Choosing A Car: Conventional Or Hybrid? One Person Buys A Ca
Choosing a Car: Conventional or Hybrid? One person buys a compact sedan that costs
Calculate the annual fuel consumption, costs, and CO2 emissions for two different vehicles – a conventional compact sedan and a hybrid version of the same model. Assess the economic and environmental implications over a 10-year ownership period, estimate the break-even point for the hybrid’s higher initial cost, compare total costs and emissions, and suggest strategies for reducing carbon emissions for both types of vehicles.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The increasing awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability has driven consumers and policymakers alike to scrutinize the environmental impact of personal transportation. Vehicles powered by internal combustion engines emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Hybrid vehicles, which combine internal combustion engines with electric propulsion, offer a promising alternative by improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. This paper evaluates the economic and environmental performance of a conventional compact sedan versus a hybrid version over a decade of ownership. By analyzing fuel consumption, costs, and emissions, this study aims to inform consumers about trade-offs and strategies for minimizing carbon footprints in everyday mobility. Additionally, it proposes practical measures to reduce vehicle emissions and achieve carbon neutrality for car owners.
Calculations of Fuel Use, Costs, and CO2 Emissions
The analysis begins by calculating the annual fuel consumption for both vehicles. The conventional sedan, priced at $15,000 and achieving 20 miles per gallon, and the hybrid, costing $22,000 with 50 miles per gallon, are assessed based on the driving pattern of 12,000 miles annually over 10 years.
Fuel Consumption
For the conventional sedan:
Total miles driven per year = 12,000 miles
Fuel efficiency = 20 mpg
Gallons used per year = Total miles / Miles per gallon = 12,000 / 20 = 600 gallons
For the hybrid vehicle:
Fuel efficiency = 50 mpg
Gallons used per year = 12,000 / 50 = 240 gallons
Annual Fuel Costs
Given the average gasoline cost of $3.00 per gallon:
Conventional sedan:
Annual cost = 600 gallons x $3.00 = $1,800
Hybrid:
Annual cost = 240 gallons x $3.00 = $720
Annual CO2 Emissions
Each gallon of gasoline burned produces approximately 20 pounds of CO2:
Conventional sedan:
Annual CO2 = 600 gallons x 20 lbs = 12,000 lbs
Hybrid:
Annual CO2 = 240 gallons x 20 lbs = 4,800 lbs
Data Table Compilation
Over the 10-year period, the costs and emissions accumulate:
| Year | Total Costs (purchase + gas) – Sedan | Cumulative CO2 Emissions – Sedan | Total Costs – Hybrid | Cumulative CO2 Emissions – Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,800 | 12,000 lbs | $22,720 | 4,800 lbs |
| 2 | $16,800 + $1,800 = $18,600 | 24,000 lbs | $22,720 + $720 = $23,440 | 9,600 lbs |
| 3 | $18,600 + $1,800 = $20,400 | 36,000 lbs | $23,440 + $720 = $24,160 | 14,400 lbs |
| 4 | $20,400 + $1,800 = $22,200 | 48,000 lbs | $24,160 + $720 = $24,880 | 19,200 lbs |
| 5 | $22,200 + $1,800 = $24,000 | 60,000 lbs | $24,880 + $720 = $25,600 | 24,000 lbs |
| 6 | $24,000 + $1,800 = $25,800 | 72,000 lbs | $25,600 + $720 = $26,320 | 28,800 lbs |
| 7 | $25,800 + $1,800 = $27,600 | 84,000 lbs | $26,320 + $720 = $27,040 | 33,600 lbs |
| 8 | $27,600 + $1,800 = $29,400 | 96,000 lbs | $27,040 + $720 = $27,760 | 38,400 lbs |
| 9 | $29,400 + $1,800 = $31,200 | 108,000 lbs | $27,760 + $720 = $28,480 | 43,200 lbs |
| 10 | $31,200 + $1,800 = $33,000 | 120,000 lbs | $28,480 + $720 = $29,200 | 48,000 lbs |
(Note: In actual calculation, the purchase cost remains fixed at the initial purchase price; the cumulative costs add the annual fuel expenses each year.)
Economic and Environmental Analysis
The key objective is to evaluate the payback period for the hybrid’s higher initial cost by savings in fuel costs and reductions in CO2 emissions.
Payback Period Calculation
The initial extra cost of the hybrid vehicle is:
$22,000 - $15,000 = $7,000
Annual fuel savings when using the hybrid:
$1,800 (conventional) - $720 (hybrid) = $1,080
Years required to offset the extra purchase cost:
$7,000 / $1,080 ≈ 6.48 years
Therefore, the hybrid becomes more cost-effective after approximately 7 years when considering fuel savings.
Total Costs and Emissions after 10 Years
Total expenditure for each vehicle over 10 years includes the purchase price plus total fuel costs:
- Conventional:
Total = $15,000 + (10 x $1,800) = $15,000 + $18,000 = $33,000
Total emissions:
12,000 lbs x 10 = 120,000 lbs
- Hybrid:
Total = $22,000 + (10 x $720) = $22,000 + $7,200 = $29,200
Total emissions:
4,800 lbs x 10 = 48,000 lbs
The hybrid saves $3,800 in total costs and emits 72,000 lbs less CO2 over 10 years relative to the conventional vehicle.
Discussion and Implications
The analysis demonstrates that although the hybrid vehicle has a higher initial purchase price, its lower fuel consumption results in long-term savings both economically and environmentally. The payback period of approximately 6.5–7 years indicates that, from an economic perspective, hybrid ownership is advantageous after this period. Environmentally, the hybrid considerably reduces CO2 emissions, aligning with global efforts to curb greenhouse gases. It is noteworthy that the total operating costs over ten years favor the hybrid, and the significant reduction in emissions supports climate mitigation goals.
Strategies for Emission Reduction
Owners of conventional vehicles can implement several measures to decrease CO2 emissions:
- Regular vehicle maintenance to ensure optimal engine performance
- Reducing idling time and aggressive driving behaviors
- Carpooling or using public transportation
- Incorporating energy-efficient driving techniques
- Installing aerodynamic modifications to reduce drag
For hybrid owners aiming for carbon neutrality:
- Complement hybrid operation with renewable energy sources for charging (if applicable)
- Invest in additional energy-efficient accessories
- Offset remaining emissions through carbon credit purchases or reforestation projects
- Maintain the vehicle properly to ensure optimal electric and fuel efficiency
- Consider transitioning to plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicles when feasible
Conclusion
Choosing between a conventional and hybrid vehicle involves a trade-off between initial costs, fuel savings, and environmental impact. Hybrids offer a compelling long-term economic benefit and notable reduction in CO2 emissions, especially after the payback period. Both types of owners can adopt practices to further reduce their carbon footprint, with hybrids having the potential for complete carbon neutrality with supplementary measures. Ultimately, consumer preference, driving habits, and local infrastructure will influence the most suitable choice for sustainable personal transportation.
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