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PHOENIX – Gas/electric cars, commonly known as hybrids, have surged in popularity on the heels of dramatic increases in gas prices and star power from celebrities embracing the "green" lifestyle. Hybrids first appeared in the American marketplace in late 1999, when Honda introduced an aerodynamic two-seater called the Insight. Later this year, Toyota will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Prius, the world's first mass-produced gas/electric car. Hybrid drivers enjoy higher fuel economy along with very low pollution emissions, thanks to a powerful, self-charging electric motor that runs in conjunction with the gas engine. Depending on the type of system, some hybrids can even drive at low speeds on the electric motor alone.
Three Flood Control District employees were among the approximately 650,000 U.S. hybrid buyers from 1999 through 2006. Mike Gease, a District floodplain representative, purchased his 2001 Honda Insight back when gas prices had "skyrocketed" to more than $1.50 per gallon. "I needed a high-miles-per-gallon car to offset the costs of a 100-mile roundtrip commute," said Gease. He bought his car off a Honda dealer's showroom floor at a discount, something that would be difficult to accomplish today due to the high demand for hybrids. "I was attracted to the hybrid design not only for the high mileage (50-60 mpg), but also because I believe that one can cause change by making better personal decisions," explained Gease. "Hybrids represent a solution to the problems of pollution and oil dependency. It is a proven technology and I'm glad to see others are making the switch to hybrid cars," he said. Gease has developed an interest in all electric vehicles, especially those designed for commuting and short trips that are sold in other countries. "I'll be buying one someday!" he said.
Properly engineered hybrid cars with small-displacement, low-emission gas engines help air quality by releasing less fine particulate matter (a by-product of burning gasoline) into the air. In Maricopa County, especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area, fine particulates are a serious concern. According to a recent report by The Arizona Republic, the maximum levels of fine particulates recorded in the Phoenix area have dramatically increased over the past two years to well above the federal health limit. Bring Back Blue, a clean air initiative by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department, provides education on the different ways that County residents can prevent air pollution and reduce the level of fine particulates in the air. The County also supports its employees in their efforts to carpool, use public transportation, telecommute and work four-day weeks in order to reduce air pollution.
District civil engineer Kenneth de Roulhac had an eye on hybrid technology for several years before selling his workhorse, 261,000-mile Toyota Corolla to buy a new Prius. He had considered buying another Corolla, then decided the fuel cost savings of the technologically advanced and more comfortable Prius would offset its higher sticker price. "The car is a practical solution to reducing the amount of fuel used," said de Roulhac. He noted that in many cases, the city bus system requires too much time for a typical commute. In addition, a hybrid offers more flexibility for running errands while still offering the environmental benefits of lower fossil fuel consumption and reduced air pollution. De Roulhac also sees promising hybrid car developments in the future. "One technology that Toyota has been working on for their next generation is the fuel cell," he said. A fuel cell generates electricity like a normal battery. Unlike a typical battery, though, a fuel cell recharges itself through the use of chemicals like hydrogen and oxygen.
In late 2006, another District employee took the hybrid plunge. Hydrologist Cedric Balozian was also impressed by hybrid technology. "I learned in school that only 30 percent of the energy produced by a gasoline engine is used for movement, while the rest is wasted in heat and friction," he said. "When I later read about how an electric motor could give a power and torque boost to a gasoline engine, I thought, what could be any simpler?" Balozian bought a new Honda Civic Hybrid, yet had some buyer's remorse, thinking he should not have let an engineering concept sway him from his preference for sports cars. Once he reaped the benefits of a hybrid car tax credit and the ability to use the HOV lane during his daily commute, any remorse faded away. Balozian has recorded incredible fuel economy with his hybrid, including a 122-mile Phoenix-to-Tucson excursion that required only 2.2 gallons of gas, even with the air conditioner on. Plus, Balozian has noted a social benefit to owning a hybrid. Many environmentally conscious women have approached him to talk about his unique vehicle.
Who said being green can't be good for the environment and fun at the same time?
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