"Do gas-electric hybrids leave less green in your wallet?"

In Driving Economics, an article by Peter Bohr, that is the question asked in a recent issue of Westways Magazine.

Bohr points out the there is an extra price to pay for driving hybrid vehicles, but he also points out that, the extra price, isn't that "steep".

Vehicles like Honda's Accord hybrid, or Civic hybrid, and the Ford Escape hybrid cost about $2000.00 - $3000.00 more than their conventional counterparts.

On the other hand, price comparing the Toyota Prius hybrid car isn't possible, as a conventional Prius does not exist.

Then there are the IRS tax credit and the fuel-cost savings on the plus side for hybrid buyers. On the negative side, Bohr notes that, "depreciation is a bit higher for the Civic Hybrid during the first five years of ownership" for example.

Nonetheless, Bohr concludes his article, "given all the new hybrid vehicles, automakers are betting consumers will pay the price to help the skies become cleaner and the earth greener.

More hybrid cars.