Report: Hybrids cut pollution but not costs for consumers

Sept. 10

Hybrid vehicles certainly cut air pollution, but they don´t cut consumer costs, according to CarGurus, which describes itself as an online automotive community.

An analysis of 45 hybrid vehicles that have similar non-hybrid, gas powered models, indicates that hybrid models cost an average of 25% more to own and operate.

"Hybrid cars really only make sense for consumers if the total cost of ownership -- including the initial cost to purchase and the better gas mileage -- outweigh that of a gas only equivalent vehicle," said Langley Steinert CEO of CarGurus. "Unfortunately, the vast majority of the hybrids we analyzed don´t fit this criteria."

"Consumers need to be careful not to overpay for a hybrid in the form of higher MSRP pricing. Otherwise, that upfront investment at the time of purchasing the car won´t be recouped during the time of ownership even given the improved gas mileage of a hybrid," he said.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com

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