Compare and Contrast
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Russell St.John
Ashford University
English Composition I
121
Dr. Pamela Klem
November 25, 2011
Hybrid/Electric Cars vs. Gas Powered Cars There are many makes and models of vehicles on the market that claim to be both environmental friendly and cost effective. The American automotive industry along with their foreign counterparts has provided the consumers with affordable vehicles. It is estimated that alternative vehicles will make up less than 10 percent of the market by 2016 (J.D. Power and Associates "2011 U.S. Green Automotive Study,") despite the large number of models expected to become available in the coming years. This paper will compare and show the differences why consumers are not purchasing alternative fuel vehicles at a higher volume. One of the key factors when purchasing any kind of vehicle is the cost. Many consumers when considering buying a Hybrid will compare the cost benefits to gas powered vehicles. The base price of a Honda Hybrid Civic will cost a prospective buyer $23,950, when you compared the cost of a gas powered Honda Civic at $15,805. The average buyers may not be willing to pay a premium price without seeing benefit to them personally in the form of significant saving. A 2007 study states, “That it would take a person 12 years to see the cost saving if they were to purchase a Hybrid vehicle”. (Editorial.auto.msn) Another factor to consider is the overall cost of fuel. The combination of higher gas prices and, the greater number of Hybrids vehicles that are now available on the market. Has made new car buyers seriously thinking about, a Hybrid as their next vehicle. As automakers continue to produce Hybrid vehicles, the overall sale of them has decrease by six percent. On the other hand, the sale of gas-powered vehicles has risen by 11percentage points (Hybridcars.com). When compared the average cost per mile for the Honda Civic Hybrid is $0.52 while the
Russell St.John
Ashford University
English Composition I
121
Dr. Pamela Klem
November 25, 2011
Hybrid/Electric Cars vs. Gas Powered Cars There are many makes and models of vehicles on the market that claim to be both environmental friendly and cost effective. The American automotive industry along with their foreign counterparts has provided the consumers with affordable vehicles. It is estimated that alternative vehicles will make up less than 10 percent of the market by 2016 (J.D. Power and Associates "2011 U.S. Green Automotive Study,") despite the large number of models expected to become available in the coming years. This paper will compare and show the differences why consumers are not purchasing alternative fuel vehicles at a higher volume. One of the key factors when purchasing any kind of vehicle is the cost. Many consumers when considering buying a Hybrid will compare the cost benefits to gas powered vehicles. The base price of a Honda Hybrid Civic will cost a prospective buyer $23,950, when you compared the cost of a gas powered Honda Civic at $15,805. The average buyers may not be willing to pay a premium price without seeing benefit to them personally in the form of significant saving. A 2007 study states, “That it would take a person 12 years to see the cost saving if they were to purchase a Hybrid vehicle”. (Editorial.auto.msn) Another factor to consider is the overall cost of fuel. The combination of higher gas prices and, the greater number of Hybrids vehicles that are now available on the market. Has made new car buyers seriously thinking about, a Hybrid as their next vehicle. As automakers continue to produce Hybrid vehicles, the overall sale of them has decrease by six percent. On the other hand, the sale of gas-powered vehicles has risen by 11percentage points (Hybridcars.com). When compared the average cost per mile for the Honda Civic Hybrid is $0.52 while the