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Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid gas-electric vehicles provide significant opportunities for both fuel economy improvements and emission reductions. There are a number of hybrid-electric vehicles now available in the market, with more scheduled and on the way. Over 100,000 hybrid vehicles have been sold in the US to date. While hybrid-electrics are not yet available in every vehicle category, hybrid vehicle choices are steadily growing. Ford and GM have recently added additional hybrid options to their lineups, including the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrd, and mild hybrid versions of the GM Silverado and Sierra full-size pick-ups. If consumer acceptance for hybrids continues to grow, hybrid vehicle choices should grow as well.

The Clean Car Campaign has developed fact sheets on currently available hybrid vehicles comparing them to the Clean Car Standard. Not surprisingly, Toyota's Prius as well as Honda's Insight and Hybrid's Civic compare quite favorably to the standard on fuel economy and tailpipe emissions. There is not yet enough information available to evaluate these vehicles for their vehicle production impacts.

Federal tax credits and federal tax deductions are now available for hybrid-electric vehicles. Several states also provide additional tax credits and other incentives for hybrid vehicle purchases. To get detailed information on available incentives, visit the Union of Concerned Scientists' hybrid website, www.hybridcenter.org.

All-new Toyota Prius: Toyota's Prius is a second-generation hybrid for the U.S. market that promises more room, more power, and better fuel economy than its predecessor. Indeed, the Prius is certified to achieve fuel economy in the mid-50's compared to the high-40's before, while also increasing interior space, improving acceleration, and further reducing emissions (SULEV/PZEV). Its larger size is based on an entirely new platform, changing the Prius from the compact to midsize vehicle class. In the midsize class, the Prius delivers nearly twice the combined average fuel economy of its next closest competitor, including the 4-cylinder Toyota Camry.

The Prius achieves these improvements in part due to its use of Toyota's new Hybrid Synergy Drive, a higher-voltage system based on 500 volts versus the current 300. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system is also used in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus RX 330 Hybrid. Toyota is planning to use the system in its upcoming Camry Hybrid as well.

Ford Escape Hybrid: Production of Ford's new Escape Hybrid began in August 2004, making Ford the first automaker to offer hybrid technology in the SUV segment. The Escape Hybrid achieves 36 mpg in city driving, an 80% increase in fuel economy compared to the standard Escape, and meets the most stringent California emission standards for a gasoline engine (SULEV/PZEV). The Escape Hybrid utilizes a "full" hybrid system that allows for a limited electric-only drive mode, and other typical hybrid features such as automatic engine shut-off during idle and regenerative braking. Acceleration performance for the 2.3 liter 4-cyclinder engine with electric power assist is comparable to the current standard Escape with a V-6 engine. Ford's hybrid system is now also available on the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and will likely be availabe on the Mazda Tribute in coming years.

Ford also announced plans to use its hybrid system in a new mid-sized sedan, the Fusion. The Fusion is part of a broader Ford strategy to increase its share of the car market, which could also help improve fuel economy.

GM's Saturn Vue Hybrid: General Motors has announced that it will offer optional mild hybrid powertrains in its Saturn VUE and Chevrolet Malibu beginning in 2006. These vehicles will utilize GM's "Belt-Alternator-Starter" system that will save fuel by turning the engine off during idle and coasting.

Honda Civic and Accord: Honda has offers several hybrid options with its Insight hatchback, its Accord Hybrid and Civic Hybrid sedans. The Insight uses Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to achieve over 60 miles per gallon. The Accord and Civic hybrids also use Honda's IMA system. They are milder hybrids that use the system to increase the horsepower of the standard engines without sacrificing fuel economy.