Study: Despite Insurance Breaks, Hybrid Vehicles Cost More To Fix, Drivers Get More Tickets

Conventional wisdom is that hybrid vehicles reduce our dependence on foreign oil and emit fewer environment hurting CO2 emissions. When comparing a hybrid to a conventional gasoline-powered model on a mile-by-mile basis, there's some logic to this argument provided the pricing disparity between the two models isn't too broad. However, a new study by Quality Planning shows that hybrid owners drive much more than non-hybrid owners, potentially negating the benefits of the added battery pack and electric motor.

Quality Planning studied nearly 360,000 vehicles throughout 2007 and 2008 to analyze driving habits, and some of the study's findings are pretty surprising. According to the survey, hybrid and non-hybrid drivers have statistically similar commutes, but hybrid owners drive their vehicles 25% more (2,000 miles) in non-commuting scenarios.
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LexSucks - 7/17/2009 4:57:41 PM

+3 Boost

"Almost as stupid as that CNW Marketing Research study claiming a Hummer H2 is better for the environment than a Prius."

- Throughout the entire life of both vehicles (including final disposal) it is. Like I said a million times before; the current Hybrids are nothing more than a fashion statement.

inspirion7 - 7/17/2009 12:27:07 PM

+5 Boost

No one question the reliability of hybrids, just they cost more to repair. A big difference. How do you mix up the two?

kpaxx - 7/17/2009 12:30:17 PM

+5 Boost

Makes sense with all the extra machinery in hybrid cars, there is a greater probability of something breaking. As well, when they do break there is probably more involved to ensure that all the components are in synergy with each other.

inspirion7 - 7/18/2009 1:19:14 PM

+3 Boost

kpaxx how logical is your way of thinking! Now to quote one the famous philosophers of our time, Jack Nicholson, he was asked, How do you understand women?

" I think of a man, and remove all logic and reasoning". This applies here. Most get their feelings up in a bunch, thus logic gets in the way. Now the more things you have going on, the more problems you will have. Makes perfect sense to me.