Small Satisfactions re Hybrids

We may have lost another round as far as the I95 extension goes, but the freeze provision of last year has resulted in the following:

1. The Prius dealers have been shafted (notice all the new adds offering incentives). Can't give em away.

2. The US taxpayers are now not having to fork out much money in tax credits for this abomination.

Fantastic

Bob,

Any reason given why "they can't give'em away"?
Are they that bad a car?

Or is it the expense versus comfort of the Prius being such a small car? A new Crown Vic, Charger, or Impala with much more passenger room and trunk space costs about the same and may have the same or better buyer incentives.

Yes, it's unfortunate for everyone here on these boards, except NoSUV, that the grandfather clause in HOV exemption was continued, but there's no signs of them reversing course to make them hybrid only. From an environmental perspective, that's an utter waste. For one, it's short sighted as there may soon be viable, production technologies that offer much less oil dependence than current gas/electric hybrids. Second, a switch to Hybrid only HOV (which would mean the HOV name would become a misnomer) would initially, and probably for quite some time, add more congestion to the main lanes, reducing gas mileage even further for more cars, and a net increase in gas usage. Third, suppose you are right, and people start buying new hybrids left and right so that they can be in the new lexus lanes. You will have a net increase of solo occupant drivers than you do now. Sure, some may buy hybrids with very high gas mileage, but many will still buy ones that have less gas mileage than cars that are in the main lanes. Again, if you are correct, it will lead to more cars being produced which uses so much energy (which often comes from burning oils) to build these hybrids. If a car burns less gas than than the car it replaced, factoring in the energy cost to build it, I fail to see how it really saves oil in the long run. I still do not see it making a difference in the grand scheme of things, not even a little dent. Instead, it will make some car manufacturers and politicians richer than they are now. But alas, you disagree with all of this (if you even read it) and my points are meaningless to you, your grandfathered in hybrid owners, and your fellow lobbyists.

quote:

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Originally posted by sluDgE
[br]Bob,

Any reason given why "they can't give'em away"?
Are they that bad a car?

Or is it the expense versus comfort of the Prius being such a small car? A new Crown Vic, Charger, or Impala with much more passenger room and trunk space costs about the same and may have the same or better buyer incentives.

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They aren't "that bad a car", they are just MUCH more expensive than a similar car.

And safety is an issue. The fact is that a heavier car always wins. They stay on the road better during violent maneuvers, it takes more to roll them, and in a collision, there is better survivability.

But you can buy a hybrid Accord -- that is better in safety than a Civic or a Prius, IMO.