdom.

Honda may have discovered the secret sauce behind your hybrid success.  First, you whip up a 5-door, five passenger hybrid sedan that is not available in a gas-only model.  Then you mix it with a price that most people can actually afford.  Last, you top it off with a name that is synonymous with the word hybrid.

Based on yesterday’s 2008 ”mid-year address” from CEO Takeo Fukui, it appears Honda has 2 of the 3 ingredients in their mixing bowl.  Unfortunately, they left us hanging with no name, no price, and no spy photos.  Therefore, since it would be very difficult to write about this future hybrid from Honda for the next 6 months without giving it a name, we’re calling it the Honda Green.  In the spirit of the Accord, Civic, Pilot, Element, Fit, and Insight - the name ”Green” is short and sweet.  As an added bonus it actually sounds like a hybrid vehicle.  So until we learn the real name, it’s the 2009 - or more likely the 2010 Honda Green.

Seriously though, Honda did provide us with a few tidbits to chew on.

• Honda plans to sell 100,000 (Greens) in North America annually (200,000 globally)
• the Green will look something like the concept FCX Clarity fuel cell
• hybrid components will be tucked under the rear hatchback area, to offer more interior cargo room
• the new hybrid will be the most affordable yet, priced within $1900 of similar conventional models

In related hybrid news, Mr. Fukui announced that Honda plans to sell 500,000 hybrids per year in 2010 or shortly thereafter.  Some of those half a million cars will be redesigned Civics.  Others will be future “hybrid” versions of the current Honda Fit.  Still another upcoming hybrid vehicle from Honda will be modeled after their sporty concept vehicle, the CR-Z.

Don’t wait around for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from this Japanese manufacturer though.  Fukui stated that until batteries go through a major advancement, the limited range of plug-ins makes them inviable.  Well, at least we can be excited about the the Honda Green, Whatchamacallit.  Now, how about a hybrid minivan? (Maybe the Honda Freed?)

Additional coverage of the next Honda hybrid:

Honda.com - Honda announces additional details on new small hybrid vehicle 
Washington Post - Honda to roll out cheap new hybrid in early ‘09
BusinessWeek - Honda’s High Hopes for Hybrids

Get ready for some sticker shock.
One common complaint about hybrid cars is their initial price. According to Cars.com, the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new, 2008 model year hybrids ranges from $21,100 (Toyota Prius) to $104,000 (Lexus LS 600h).  Adding all the hybrid technology to a vehicle is expensive, and some of that extra cost is passed on to consumers.  As an example, the new Toyota Camry is available in several trim levels ranging from about $20,000 for the LE version to more than $25,000 for the hybrid Camry.  The 2008 Honda Civic starts at $15,000 (DX) while the hybrid version will set you back at least $22,600.

So, yes, if you are low on cash right now, the extra cost of going green could be the deal breaker. At the same time, it is important to consider the long-term savings associated with a hybrid when making a buying decision. While the gas-only Camry is getting around 21 miles per gallon in the city, the hybrid version gets about 33 MPG. That could mean that shelling out the extra $5,000 now could save you a bundle in fuel costs over the long-run.  Resale value is also better for the hybrid model.

Burning through batteries
Another disadvantage of buying a hybrid are potential problems that could occur with their expensive batteries. Because hybrid technology relies heavily on the electric battery within the car, buyers are often concerned that these types of batteries will need to be replaced more often than would a standard, 12 volt battery.

Fortunately, the nickel metal hydride batteries in hybrid cars charge themselves when the car is not using the electric power supplied by them. By avoiding draining the batteries, studies have shown that these batteries normally last just as long as those of a standard vehicle. Hybrid vehicle manufacturers also include warranties to cover these batteries for 80,000-100,000 miles. You can learn more about the warranties on different hybrid models here.

Is my footprint truly green?
Hybrid vehicle technology is complex and therefore it requires many resources devoted to its production. This means that the factories producing hybrid cars are likely creating just as much, if not more pollution than factories that build non-hybrid vehicles.

On the other hand, the impact of those hybrids once they are on the road is much less than that of standard vehicles, thereby decreasing their overall, negative environmental impact. So, while buying and driving a hybrid does not free you from pollution and CO2 emmissions, it does lessen the negative effects.

Am I safe in a hybrid car?
Two features that allow a hybrid to be so fuel-efficient, the electric technology and lighter weight of the vehicle, are cause for concern for some potential buyers.  For example, the high voltage required by a hybrid car’s battery could prove dangerous in a collision if wires are exposed.  Also, the light weight of some hybrids may concern potential buyers who fear these types of cars would not fare well in a collision.  Check out the safety rating of most hybrid cars here or review hybrid suv safety here.

Other disadvantages, issues, potential problems, and drawbacks to hybrid vehicles include their lack of availability, slower acceleration, brake noise & feel, the fact that some may be “too quiet”, and lack of choice - as most car models are not yet being built as hybrids.

Obviously there are many more advantages and benefits to owning a hybrid automobile.  But, are there also disadvantages?  We’ll examine that topic next.
 

Considered the most fuel efficient vehicle ever sold in America, this little two-seater gets nearly 70 miles per gallon.

Interest in the Insight was high in the first few years. As Honda and other manufacturers began to produce hybrid vehicles that looked more like standard vehicles (the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius), the popularity of the Insight fell and in 2006, production was stopped completely.

What made the Insight different?
Being the first hybrid car on the American market made the Insight a novel product. It won many awards, ranging from the Sierra Club’s Excellence in Environmental Engineering Award to International Engine of the Year. The Insight combined hybrid technology with a design that was based on being as fuel efficient as possible.

The breakthrough teardrop design of the Insight’s body kept wind resistance to a minimum and the undercarriage was laid out in a way to keep the area as smooth as possible, further increasing the car’s aerodynamic properties.

The body was made of aluminum alloy, making it much 47% lighter than a standard vehicle. Despite aluminum’s light weight, this car was still extremely safe. In a crash, the front and back ends of the car were designed to absorb the impact and crumple, while the passenger area stayed rigid. The 2006 Insight received a four-star safety rating in front, side and roll-over crashes.

Unique tires were also created for the Insight to keep resistance to a minimum. However, since the car is no longer in production, some Insight owners are finding these tires and other replacement parts more difficult to come by.

Being one of the first hybrids in the U.S., educating drivers on how the technology worked was key. One of the ways the Insight did this was with digital dashboard displays that showed the driver how their MPG fluctuated as driving conditions changed. This was meant to keep the driver involved and engaged with how their car was performing.

Buying a used Honda Insight.
You can find a used Insight ranging in price from $14,000-$20,000. Honda also has a certified selection of pre-owned Insights on their website. Another great source to start searching for used Insights is automotive.com.  If you own one of these small, green two-door hatchbacks and you’re searching for Honda Insight parts or accessories, I would recommend you try eBay Motors.  Since this model is now discontinued, if you’re thinking about buying a used Insight, especially one with high miles, make sure you do your homework to avoid any problems you might have finding parts and/or local service.  I don’t expect that you will have any issues with either one.

Honda Insight Reviews, Photos, Prices, Ratings, and Specs by Year:

2000 Honda Insight Review

2001 Honda Insight Review

2002 Honda Insight Review

2003 Honda Insight Review

2004 Honda Insight Review

2005 Honda Insight Review

2006 Honda Insight Review