So, where I live, gas prices are up over $4/gallon. Actually, gas is more like $4.30 a gallon. It's tantamount to robbery. So, what are people doing? Purchasing hybrids or even electric cars. But are they really worth it?
From what I understand, electric cars are inconvenient for travelling. They need to be plugged in to charge, like enormous automotive lamps, at night. This cannot be done if you want to drive far from home and spend a night away. I doubt that the proprietor of any hotel would like it if you ran a power extension cord out your window and down to the parking lot, although it would be rather amusing.
How about hybrids? I have been told, recently, that purchasing a hybrid car is presently economically unsound. With gas prices climbing so high, with no sign of stopping, you will not make back the extra thousands of dollars that you spend to buy a hybrid vehicle. So, these cars don't actually pay for themselves anymore.
Fuel-efficient cars seem to be getting more and more affordable. I bought a 2007 Chrysler Sebring this February for $14,000, and it gets 34 mpg highway. A 2008 Prius starts at $21,500 and gets 48 mpg highway. Is the Prius worth it? Maybe. If gas prices keep climbing, then you might never make back the extra 7.5K that you forked out for the Prius.
I'm sure that some people (who are more environmentally-friendly than I am) are buying electric and/or hybrid cars because of the reduced emissions pollution that they produce. I commend those of you who do so! So, if you want to save the environment, perhaps it would be worth your while to invest in a hybrid or electric car, but if you want to save money, then try a fuel-efficient vehicle.
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