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Hybrid Car Emissions Information
Today's production hybrid cars are marketed by
a singular benefit; increased fuel economy. Even though it is true
that hybrid cars can save drivers a bundle on gasoline and even
earn them a tax rebate (see hybrid
car tax rebate) the much more important benefit is the very
significant reduction in emissions. Generally, hybrid cars produce
80% less harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases than comparable
gasoline cars. This translates to less airborne pollutants, and
a cleaner earth.
Mid Sized Car
Emissions
(tons per year)
| Toyota Prius |
3.5 |
| Honda Accord |
6.9 |
| Chevrolet Malibu |
8.1 |
| Toyota Camry |
7.2 |
| Mazda 6 |
7.0 |
| Nissan Altima |
7.5 |
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The chart at left shows the emissions of greenhouse gases in
tons from the most fuel efficient mid sized cars of 2004. Greenhouse
gases are the gases which are thought to contribute to the greenhouse
effect - the warming of the Earth's climate due to the major buildup
of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and other gases in the
atmosphere. These gases are released by the combustion of fossil
fuel, primarily by cars and other methods of transportation.
The calculations for emissions in tons per year are based on
45% highway driving, 55% city driving, and 15,000 miles per year.
For more information on the tests that produced these numbers,
visit the GREET
homepage.
Hybrid Car Emissions
(comparison of production hybrids)
| |
|
|
|
| City MPG |
48 |
57 |
60 |
| Highway MPG |
47 |
56 |
51 |
| Emissions |
4.1 tons |
3.5 tons |
3.5 tons |
| Rating |
ULEV |
SULEV II |
SULEV II |
| Engine Size |
1.3 |
1 |
1.5 |
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| Acura RD-X, RL |
| BMW X5 |
| Chevrolet
Malibu, Tahoe, Equinox |
| Dodge Durango,
Intrepid ESX |
| Ford Escape HEV |
| GMC Sierra Partial
Hybrid |
| Honda Insight,
Civic, Accord |
| Lexus RX 400H,
LS |
| Mazda RX-8 |
| Saturn EV1,
VUE |
| Subaru B9 SC |
| Toyota
Prius, Camry, Highlander |
Though current hybrid car tax incentives/rebates are being
phased out, consumers can look forward to rebates of up to $5000
in 2005.
Current hybrid cars can get up to 60 miles to the gallon on
the highway. In addition to fuel economy, they boast lower emissions
and depreciation than gasoline powered cars.
In the near future, hybrid cars are expected to get fuel mileage
as high as 190 miles per gallon!
Environmentalists embrace hybrid cars as a solution to today's
pollution problems.
Heavy HEV development began in the early 1990's with major
manufacturers donating billions of dollars to the research of
new hybrid technologies.
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