By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Columnist

Hanalei resident Ray Chuan is on his second hybrid car, and knows several hybrid owners who liked them so much they traded in for newer models.

"It's very technically sophisticated," said the retired aerospace engineer of his Toyota Prius. "When I read about it, I was absolutely interested as a technical person and car buff. I've owned everything from a Volkswagen to a Ferrari."

All three major U.S. auto companies plan to come out with hybrids next year, but for now there are only Toyota's five-seat Prius and Honda's two-seat Insight and five-seat Civic Hybrid. They are rare on Hawai'i roads: Not quite 400 were known to be in the state by the most recent count. Honda hybrid sales in Hawai'i were about 100 cars in 2002 and 150 in 2003, said Honda spokesman Andy Boyd.

Toyota's figures are based on the number of cars registered in the Islands, and may include ones bought on the Mainland and shipped here. Fifty-four Priuses were registered in Hawai'i in 2002, and an additional 75 in 2003.

"Current demand for the '04 Prius is quite strong, so we anticipate the numbers will be even higher this year," said Suzanne Eugenio at Toyota dealer Servco Automotive.

All these cars can get double the gas mileage of most conventional autos. What makes them hybrids is their combination of comparatively small gas engines with big batteries and electric motors to improve performance and fuel efficiency.

The Insight has the highest fuel efficiency of any gas-powered car in America, 60 miles per gallon in city and 65 on the highway. It runs primarily on its little gas engine, but the electric motor provides extra power when needed and allows charging of the battery during braking.

The Civic Hybrid has a bigger engine and upgraded motor assist system. The EPA estimates it gets 46 miles per gallon in the city and 51 on the highway.

The Prius has a unique transmission that lets the gas engine power the wheels, or lets the electric motor do it, or both. A computer decides how to divvy up the power. The EPA gives it 60 miles per gallon in city and 51 on the highway. (Yes, highway mileage is normally better, but that's an anomaly with this hybrid.)

Fuel efficiency has been improving with newer models, so check the numbers of the model you may be considering. Each of these cars costs around $20,000, depending on type of transmission and extras such as air-conditioning. Hybrids purchased this year get a $1,500 tax credit.

If you have an issue, question or concern about the Hawaiian environment, drop a note to Jan TenBruggencate, The Advertiser's Kaua'i Bureau chief and its science and environment writer. Reach him at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com (808) 245-3074 or P.O. Box 524, Lihu'e, HI 96766.