CARazed

Often backed by Silicon Valley billionaires, venture capitalists, and private equity groups, many small independent auto makers are proving that plug-in hybrids are the best solution for today. They are not only extremely efficient, often getting 100 miles per gallon, but they can be built with the technology we have today. There’s no need to wait for fuel cell or battery technology to evolve.

Why wait for the politicians and main stream auto makers to get a clue and make some changes? There are a few simple choices we can make today that will put pressure on them all and speed up mass production of affordable plug-in hybrids.

1. Light a Fire Under Their Butts

Give main stream auto makers a financial incentive to do the right thing. Make the committment to yourself that the next new car you buy will be a plug-in hybrid that gets 100 MPG. Don’t settle for less and let auto makers know you’re happy to hold onto your money until they deliver the car you want.

You may not have to wait long. As news of independent auto makers ramping up to go into production with viable cars, main stream auto makers like GM and Toyota have begun announcing their own plans to have plug-in hybrids on the lots by 2010.

In other words, if the public changes to demand more efficient cars, auto makers will make the right business decision and deliver better cars. Now that these small independent companies are doing just they no major auto maker can say it can’t be done.

2. Drive a Good Used Green Car for Now

In the mean time buy a good used green car. There are a lot of choices like the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. These two models tend to rank on top and get the best fuel economy. They should be very reliable cars until auto makers deliver plug-in hybrids. A good list of hybrids is available at Yahoo’s Green Center.

Good used cars are less expensive to buy and when purchased from a dealership easy to finance. You might also check out auto financing deals like capital one’s blank check auto loan. No affiliate link here… I’ve actually used this… when you apply you tell them the kind of car you want (roughly) and they approve you for a certain dollar amount and literally send you a blank check. Then all you do is find the car you want from a private party of dealership, negotiate a price, and pay with the check. The interest rate is higher when buying from a private party but you can often get a better deal and less B.S. when working with a real person, which may offset the long term cost of a higher rate.

3. Convert Your Hybrid Now if You Can

There are several good conversion kits for existing hybrids like the Prius. Google’s own project RechargeIt has documented many of the best conversion kits. They are not inexpensive but they do pay the driver back in savings at the pump. If you drive a lot you might find you are the perfect customer for such a conversion.

These conversions can be done by do-it-your selfers but only if you have extensive automotive experience. For the vast majority of people paying a professional to do the conversion make a lot more sense.
4. Vote for The Best People

Look at the voting records and at who each politician is backed by. Look at all candidates across party lines. Find the best person for the job. If someone has taken campaign money from any energy company there may be some concern that they might be biased toward furthering the current reign of big oil companies.

Plug-In Hybrids still burn foossil fuels but far less so any increase in efficiency decreases their ability to make money and keeps that money in your pocket.

5. Write, Talk, Blog, Sing About It.

The more people that get vocal about this the better. Write to the editor of your local paper. Blog about plug-in hybrids. Encourage your friends to hold off on car purchases since it looks good that 100 MPG cars are just a few years away.

6. Reserve a Plug-In Hybrid Today!

Many of the small independent auto makers are accepting deposits on their plug-in hybrids today. If your budget is in the $30K range and you like the idea of driving something that looks like a space ship check out the Aptera. Get in line now and in 2009 you gould be getting 300 MPG! If you’ve got more to spend the Fisker Karma can be had for about $80,000. It will get 100 MPG and should be on the roads late 2008!

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