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You want to do something for the environment.
You want to save money.
When it comes to choosing and operating your vehicle, you can do both.
Selecting your vehicle
Should you purchase an alternative vehicle as a fuel economy measure? For normal driving conditions, such as summer city driving, these vehicles can provide exceptional fuel economy. However, you should consider carefully whether they are good choices for year-round driving in the NWT.
SMART CAR™
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The GNWT is evaluating the Mercedes Benz Smart Car™ for fuel economy and safety in fleet use. As part of that evaluation, the Departments of Transportation (DoT) and Public Works and Services (PWS) assessed how well the vehicle performed in winter driving conditions in Yellowknife.
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Most of the evaluators, including those over six feet, reported they had no problem getting in and out of the vehicle. They reported they enjoyed using the vehicle, and they would not hesitate to continue driving it - but only in spring and summer. Once temperatures reached minus 15 degrees Celsius or colder, or in any kind of snow, the car had serious limitations and had to be parked for safety reasons.
For example, winter starting was a regular problem, even when plugged in. It could take up to two hours to thaw the windshield and side windows, and when driven, the windows would quickly fog over. And the vehicle was difficult to drive even in light snow. For that reason, the evaluators did not consider the Smart car suitable for year-round fleet use in Yellowknife.
HYBRIDS
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DoT is evaluating a Chevrolet™ half-ton hybrid vehicle for fleet use. In general, the vehicle is able to perform similarly to normal gasoline vehicles in both winter and summer. Evaluators report they are happy with driving performance, including in winter. The vehicle has reduced emissions, good acceleration and reduced idling by approximately 80%. |
Starting in cold temperatures is not an issue. Fuel economy is improved in urban stop-and-go conditions at 14.3 L / 100 km. Highway fuel consumption is 11.3L / 100 km. However, the evidence to this point indicates that for highway use, the fuel savings from using the hybrid may not be sufficient to offset the extra cost of the vehicle.
Michael La Fave reviewed the fuel savings anticipated when driving a hybrid. While noting that comparisons are not always easy to make between hybrids and conventional vehicles, overall there are insufficient fuel savings to cover the additional cost of the vehicle. Nevertheless, the fuel savings are real, and an environmental benefit. You can find his article here.
ENERGUIDE FUEL CONSUMPTION GUIDE
To order a copy of the Natural Resources Canada EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide, please visit this website.
CANADIAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION DRIVING COSTS ASSESSMENT
CAA did an assessment of the cost of operating a hybrid vehicle for personal use. The Association compared the average annual ownership costs of operating a Cobalt LT, a Grand Caravan, and a Prius Premium. When Insurance, Depreciation, and Finance expenses (assuming a car loan) were considered, the Prius had a daily cost in the mid-range of the three vehicles. When Fuel, Maintenance, and Tires were considered, the Prius had a per kilometre cost half that of a Grand Caravan and two thirds the cost of the Cobalt LT. The analysis was based on 18,000 kilometres of driving annually, so the savings could not be expected to be as great with low kilometres such as most NWT drivers experience. The report can be found at http://caa.ca/publicAffairs/public-affairs-rbss-brochures-e.cfm.
Check out the other CAA publications for improving car performance, fuel economy, and safety including:
What You Can Do to Conserve Fuel and Improve Emissions (2009)
Busting Myths About Fuel Efficiency and Driving (2009)
Make Cars Green (2008)
Winter Driving Brochure (2008)
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