The 2009 study put into in depth consideration the real value of 2009 hybrid models and clean-diesel powered vehicles. Ownership cause was based on factors like licensing fees, taxes, insurance, retained value, maintenance, and fuel over a 5-year period or about 70,000 miles.

The proponents of the study found out that among the 51 hybrid vehicles subjected to the survey, 35 of the models has lower cost of ownership compared to their gasoline variants. In the past years, the sticker price on green cars have been the turn off factor to consumers but the agency points out that fuel is not the only thing to consider.

The implementation of stricter CO2 emission guidelines in the future also gives spotlight to the vehicles that were put under the microscope. Most of the hybrid vehicles meet and even exceed the standards that nee to be met by 2016.

Looking at some figures, the 2009 model of the Volswagen Jetta TDI may take out an extra $2070 from the buyer’s pocket but the owner will save about $6,210 in a 5-year stretch compared to the regular Jetta. In the same way, a Prius will demand $1,805 more to purchase than a Camry but after half a decade, the Prius saves the owner about $4,930. The Toyota Hybrid is still a good choice!

The study just emphatically says that hybrids and clean diesel powertrains will really be a game changer for the future of the auto industry.