Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
I just ran the numbers on a new base model Ford Fusion vs the base model Ford Fusion hybrid and found the break even point is around 11 years of ownership at current fuel prices. I also ran the numbers on a base model Honda Accord w/CVT vs a base Honda Accord Hybrid and found the break even point is 12 years. This assumes 12,000 miles per year.
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Are you using EPA numbers?
Since this is a hypermiler forum, I think that's a mistake. Most of us can beat the EPA by 30-50% with a regular petrol car, looking at the garage hybrids beat the EPA by 10-15%.
Just today I did my commute (15km of city driving, 20 sets of lights) at a recorded 5.7l/100km (41.3MPG), in my petrol van (roof racks, ladder on the roof, tow bar and full of tools). I followed this up with a 5.4 later in the day that's 80% over NEDC (9.7).
I'll compare to the 'big' Prius the V with an official 4.2 minus 15% for hypermiling that's 3.6 (65MPG).
Lets go with a peak fuel price from the last few years of $1.50/litre, and my 15,000km a year.
My van would cost $19,200 to fuel for 15 years
A Prius V would cost $12,200, so $7K saved over 15 years
How much does hybrid add to the cost of a vehicle? In the case of the Camry it's $5K over the equivalent petrol. If you're financing, that extra $5K becomes more than $7k, and if you're a cash buyer that $5 will become a lot more than $7k sitting in the bank. So even at 15 years, and assuming the hybrid battery lasts that long, it's still really hard to make the numbers work. That's before getting into the extra insurance of a more expensive car.
In short, hybrids make sense if you can only manage to match the EPA figures, and only long term. If you can get 50%+ over EPA out of your petrol manual it seems a hybrid is going to be a tough sell.
PS I tried to use your spreadsheet, but while I can view it online, I've been unable to download it. Looks good though
PPS I realise my comparison is a bit convoluted, the V is the closest hybrid I could get to my daily. It happens to cost double though
