Is America Ready to Go Green?

During the past few months, we've had an opportunity to be seated behind the wheel of a number of hybrids. Some we've loved, while others make you wonder if there is really a case for making hybrids. There's a myth that we should be able to achieve at least 500 miles from one tank of gas, when driving a hybrid. Unfortunately, this just isn't the case with most hybrids. We've actually gotten over 500 miles or more from one tank of gas in some non-hybrid 4-cylinder and diesel models.

As we've all been told, hybrids are supposed to be both gas and environmentally friendly. Hybrids are also designed to achieve maximum city mileage in congested driving situations which requires a lot of heavy stop-and-go traffic. If you live in a rural area or in a non-congested area, a hybrid isn't the car for you. Moreover, while some automakers are pushing hybrids, there are a number of critics who believe diesels and 4-cylinder vehicles, which produce similar mileage and at a lot lower cost, are a better bargain.

In fact, GM ended production of the Malibu hybrid, but now offers a less costly and very fuel efficient 4-cylinder vehicle. And the old Chrysler (pre-bankruptcy) halted using hybrid technology, after just a few months on the market, in the the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. Was it due to the bankruptcy or did it not make sense? We'll never know the real answer. However, what we do know is that as long as gas prices hoover under $3.00, American car buyers won't embrace hybrid technology.

In the meantime, while most automakers are encouraging you to consider more fuel efficient vehicles, here's what you can do in the vehicle you own to maximize your mileage:

• Avoid quick accelerations and heavy acceleration. Driving a hybrid will force you to do this so that you can achieve maximum fuel economy.
  
• Short trips burn more gas. Try to map out your trips, before getting behind the wheel.
  
• Driving above 60 mph reduces your fuel economy. Try to drive the posted speed limit unless you're driving on a road which requires you to drive faster.
  
• Eliminate excess cargo in the rear or trunk. Carrying an extra 100 lbs can reduce your fuel economy.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and your tires are properly inflated.
• While your vehicle may be equipped with a cargo rack, cargo on your vehicle will reduce your mileage.

Let's hope that automakers get the pricing strategy right so that we can all embrace the theory of going green without breaking the bank.