Hybrid car stirs conversation and saves money at the pump

By WILL STEWART / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

With his 2003 Honda Insight, a gas-electric hybrid vehicle, David Vaughan gets nearly 60 miles per gallon on the highway. The car has also been quite a conversation piece, attracting many stares around town. (Will Stewart photo)

Wherever David Vaughan goes in his 2003 Honda Insight, people can’t help but be overcome with curiosity. Vaughan says the sleek gasoline-electric hybrid car has become quite the conversation piece.

“I went to McDonald’s the other day to get a milkshake. When I came back outside there were eight people looking at it, saying ‘What is this, mister? What’s a hybrid?’ I must admit, it’s a very interesting car. I’ve never seen another one like it. There must by some out there, obviously, but I’ve never seen one.”

Vaughan, a native of England and the new owner of The Collection Mall and Cafe, purchased the aerodynamic, super-fuel-efficient car several months ago in New York City, his former home.

He was prompted to purchase the car out of necessity for a second car – one which would cost less to park in the city than his large Chevy Trailblazer. He said concern for the environment was a factor, as was a $2,000 Clean-Fuel Vehicle federal tax deduction.

“I’m not a tree hugger, but I am very aware of the environment – anything you can do. And with a car like this there’s no effort and it’s useful,” he said.

The Insight is a very environmentally friendly automobile. In the time he’s had it, Vaughan said it has averaged between 55 and 58 miles per gallon on the highway and about 48 mpg in the city. On a recent trip from New York, he said he only used 17 gallons of gas, spending a grand total of $26 on fuel.

As a hybrid vehicle, the Insight combines a gas-powered engine with an electric motor which “assists” the engine by supplying extra power when needed. The vehicle’s batteries are recharged through a process called regenerative braking, which captures forward-momentum energy during braking. This combination of gasoline and electric power results in increased gas mileage and lower emissions.

Vaughan said the car is much like any other in that it uses regular gas and comes equipped with all of the standard features, like air conditioning and dual side airbags. It does, however, take a little getting used to.

Most curious, he said, is the Insight’s idle-stop feature. When at a complete stop, the vehicle’s engine will completely shut off, albeit temporarily, to save fuel and minimize emissions. Once the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts automatically.

“It’s a little different,” he said, “but after five or 10 minutes, you get used to it.”