Tax breaks await buyers of hybrid vehicles in early 2006

[Thom Little]

Hybrid cars are a good bet for tax breaks in 2006.

The new year will bring more savings for buyers of at least 13 gas-electric vehicles, with those showing the biggest improvements in fuel efficiency getting the bigger tax breaks.

The breaks will come in the form of tax credits, and they range from $3,150 for buyers of the Toyota Prius to $250 for Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck, according to an analysis by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

.......

Although a non-hybrid Volkswagen Jetta gets twice the mileage of the hybrid Silverado, the Jetta does not quality for the tax credit because it's fuel efficiency did not improve enough to qualify.

The focus on hybridization instead of actual gallons-saved hurts efforts to reduce oil dependency, said John Coequyt, an energy policy specialist for Greenpeace. "Handing over this little tiny rebate to the inefficient hybrids is a way to recognize their very hesitant acceptance of this technology."



http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/14026457p-14858653c.html

[EST]

1. Why does anyone need a tax break?

I've wanted a prius ever since they came on the market but I don't drive a thousand miles a year, these days, where I used to drive 50,000+ every year. I spend more on gas for my lawn mower than I do on street vehicles.

[FloridaPat]

2. This is to make up for giving all those tax credits to people buying

trucks and Hummers.

[ny_liberal]

3. excellent news - hybrids are a good thing

all rental car fleets and taxis should be manadated to use hybrids

[Selatius]

4. These tax breaks should apply to fuel-efficient conventional cars, too

Ever seen the mileage on a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic? They're actually quite good, and they're even better, almost as good as hybrids, if one adopts a conservative driving style.