Alternative Nation: Hybrids and Electric Cars Are Coming – But What Will You Drive?
It has been an interesting two weeks locally as Hurricane Ike knocked out a critical gas pipeline which supplies Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas. Gas shortages became the norm with the market finally settling back down within the past 3 days, however long lines with frustrated drivers certainly gave credence to looking at alternative means of transportation.
Chevrolet has made a lot of news recently as official information pours out making some pretty bold claims for their new Volt sedan. After some extensive negotiation Chevrolet will be able to claim the Volt achieves 100 MPG, a number that dwarfs the EPA numbers of the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids.
And although I have really been a staunch opponent of Hybrids and other alternative modes of transportations, after experiencing gas shortages coupled with long lines, the reality of reality is the fact that it doesn’t take much to knock out a fuel supply, and I know at 14-15 MPG in my car I spent a lot more time sweating where to find gas next than someone driving a fuel efficient Prius or Civic.
But are you ready to make the switch, and if so which route would you go.
The Chevrolet Volt is a compelling option in a specialized market. Capable of being a daily driver that plugs in at night, the thought of fuel stops being a few and far between notion makes this vehicle one that I think will sell extremely well for Chevrolet. The fact that an American maker is bringing this technological advancement to market is a bright spot as well.
The Toyota Prius has been with us for a number of years now. Due to be redesigned, the current generation has sold extremely well for Toyota, often with waiting lists as customers demand more and more fuel efficiency. Given Toyota’s reputation for quality, the Prius has also maintained high resale values as their owners motor silently around town.
Honda offers two alternatives, the Civic Hybrid along with a Natural Gas propelled Civic as well. Sales were brisk this past summer as gas prices soared, and dealers sensing an opportunity to cash in tacked on “market adjustment” profits onto the bottom line.
What if we reached a point where a gas powered car no longer made sense however? While hybrid and alternative vehicles are only a niche market right now, a time may come in the not so distant future where gas is scarce, and the supply we do have is accompanied by long lines of frustrated drivers.
So let’s pretend for a moment that cars powered solely by gas where no longer sold, given the options currently available along with the Chevrolet Volt, what will you drive?
As much as I hope that day never comes, the reality is it just might come to fruition, I just want you to be prepared.
So go ahead, enlighten the rest of us with your alternative
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