Press Mention The Tennessean March 9, 2000
Topical Mention
Environmental activist delighted with his little Honda hybrid car
In this mention
John Noel, a Nashville businessman and environmentalist, has purchased a Honda Insight hybrid vehicle that achieves up to 70 miles per gallon, combining gasoline and electric power. The article profiles the vehicle's efficiency features, environmental benefits, and availability in the Southeast, noting that few dealerships in the region have received hybrid models.
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ENVIRONMENT
Environmental activist delighted with his little Honda hybrid car
By ANNE PAINE
Staff Writer
John Noel, a businessman and environmentalist, doesn't just talk about protecting Greater Nashville's air.
He has bought one of the cleanest-running cars on the road today: a gasoline/electric-powered Honda Insight.
The hybrid car gets up to 70 miles per gallon of gas. Electricity, a secondary power source, comes from batteries recharged from the car's momentum.
There's no need to plug in to recharge.
"If we can do things that pollute less and cost us less money, why shouldn't we do it?" Noel asked, leaning with a grin against his shiny new lime green car.
The surprisingly roomy two-seater is also remarkably quiet. As Noel slows for a traffic light, a halo of lights on one dial shows that the batteries are recharging.
The engine cuts itself off when Noel shifts to neutral and stops for a traffic light, though it's barely noticeable.
When Noel puts the car back in gear, it's on again and moves forward with no hesitation.
"They did every little thing they could to save energy," Noel said.
The energy savings — less fuel burned — means less pollution.
"People are unaware of the true costs of energy," Noel said, talking of the damage to human health, plants and buildings that air pollution causes.
Noel, who works in investment real estate, serves on the board of the Tennessee Environmental Council and The Climate Institute in Washington, D.C.
The Insight, one of the first such cars sold in Tennessee, is lighter than many vehicles but has a reinforced aluminum body, airbags and advanced safety features, Noel said.
It can go from zero to 60 mph in 10.6 seconds with a full charge or 13.3 seconds on an empty battery. The top speed is 107 mph.
The price is $18,800 to $20,495, depending on whether air conditioning, climate control and destination charges are included.
"It's the quintessential commuter vehicle," said Jim Gregg, a salesman at Darrell Waltrip Honda in Franklin. "It saves a heck of a lot of money."
The dealership has sold two — a red one and Noel's. Few dealerships in the Southeast have received any.
Honda is shipping many of those available to cities in California where emissions controls are more strict.
Toyota's hybrid sedan, the Prius, that is expected to be available here later this year.