Why not have a fuel efficient hybrid vehicle?
When I bought my current vehicle about 5 years ago, I thought I had it all. It’s a Toyota Camry Altise and a big step up from my 30-year-old Datsun 200C, which, when bought new in 1981, had all the latest equipment and was like a Rolls Royce to drive. The Japanese manufacturers had not skimped on it. As an older person, the Altise is perfect for me as it also has exactly what I need for local shopping and weird road trips.
The problem with today’s products, whether it’s cars or anything else, what you buy today is quickly out of date for something better tomorrow. This is how I felt when my niece drove me in her hybrid Toyota.
The ride in this vehicle left me somewhat speechless. The noise levels are practically zero when driving and when you are stationary you cannot hear anything at all. Thinking it was cut, I made a comment about it. It was then that she explained about drums.
As one drives, the battery recharges and is always the means to start the vehicle before the gas side kicks in. The ride on it is beautiful, and the interior of the vehicle has more functional tools, including the exterior temperature display. My immediate thought was that I want one, but my finances are quite limited so it will take a while to achieve.
But even before that thought died in my head, the news is for all-electric vehicles, which are now hitting the market in greater numbers. The batteries in these are not recharged while driving the car, but service stations are now supplying electrical outlets for that purpose.
But wait, now something new has been manufactured to surpass even these. The driverless car is coming off the starting grid and already at least one manufacturer is taking orders. Where and when will we get to a vehicle that meets all the demands? Driverless buses are now being tested to run around the Sydney Fairgrounds within six months.
Driverless trains will also be used on the new rail link between Sydney and the North West suburbs in a couple of years. Wow! What a time to decide on a new car, or even a second-hand one. The Australian government has already announced that petrol cars will not be sold here by 2030 and may not be registered shortly thereafter.
Without a doubt, this is a change in the decision of the vehicle and in the times of purchase. While I coveted a hybrid car now, it is old and out of date in the future. In the meantime, though, it has to be the most fuel-efficient car on the road today.