tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263600130716026069.post3152479237611397343..comments2023-02-11T04:23:39.117-08:00Comments on Dollars and Sense: Another Look at HybridsWRGIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17036062696749142603noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263600130716026069.post-18816976382431928592008-11-21T10:44:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:44:00.000-08:00Bill, thank you for your kind words.I picked the p...Bill, thank you for your kind words.<BR/><BR/>I picked the particular non-hybrid Camry model because it most closely matched the features on the hybrid model.<BR/><BR/>The accounting for the price difference is US govt. tax subsidies, and it has theorized that Toyota may be taking a loss on the model.<BR/><BR/>I am also a fan of diesel. However, the US auto makers destroyed their credibility in the 1980s by building atrocious diesel passenger cars, though the trucks are great. The US consumer, in general, doesn't trust diesel passenger cars, except for Mercedes Benz or Volkswagen.<BR/><BR/>One hybrid I am very interested in is the hydraulic hybrid. I wrote an article on this blog titled "Hybrid Hummer Hums." Here is the link http://economicefficiency.blogspot.com/2008/07/hybrid-hummer-hums.html<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for your kind words and let me know if there are any topics you would like me to research and write about!WRGIIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17036062696749142603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263600130716026069.post-30121120792401747122008-11-21T10:11:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:11:00.000-08:00I think your price comparison is off a bit. The au...I think your price comparison is off a bit. The autos.yahoo.com site reveals that while there is only one hybrid model, there are ten non-hybrid Camry models. The hybrid has an MSRP of $26,150 while the non-hybrids have MSRPs from $19,145 to $28,695. The difference is in the optional equipment (too many options to try to sort through it all for a blog comment). I don't believe that the hybrid would cost less than a similarly equipped non-hybrid. How is it possible to take two similarly equipped Camrys and then add a battery pack, electric motor and controllers to one while charging less for it? <BR/><BR/>As a consumer, my preference would be for cheaper, smaller, high mileage gasoline or diesel cars such as those found in Europe. Even after converting imperial gallons to U.S. fluid gallons these cars get considerably better mileage than the Camry hybrid. Plus they aren't burdened with all the complexity that comes with a hybrid drive system.<BR/><BR/>BTW, I like your blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263600130716026069.post-53806705239945517682008-11-21T06:06:00.000-08:002008-11-21T06:06:00.000-08:00Skyneedle, thank you for your comments.You highlig...Skyneedle, thank you for your comments.<BR/><BR/>You highlight that different consumers place value on different attributes. For those who live outside of the DC area, riding single (which is about to phase out) in HOV lanes may be of no value.<BR/><BR/>An informed consumer is the best kind. As individuals, which make countless economic decisions everyday. Things like whether leave the bathroom light on, or whether to eat a bowl of cereal or hit the drive through.<BR/><BR/>Ludwig von Mises wrote a thick book about this call "Human Action." Its worth noting, because it highlights the futility of government control of economies.<BR/><BR/>As the US is about to inaugurate one of the most liberal Presidents in decades, not to mention House and Senate, the US consumer should be wary of any attempt by the new government to control the macro and micro economy.WRGIIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17036062696749142603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263600130716026069.post-83054074245030009672008-11-20T20:51:00.000-08:002008-11-20T20:51:00.000-08:00But I can drive my hybrid into DC on the HOV lane ...But I can drive my hybrid into DC on the HOV lane with just one person in the car. Try that in your non-hybrid Camry. Also think about the pure electric card like the Tesla or the Th!nk. No transmission, no oil, no gas, no fuel filter - lots of the part and maintenance go away. How many DC motors do you have in your house that work great? Vote with your dollars, encourage technology. Spending some extra money to encourage energy independence is a good thing. Now if only the American car companies can get off their ass and make it happen. The Volt has a lot of promise, but it has to get to market.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17950308391971019487noreply@blogger.com