Mike Agerbo: We will be talking a lot about technology on our show about computers and home entertainment. Well, technology is also in cars, especially Hybrid cars. We will able to understand how that works and how much money we can probably save by driving these type of vehicles. We've got Brian Calder from Pacific Honda., Thanks for coming on the show.
Brian Calder: Thanks for having me Mike.
Mike Agerbo: So we've got a Honda. You guys are pioneering in the Hybrid field may be you can give us the low down on hybrid technology. What makes it so much better?
Brian Calder: Here the Greenhouse gas is what everybody is concerned about now and also the fact that there is a zero ignition point and the vehicle is either choosing at a relatively low speed 60 km or under, or when it's at a stop sign light, it will completely shut down so the zero emissions and plus the fuel economy, what you get to your vehicle.
Mike Agerbo: So how is that working, is there like a gigantic battery in here somewhere?
Brian Calder: Well, not gigantic but there is a battery located in the back of the car, right behind the chair and that operates the integrated motor assist which will power the car to get and go and when you take your foot off the brake, add a light and that gets the engine started. And it will assist that engine for more torque when you are accelerating and need that speed. So the battery will help the engine apply power which then again is giving less emissions to the atmosphere as well.
Mike Agerbo: And how significant is the fuel saving like right now in car and I won't mention any name, so what kind of car I have but literally I have an hour commute each day and I am spending probably $400-500 on gas a month.
Brian Calder: Well it'll save it a lot and mind you everybody is different of course where you live. Myself, I am up higher in North Venice, so I am always going up and down hill so that would help a lot as well, especially coming down the hill because it would run with this battery of course. But your 4.7L/100 km in the city or 60miles a gallon in the city and 66 on the highway or 4.3L/100km on the highway. So based on your driving habits, how far and away you are, is going to make substantial savings.
Mike Agerbo: How long does the battery actually last?
Brian Calder: Well I don't know yet because it came out in '03, but the batteries are guaranteed for 8 years.
Mike Agerbo: So it's a long time.
Brian Calder: Yes, or a 130, 000, km.
Mike Agerbo: I want to take one here for spin and see how it feels.
Brian Calder: Ok, good
Mike Agerbo: When you actually turn on the ignition, it doesn't even really feel that you have actually turned the car on but it definitely is on. So we get going here. It's actually got a nice feel as you are driving along here, and very smooth. See right on the front instrument panel here, we've obviously got the speed. On the side there is king of giving an estimation as to what the fuel economy is as you are moving along. Down here on my left, I've got some additional information that can show what the battery charges like and when the assist comes in as well.
So one thing I was concerned about as far as the Hybrid aspect is, does it have a lot of power pact and you know it's no V-6 or V-8. It is a four cylinder car it's got the continuous variable transmission. But when you do pump down on the gas, it does, it does go, so it does have some pretty good power behind it.
And being a Civic, you are used to the whole civic brand as well you've got all the creature comforts that the typical Civic Sedan would have as well and I do like the fact that I can put my iPod into this too.
So the price point, it's coming at around $27,600 may be a little bit more than a Standard Ford or Sedan, but I think you really have to look at it from couple of other points, the fuel savings, like I said to Brian earlier I am spending hundred of dollars in gas every month, I have a long commute.
So if you are a commuter, if you're family, you don't have two or three cars, this would be an ideal second or third car for getting around on. So, again commuters, people concerned about the environment, probably want to check out Hybrid Technology. I know I am going to my next vehicle.
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