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| Cool | 78% | 379 votes | Total: 487 votes | |
| Uncool | 22% | 108 votes |
Cool
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Add to FavoritesHybrid cars definitely have an associated cool factor, some of which is derived from being environmentally friendly and some of which is derived from being able to put down the extra money it costs to buy a hybrid car.
It is definitely true that hybrid cars are not made to go fast or be fun, and they are not the most comfortable nor the most luxurious. However, there are many hybrid cars available that are shockingly practical. Take, for example, the Lexus LS460h, which is a wonderful car (at least... until you actually have to write out a check for more than most households make in a year). This is an ultra-luxury sedan, and no expense is spared. You get tons of legroom, wonderful features, wonderful ride quality, low noise, and performance comparable to that of a non-hybrid sedan in the same category.
The truth is, though, that most people will not be buying a car, hybrid or otherwise, that costs over $100,000. The more common hybrids are the Prius (of course) and the Honda Civic hybrid. These are both cars that mix hybrid fuel efficiency with a relatively low acquisition cost. So before we begin to talk about these cars, let's get a few things straight. If you wanted a big car to carry around 4 kids and the family dog, you'd buy an SUV that you'd spend $100 a week to fill up. The Prius isn't a big car by any definition, and the Civic Hybrid is the same size as a regular Civic (which is still rather small).
The cool factor, then, doesn't come from grace. With 0 to 60 times over 10 seconds common among hybrids, you're also not going anywhere fast, so don't plan on beating a Ferrari from the stoplight. But at the same time, you do get a car that consistently manages over 40 miles to the gallon and has various luxury options like keyless ignition and satellite navigation. The cool factor here comes from being willing to spend an extra $5000 for a car that's going to save the environment. A comparable car would probably get about two-thirds of the fuel efficiency, which means your $45 a week for gas in your Corolla is now $30 a week for your Prius. With that savings, it's going to take you almost six and a half years to save back your extra initial investment, which means you're really not saving much by buying such a fuel efficient car. What you do save, though, is the environment, and that is definitely cool. Also cool is looking at the dashboard screen and seeing where your car's power is coming from. Also cool is checking out how the regenerative braking recaptures energy from the car and transfers it into battery power.
Hybrids, then, are not fast, graceful, or particularly fun. But cool, hip, and in style? Definitely.
Learn more about this author, Sanjit Datta.
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Uncool
Most hybrid cars today are fundamentally UNCOOL and it's a serious shame. When I think of the "hybrid image" or the image that automakers are creating, I think of a fundamental lack of understanding the green movement. Each hybrid I see on the road is obnoxious, trying too hard to stand out. This isn't the green message. Automakers are clearly missing the boat.
True environmentally-frie ndly consumers don't wish to be frivolous by driving a giant bubble. On the contrary, these are regular folks who make quiet decisions everyday to be better global citizens. They don't expect showmanship and may balk at the notion. So why make hybrids so darn weird? Who are you really attracting?
The hybrid consumer is making the decision to buy alternative powered vehicles for three reasons:
1. Fuel economy
The greatest driver (pardon the pun) for the choice to go hybrid is often fuel economy. Who wouldn't wish to lower their gas bill each month, especially those poor commuters idling at traffic lights every morning.
2. Carbon Footprints
We have all watched the documentaries and know the drill. We are unleashing considerable amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Visit travelmatters.org to find out how many trees it would take to offset your regular gas emissions in a month. Hybrids seek to reduce the amount of fuel needed to run a vehicle. Hybrid buyers are wary of what the future holds and are making a decision to buy hybrid in an effort to ease their conscience.
3. Because it's "In"
Hybrid is the buzz word of the day. For those mid-lifers who want something new and exciting, why not join the hybrid craze. For techies who like gadgets, why not try on new technology for size. The hybrid is just what the world needs...more computers. Being "in" for some people, may even be their first reason for buying hybrid. I mean, who cares about recycling so long as I look the part, right?
But what about being environmentally friendly without the token car?
Hybrid vehicle owners aren't inherently green. These people may go home and crank up the electric heat in their homes or buy plenty of foods layered in non-biodegradable packaging. Buying the car doesn't make you exempt. There are no free passes.
What's cool is finding little ways, everyday, to live greener. We can certainly shrink our carbon footprint even with our regular old gas vehicles. Driving slower and obeying the speed limit will increase fuel economy. We could also stand to empty out those trunks! Extra weight in a vehicle can wreak havoc with fuel efficiency. Or even better yet, why don't we walk!
At the moment, the hybrid vehicle is negatively impacting the image of the owner. The perception is that you've bought into the hype and that you've got enough money to believe you can be "cool" with that hybrid tag on your back panel. But let us call a spade a spade. The big bubble with doors doesn't make you cool and certainly isn't a free ride.
Automakers need to meet the public halfway. Being green isn't about being out there. Being green is about better decision-making. Create vehicles that don't polarize consumers and maybe you'll sell more cars.
Learn more about this author, V.L. Holme.
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