Okay, so I’m sick of this.  GM is notoriously bad.  But now even the high-end auto manufacturers are getting in on the stupidity.  I’ve just got to rant.  So let me make this one thing clear:

MAKING A CAR A HYBRID DOES NOT MAKE IT GREEN!!!!!

Say what?

Yes, you read that right.  Just because it has a hybrid logo on it, just because it has part electric power, does NOT make it green.  It does not by default make it fuel efficient.  It does not by default mean it has low emissions.

For example, here are some average gas mileage ratings of cars that actually get a high enough efficiency rating to be considered green:

Now, these cars all get above 30MPG in real-world driving, according to hybridCARS.  It is by no means an extensive list.  There are many others as well.  (And then there are the super-green cars like plug-in hybrids and electrics.)  And you’ll note that there are even diesel and normal everyday fuel cars in that list.  They don’t have to be hybrid to have a good fuel efficiency.

Now, here are some hybrids which are not green:

So I say again, just because it has a hybrid logo on it, does not make it green.

What makes a car green is that it does something for the environment.  It uses less gas.  It puts out less emissions.  There is no “in its class” beating around the bush.  Either it is green, or it isn’t.  The term “hybrid” is not some carte blanche to feel good about yourself by pretending that you care about the environment.  Slapping a “hybrid” logo onto a car does not suddenly make everything okay.

So you may have seen Honda’s TV ads for a hydrogen fuel cell car. And like me, you probably thought WTF?!

Well, here’s the scoop. According to Honda, their car has a whole whopping range of 270 miles per tank. They consider this the “range of an average gasoline-powered automobile.” Un-uh. Sorry, but that’s like half of my range.

Of course, range hardly matters. When was the last time you saw a hydrogen refueling station? Oh, Honda has “a number of hydrogen refueling stations can be found in Southern California.” Yipee? So I’ll be crossing the country to visit Aunt Mildred how then? And if the car breaks down it can be fixed where then?

Don’t get me wrong, we have to start somewhere. But this reminds me an awful lot of the electric car that no one wanted.

Honda’s FAQ puts the most pertinent question at the very bottom of the page:

Q. Are there any limitations I should be aware of before I apply to lease an FCX Clarity?

A. Yes. At first, vehicle use will be geographically limited. FCX Clarity drivers will need to be able to adhere to specific and somewhat limited rules of usage. Drivers will need to be able to accommodate the vehicle’s reduced range and limited refueling network.

Handy. Sign me up today!