Will Alternative Fueled Vehicles cause people to drive bigger cars?

Question

It's clear that some people hate people who drive big cars. When alternative fueled cars like hybrids give people a reason to buy big cars, possibly bigger than they drive now?

If a SUV is able to get 20-25mpg, would it be unreasonable to build and buy these cars now that they are more affordable and eco-friendly?

Would you buy a big SUV if it got good gas mileage?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I think someday I want a coal burning Prius, and a coal burning Hummer.

Coal is my alternative fuel of choice, and I think those body choices will irritate the environmentalists the most.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

A Clean Coal Prius! Love the idea!

Answer 2

If it could get around 30 or so yes, mainly I love big cars but I wouldn't drive one for the gas price. but if alternative fuel made it more eco-friendly then I would love to drive one. However if alternative fuel can bring SUV's up to 30-40 then a smaller car could approach 80-90!

Answer 3

Yeah I would. If you look at statistics of safety in a large SUV versus a small hatchback, the SUV will almost always win. Plain and simple, larger cars are safer. I personally don't give a damn what some wacko enviros think, I'll continue to drive my not-so-efficient vehicle and scoff at them all the way to the pump.

Answer 4

People will drive what they want to drive.

Personally, I think people like soccer moms (people who haven't even a remote need or ability to drive large vehicles) should not drive SUVs, trucks and vans when a sedan, mini van or crossover will more than suffice. Even as trucks and SUVs are getting better economy, they still cannot compare to the hybrids and small cars with economy, so people will still continue to buy those little cars, EVs and hybrids.

I can drive SUVs like a safe and competent person (learned to drive in a Suburban) and I have even a slight chance of ever using a truck or SUV in a utility capacity. So, my answer is yes. In fact, in the not-so-distant-but-not-so-near future, I plan on purchasing an SUV.

Answer 5

One big unrealistic view point about this. What makes people presume to know the needs of others? We all have different reasons for what's feasible. I wouldn't care if it only got (1)mpg, as long as it suited my purpose. I might even use less gas on a month-month bases then someone that gets 50 mpg.

Answer 6

Probably some people would. I don't think a large vehicle (suburban class) will ever be cheaper than a small vehicle (camery class) simply for the amount of materials it takes to build each. A small sports car will be more expensive than a volkswagon bus, but your paying for more than raw materials in the sports car. SUV's aren't really safe for the driver, definately not safe for anyone else on the road and cause more damage to the road than a lighter vehicle, so probably not unless it got much better mileage.

Answer 7

No, people will still drive what they feel comfortable driving, be it a large vehicle or a small one. That's why automobile manufacturers need to develop alternative fuel vehicles in all model types, so people sill have a choice of what car they drive.

Answer 8

No because I am able to do more with my 1969 bug than most of the people in my neighborhood can with their monster trucks. And I can get in and out of my driveway on our narrow street while they either park on the street or spend 15 minutes maneuvering to get in and out.