Demand for hybrids cools as gas prices, economy plummet

The long lines for hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius have disappeared as gas prices have dropped from around $4 to $2 a gallon.

When gas was in the $4 range last summer -- and experts were suggesting it could hit $6 or $7 -- people everywhere were trying to get their hands on the Prius and other hybrids.

"Unfortunately, we didn't quite have the supply to equal the demand. That's when we started having waiting lists for the car because we didn't have enough cars for the amount of customers who wanted them," said John Stanley, who manages Power Toyota in Tempe.

Those lines are gone now, but Stanley said that's not necessarily because of gas prices.

"Our economic situation has driven car sales down in general, which obviously includes the Prius."

The demand is a little different now, said Stanley.

"There's not the urgency that people had when gas prices were $4 a gallon, now that they're down near $2 a gallon."

But, he said the Prius still is selling.

"The car has become a cool car to own. People who have had other really nice exotic cars have decided to buy Priusese. They love them. They love the gas mileage."

With a gas tank that takes you about $500 miles and costs roughly $20 to fill up, the car is still a great value, Stanley said. Once the economy turns around, and gas prices go up again, Stanley said the demand for hybrids may be bigger than ever.

Meanwhile, AAA Arizona says the cost of gas may drop even more, to below $2 a gallon before the year ends.

That's based in part on the Department of Energy's short-term energy outlook, which projects that gas consumption will continue to decline into next year. Gas in Missorui already is selling $1.88 for a gallon of regular unleaded.