Why Change to Hybrid Cars?
Here are some of the reasons for changing to hybrid technology.
Lower Fuel Consumption
Hybrid cars have greatly improved gas mileage compared to normal combustion engine cars. This means that hybrid cars emit less pollution and that hybrid owners are less sensitive to changes in fuel prices. The average Taxi in St Louis drives 200 miles a day and has its engine running for about 8-10 hours. Using EPA estimated fuel consumption the civic hybrid would burn around 4 gallons per day while the currently used cars burn 2-3 times as much.
The reason for using the crown victoria and impala is that these cars have more room, are more comfortable and have more power. The civic hybrid have slightly less passenger space but is roomy enough for at least two passengers.
Read more in the section about gas savings.
Lower Emissions
Lower fuel consumption leads to less emissions. This means less carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses which cause global warming. The government and several major corporations are finally recognizing the scientific fact that greenhouse gasses lead to global warming.
Good Publicity
Converting to more efficient cars will show that you care about the environment. This is great publicity for your company.
Investing in the Technology of the Future
The way things are going these days it might not be long before taxi companies are required to operate more fuel efficient vehicles. By investing in the technology now you will have less of an initial hit when such regulations are enacted.
Tax Incentives
Shortly we will have a guide to the different tax incentives that the federal government gives to people buying hybrid cars.
Please see the IRS website for more information.
Great Reliability
Hybrid cars have been used as taxis in several cities. Taxi driving is some of the harshest driving - city traffic with hard accelleration and hard breaking. However, the hybrids used in Vancouver have lasted for upto 250,000 miles with no problems (Prius) while the hybrids in San Francisco currently have 100,000 miles on them with no problems (Hybrid Ford Escape). This is a great testament to the reliability of this technology. Actually, due to the way the hybrid works - there is much less wear and tear on the mechanical parts of hybrids compared to normal cars (see HybridCars.com).