Drivers thinking about switching to a more environmentally friendly vehicle, but wary of higher hybrid price tags, may be pleasantly surprised by the results of BCAA's latest hybrid-electric vehicle cost analysis.

The analysis compares the purchase and operating costs of hybrids with comparable gas-powered models over a five year period, and reveals that, in most cases, the hybrid ends up being slightly cheaper.

The cost analysis judged seven hybrid models against their conventional gas-powered equivalents.

In addition to the initial purchase price, a number of variables were considered: fuel savings, the provincial Alternative Fuel Vehicle tax concession, and eligibility for low-interest rate financing.

With all these factors in play over five years, six out of seven hybrids worked out to be cheaper.

The Lexus Hybrid SUV led the pack with savings of $4,463 followed by Honda Civic Hybrid ($3,241); Honda Accord Hybrid ($2,456); Toyota Camry Hybrid ($2,084); Toyota Prius Hybrid ($1,071); and Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($844). The Ford Escape Hybrid worked out to be marginally more expensive ($1,957) over five years than its gas-fed equivalent.

BCAA posed questions regarding the attractiveness of hybrid vehicles at two pricing scenarios. Knowing that most gas-electric hybrids currently cost about 30 percent more than a comparable conventional vehicle, 62 percent of members surveyed said they would be "very or somewhat likely" to consider purchasing a hybrid if the price was only 15 percent higher. If hybrids and conventional vehicles were priced the same,

the percentage of likely purchasers jumped to 78 percent.

BCAA cites shrinking purchase price differentials and higher fuel costs as the main reasons most hybrids are more affordable over the longer term. The provincial sales tax concession is also a factor in closing the price gap.

BCAA and CAA nationally continue to advocate for a similar federal fuel tax rebate to bring lower emission hybrid prices closer to conventional vehicles.