Alternative Energy: Hybrid Cars

Interested? Consider:

There are four types of hybrid systems:

Stop-start: Shuts engine off when the car comes to a full stop, when it would otherwise idle.

Integrated Starter Alternator With Damping (ISAD): Has the stop-start feature and an electric motor.

Integrated Motor Assist: The functions are identical to the ISAD, but it has a larger electric motor for better performance.

Full hybrid system: Cars generally run on electric power at low speeds with the gas engine kicking in at higher speeds.

What'll it cost you? Depends:

Here is an example of how one choice might work out:

The average American drives 15,000 miles each year, with 45 percent of that on highways. The traditional Honda Civic costs about $17,110, and it gets about 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 highway. At $2.92 a gallon, this subcompact car costs $1,296 in gasoline in one year.

At $22,900, the Honda Civic Hybrid will initially cost a bit more, but with an average of 50 miles per gallon, a year of gas will cost $878.

In 10 years, taking into account inflation at 3 percent but not factoring in any possible changes in gas prices, the gas savings of a hybrid reaches almost $5,000.

Finally, a new federal incentive program allows you to receive a one-time $2,100 tax credit for buying a hybrid.