This came up in conversation with my co-worker today - if you were going to buy a car primarily for gas mileage, which way would you go?
A) Gas/electric hybrid
B) Diesel
C) Small lightweight car with tiny gas engine
I chose diesel, because to me it represents the least amount of compromise. You can still have a bigger car or a wagon or something while retaining respectable gas mileage. There's no main battery to replace after 3 years, and you can fill up on diesel at the same pumps everyone else does.
My friend has a Scion XB (1st gen) and while it does crank out mid-30s MPG, it's really annoying to drive. Hybrids are nicer, like the new Prius, but they're also more expensive.
There are some sub-classes like Honda's hydrogen electric hybrid, but that's still not viable yet due to lack of hydrogen filling stations.
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