CivicActions

Fen just found this article which claims that the overall lifetime cost — including manufacturing costs — of many hybrids is greater than the good ol' Hummer (and other SUV-types). After reviewing their report, I can't find any factoring in of the real cost of waging a war for oil. I think that might raise the cost of gas guzzlers more than a hybrid. Last I checked, we weren't involved in any overseas conflict over batteries, but I could be wrong. Also, being such pro-capitalist folks, I'm surprised they didn't take into account the concept of how R&D costs are passed on to consumers during the early stages of a technological innovation. Remember when Apple IIs cost $3,000? Eventually, if market forces are allowed to prevail, these costs will be reduced and efficiency will be improved. But I wonder if the powerful lobbies of the oil industry and (old-school) auto industry will allow market forces to prevail. Hmmm.