Team 8 Tahoe Hybrid vs. Tahoe Gasoline Team Members: Ramiro Alvarez Frank Gundran Minh Tran Matthew Zu

Type of Project We will be undertaking the comparison of a Hybrid vs. Gas powered Tahoe and see if it is truly a smart buy. We will compare: Initial Cost Gas Comparison Maintenance Incentives Insurance

Initial Cost, Gas Consumption, Maintenance Initial Cost Comparison –Hybrid - $51, –Regular - $50, With same options Gas Consumption Comparison –Hybrid - 21/22 mpg (city/highway) –Regular – 12/19 mpg (city/highway) Maintenance –Both require oil changes except the hybrid requires a battery maintenance

Incentives Federal incentives –In January 2006 President Bush enacted an energy bill to give rebates for the purchasing of hybrids. –It provided between $250 - $3,400 of credit, depending on the mileage of the vehicle. –Once a carmaker sells 60,000 hybrids, the credits decrease to 50% for the first 6 months, and 25% for the second 6 months. Toyota and Honda have both passed this quota.

Incentives California state incentives: –Hybrids with 45 MPG or better mileage ratings and Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) ratings were allowed access in carpool lanes regardless of occupants. 85,000 decals for carpool access were given out, but all have been accounted for. –Select cities like Los Angeles and San Jose offer free parking at meters, while other cities reward cash incentives.,

Insurance The cost of a regular Chevy Tahoe on a period of 6 Months would cost $ The coverage is basic liability coverage: –15/30 for Bodily Injury –10 for Property Damage No benefits or discounts with a Hybrid Tahoe was found. Therefore the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid would cost the same or more.

Resources Company Website Insurance –Quote from Access Insurance