Toyota Prius - Hybrid Technology and Better Gas Mileage
When you think of "better gas mileage", you often will think of the Toyota Prius, a sleekly designed, albeit expensive, car that combines gasoline and electric propulsion. The Prius was the first of the hybrids, offering, in the beginning, an EPA gas mileage estimate at 42 MPG for city driving and 41 MPG highway. Today, the new Prius 10 offers the EPA gas mileage ratings of 51 MPG city and 48 MPG highway. Combine city and highway driving? You should expect roughly 50 MPG according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
"How Does the Prius Have Such High MPG?"
The Prius offers better gas mileage for the following reasons:
Small sizeLow Aerodynamic DragCombines Gas and ElectricityHybrids, like the Toyota Prius, offer superior gas mileage and will, no doubt, save you quite a bit of money at the pump.
"How Much Does the Toyota Prius Cost?"
A new Prius will run you between $22,000 and around $30,000.Cost like that doesn't make saving money on gas very probable, since all that "saved" money will pay for the car...and then some! However, if you're are concerned for the environment and our dependency on foreign oil, then this car is a much better investment for you - provided you can afford it. Otherwise, changing your driving habits, maintaining your vehicle, and perhaps modifying it with the latest HHO technology, are more cost-effective ways of saving gas and helping the environment.
"Does the Toyota Prius Help the Environment?"
Without a doubt!The new Prius 10 has one of the best emissions ratings given by the EPA. Emissions ratings factor in how much hydrocarbonsand nitrogen oxides a vehicle releases into the air. These are what contribute to pollution and smog. According to the EPA, this car contributes little to no hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. This definitely makes the Prius environmentally friendly.
"What About Our Dependence on Foreign Oil?"
As stated above, the Prius combines gasoline and electricity. The new Prius 10 also offers solar and wind energy as well for various features.Using less gasoline reduces our dependence on foreign oil dramatically. If every American purchased (and, of course, afford!) a hybrid like the Prius, the use of gasoline in this country would drop significantly.
"Should I Buy a Prius to Save Gas?"
If you:- Want to use less gasoline,
- Want to help protect the environment from smog and pollution,
- Want to reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and
- Can afford the additional cost of a hybrid...
...then purchasing a hybrid, like this one, would be a great idea for you.Oh, and did I mention the hybrid tax credit? :) However, if you are interested in getting better gas mileage to save money and cannot afford the additional expense of the Prius, even with the tax breaks, then you should learn how to improve gas mileage in your current car by following our driving tips and car maintenance advice. If you fit the criteria above but cannot afford a hybrid car, don't fret. Following the tips laid out on this web site will get you better gas mileage, therefore helping the environment and reducing dependency on foreign oil. You are making a difference, even when you don't have a hybrid. And don't let the celebrities and politicians tell you different! Note that the this vehicle has been the subject of a safety recall:
Toyota Prius Safety Recall.
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