CNN.com had a video piece today on the "hyper-mileage" movement. That is, getting hybrid-like performance out of a regular gasoline car. The piece focused on a guy who is able to consistently get over 50 miles-per-gallon on his 2003 run of the mill Honda Accord. Though he uses a lot of interesting techniques to achieve 50 mpg, I don't think I'm that desperate to try them. Some of the techniques involve shutting off the car engine on the freeway when drafting in a tractor trailer's slipstream.

Anyways, while I'm not going to be trying these things, I have been changing my driving habits over the last year or so. Rather than gunning it at lights, I accelerate at a slower rate, and drive smoother on the highways rather than trying to overtake everyone. The result has been a consistent 25 mpg in my little pocket rocket in the city, 4 mpg higher than the EPA estimated mileage, and 31 mpg on the highway also 3 to 4 mpg higher.

For comparison, on weeks where I drive like a madman, and take the engine to the redline all the time, I get closer to 21 mpg. I've never gone under 20 so that's a good thing.

Granted, these numbers are super low compared to the Camrys, Corollas and Civics out there, but it is still more cost-effective than selling my car and buying a hybrid. I ran the numbers last week, and considering the extra $5000-8000 cost I'd have to spend to get a hybrid, it would take close to 6 years just to break even. This even takes into account $5.00/gal gasoline! Further considering the fact that hybrid batteries are not yet tested and may die after 5-6 years, it's yet to be seen whether hybrids are worth the premium cost.