Go Green Today

Earlier today Toyota launched test trials of their PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) Prius in the UK. While still powered by a combination of both the electric motor and gasoline motor, these hybrids can be recharged while sitting at home plugged into a regular power outlet or charging stations around town.

PHV Toyota Prius

While the test vehicle was only able to drive 6 miles before switching over to the petrol motor, Toyota says this can be upgraded with extra batteries which will be a custom option to the consumer.

An emissions decrease of 40% has been shown in the opening trials which are being conducted by EDF Energy. Trials of the new hybrid are being conducted by EDF Energy which has helped install 40 charging stations in Britain with more planned for the near future.

In light of the new PHV, current Prius hybrids have seen drops in price. Click here for more information.

September 12th, 2008 | Tags: hybrid vehicle, phv, prius, toyota | Category: Latest news | Leave a comment

Mercedes S400 Hybrid

More than ten years after Toyota released its ever popular hybrid Prius, Mercedes is shuffling onto the scene with their luxury S400, which set to be released in June 2009. Calling in a starting price of $88,000, this much anticipated hybrid will sport a 3.5 liter V6 accompanied by a lithium ion battery, much like those that come in consumer electronics. Mercedes will be the first automaker to implement these new batteries and we’re assured they won’t have the same issues as their smaller counterparts. For those interested in the faster V12 model, be prepared for starting prices of $145,000.

While it can’t be defined as a full hybrid, the S400 squeezes out an impressive 29.8 miles per gallon. The S-Class cannot run solely on the electric motor, it simply assists the 279 horsepower gasoline motor. Like most other hybrids, quick recharges of the lithium ion battery are accomplished while braking.

For additional pricing and information on similar hybrid vehicles, click here.

September 12th, 2008 | Tags: go green, hybrid, mercedes | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

General Motors has inadvertently released pictures of its highly anticipated electric car. Weick Media, a company that handles GM’s images, left the images online for a total of 12 minutes. This was enough time for several automotive websites to nab the images off the server.

The design of the Volt is much different than the original concept which can be seen below. All the other touted features are still intact. From the hyped 150 miles per gallon to recharging the battery from a home outlet. The battery will travel for 40 miles on a full recharge and will be assisted and recharged by a small gasoline engine.

The Volt is has current release date of 2010 but unless you’re on a waiting list, you’ll probably have to wait a little bit longer. Its expected to put you back $30,000 to $40,000. But with the amount you’ll save on gas these days, this is a steal.

September 10th, 2008 | Tags: chevy volt | Category: Latest news | Comments (1)

Hybrids purchased after December 31st, 2005 may be eligible for a hybrid tax credit of up to $3,400. Credit amounts begin to decrease and phase out once the eligible vehicles reach 60,000 sold. See below for a few example credits and links to extra savings on our main site.

$3000 Credit for Ford Escape Hybrid

$3150 Credit for Toyota Prius Hybrid

$2350 Credit for Nissan Altima Hybrid

$3000 Credit for Mercury Mariner

Hurry and pick up your savings while the credits are still available!!

September 8th, 2008 | Tags: hybrid tax, mercury mariner, nissan altima, toyota prius | Category: hybrid tax | Comments (1)

Honda is set to release a new version of their previously popular Insight hybrid. This two seat hybrid released in 1999 put out 63 miles per gallon. While this was the highest mpg on the market, most opted for the roomier Honda Civic and Toyota Prius. Production of the Insight was stopped in 2006.

The new Insight has been converted into a five seat hatchback and is said to be priced far below other hybrids currently available. The new Insight will be a serial hybrid much like the Prius (electric motor and battery that assists a gasoline engine). Honda is expected to sell 100,000 Insights per year.

For the latest pricing on new and used vehicles, check out StartHybrid.com

September 8th, 2008 | Tags: go green, honda insight, toyota prius | Category: Latest news | Leave a comment

Consumer Reports has just released another analysis stating hybrids can save you more in the long term over their gas-only counterparts (and this is not including federal tax breaks).

Assuming that gas stays at approximately $4 per gallon, you can save more than $4000 on most hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, Chevy Malibu and Ford Escape over a span of 5 years. And this is not including the federal tax breaks at the end of each year! To recoup the initial upfront premium will only take one year. Yes, one year!

So in other words, pay a little more upfront to receive big savings in the end. Recoup your “losses” in one year and save up $4000 in 5 years. Get even more cash savings by heading over to our StartHybrid.com for discounts and clearances on the latest hybrids available. Click here to check out our latest deals!

September 3rd, 2008 | Tags: go green, hybrid, tax break | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

With the ever rising price of gas, its getting more difficult to get in on the latest craze, hybrid cars. Here are a few tips to get you in with the rest of the popular kids.

1. Look online. This is pretty obvious but this will allow you to look outside your local market. If you are looking for a particular make, model, color, options, etc., this may be your best option.
2. Be flexible. If shopping online isnt for you, being a little more open might help you acquire a new hybrid car. Dont be picky when it comes to what color or options you are looking into.
3. Research. Do a little research on up and coming hybrids. Then go down to your local dealership and get put on a waiting list. A little research goes a long way and will help you snag that dream hybrid before the masses do.
4. Shop at StartHybrid.com. For great prices and amazing bargains, check here daily for our hand picked hybrids.

September 2nd, 2008 | Tags: buying online, go green | Category: General Information | Leave a comment

Hybrid Car Approx. Miles Per Gallon
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Honda Accord 31 MPG
Honda Civic 50 MPG
Lexus GS 26 MPG
Nissan Altima 39 MPG
Saturn Aura 30 MPG
Toyota Camry 39 MPG
Toyota Prius 55 MPG

September 1st, 2008 | Tags: go green, hybrid cars, miles per gallon | Category: General Information | Leave a comment