What is the most economical hybrid or electric car?

There are some places like the state of Utah in the US where laws mandate that gas companies have to make the fuel available to car owners. This has caused a local industry to convert vehicles to natural gas and made those vehicles very economical there.

Other places like London have put a congestion pricing plan into effect and make an exception for electric vehicles. Electric vehicles also don’t have to pay for parking. This makes ownership of electric vehicles there very economical and has spawned a local industry in electric vehicle sales and conversions.

Some would further say that the true price of oil should be much higher than it is at this time. Tax breaks, subsidies, and wavers keep the price to consumers artificially low. Local laws can make a difference in the economics of vehicles. A vehicle that is economical in one area may not necessarily be so elsewhere.

In general however you could determine your costs per mile by adding up the moving costs like fuel with your fixed costs like insurance, maintenance, repairs. To be fair you would also have to add in the initial cost of the vehicle and subtract its value at the end of such a period. Car magazines often do this in reviewing older vehicles. Here is a list of the 10 most economical cars to buy in the UK: http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-10-Most-Economical-Cars There is not much analysis and the two hybrids are on the bottom of the chart below diesels.

They are all small cars and because lighter and smaller cars will be more economical such cost is sometimes considered for different classes of vehicles. The smart for 2 car is not only one of the smallest. It may be one of the most economical in each of its 3 configurations: http://www.greatcarstv.com/features/world-s-most-economical-car-is-not-available-in-us.html It also appears near the top of this list of fuel efficient cars: http://www.thesupercars.org/ford/most-fuel-efficient-cars/

But soon the aerodynamic design of the Aptera may push it to be the most economical to operate. Maintenance, repairs, and initial cost however may all be cheaper with other electric vehicles like neighborhood electric vehicles NEV: http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/alt-fuels-transportation/neighborhood-electric-vehicles/nevs-on-the-urban-street-scene Eventually when battery tech settles on and affordable and long lasting battery with proven performance it will be difficult for a ICE powered, hydrogen fuel cell or hybrid electric car to match the cheap operation and maintenance of an electric vehicle.

3 Responses

Kim R says:

July 30, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Well, my 1999 Ford Crown Victoria isn’t a hybrid – it runs only on natural gas (methane), but it’s very economical. We bought it used for $4000 and got a tax credit for $2600 and natural gas is only 93 CENTS per gallon where I live, so this car has been super cheap to drive. Natural gas is much cleaner for the environment than gasoline, too, and much easier on the engine, so I don’t have to do oil changes as often. Check into natural gas vehicles and see if one would work for you. We love ours!
Breath on the Wind says:

July 30, 2010 at 9:18 pm

There are some places like the state of Utah in the US where laws mandate that gas companies have to make the fuel available to car owners. This has caused a local industry to convert vehicles to natural gas and made those vehicles very economical there.

Other places like London have put a congestion pricing plan into effect and make an exception for electric vehicles. Electric vehicles also don’t have to pay for parking. This makes ownership of electric vehicles there very economical and has spawned a local industry in electric vehicle sales and conversions.

Some would further say that the true price of oil should be much higher than it is at this time. Tax breaks, subsidies, and wavers keep the price to consumers artificially low. Local laws can make a difference in the economics of vehicles. A vehicle that is economical in one area may not necessarily be so elsewhere.

In general however you could determine your costs per mile by adding up the moving costs like fuel with your fixed costs like insurance, maintenance, repairs. To be fair you would also have to add in the initial cost of the vehicle and subtract its value at the end of such a period. Car magazines often do this in reviewing older vehicles. Here is a list of the 10 most economical cars to buy in the UK: http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-10-Most-Economical-Cars There is not much analysis and the two hybrids are on the bottom of the chart below diesels.

They are all small cars and because lighter and smaller cars will be more economical such cost is sometimes considered for different classes of vehicles. The smart for 2 car is not only one of the smallest. It may be one of the most economical in each of its 3 configurations: http://www.greatcarstv.com/features/world-s-most-economical-car-is-not-available-in-us.html It also appears near the top of this list of fuel efficient cars: http://www.thesupercars.org/ford/most-fuel-efficient-cars/

But soon the aerodynamic design of the Aptera may push it to be the most economical to operate. Maintenance, repairs, and initial cost however may all be cheaper with other electric vehicles like neighborhood electric vehicles NEV: http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/alt-fuels-transportation/neighborhood-electric-vehicles/nevs-on-the-urban-street-scene Eventually when battery tech settles on and affordable and long lasting battery with proven performance it will be difficult for a ICE powered, hydrogen fuel cell or hybrid electric car to match the cheap operation and maintenance of an electric vehicle.
Peter says:

July 30, 2010 at 9:25 pm

Far to many variables. Use type (urban or long haul) number of passengers, Cargo weight, comfort wanted, range needed.

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What is the most economical hybrid or electric car?

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