Hybrids: the Catalyst for Positive Change

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The latest reports on hybrids shows they actually get poorer gas mileage than their all-gasoline counterparts. (...) All folks are doing is driving an expensive gimmicky car that is actually dumping more pollutants into the air.

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Dodging the question about whether they should be allowed in the HOV lane or not...these statements are just plain wrong.

Hybrids get better gas mileage than COMPARABLE gasoline cars. Sure, you can find cars with similar gas mileage, but they're smaller, lighter, and much less powerful than a hybrid, and they are not low polluters.

In my 2002 "classic" (i.e. "old tech") Prius, I regularly get between 36 and 51 mpg depending on how I drive, where I drive, how long the trip is, and other factors. The new Priuses get 50-60 mpg easily. How Consumer's Union managed to drive a new Prius and get such lousy mileage, I have no idea. You'd have to be towing a boat, IMO.

Secondly, Priuses (not all hybrids) are Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (as defined by the California DoT). Because they use a combination of electric and gasoline power, using each engine by itself or in combination depending on need, they pollute far, far less than a conventional gas engine alone. They pollute so little, in fact, that the California DoT has granted them an exemption from bi-annual smog testing until 2010 because the current equipment can't measure such low emissions.

As for "gimmicky": the basic technology of the brushless electric motor (which is virtually maintenance free) was invented by Nikola Tesla in 1888. Locomotives have used hybrid technology (using a diesel engine to power electric motors that move the train) since 1928. Today's hybrids are a high-tech refinement of old, proven technology, not a "gimmick."

Jan

Just happened to pop into this discussion, here's proof for the naysayers:

http://www.sportbikecowboy.com/images/DSC02369.JPG

http://www.sportbikecowboy.com/images/DSC02334.JPG

of course the point the OP is not telling you is that NO vehicles in reality get the Federal mileage ratings - it's a point of contention with the auto industry, who likes these inflated numbers - tests done on flat treadmill-like devices, nothing else on - which of course raises the overall numbers.

it's not JUST the hybrids, but every car out there.

All I know is this - I get 50-51 MPG to work and back and about 38 in my runs around town, sometimes better depending on how much stop and go I do. Overall, I average 46 mpg on a tank, sometimes better, because I do more highway than city.

For a car that I paid $11,400 for and got a $2,000 tax credit for last year, and reduced my weekl gas consumption from $110-$120 to $20, I think it's been pretty worthwhile for me.

yeah I was real upset with my Prius' gas mileage. I was only getting 40 mpg until I realized one of my tires was low on air. Now I'm sucking down the gas to the tune of 49 mpg, on the highway with the cruise control set at around 75 or 80 with a total of 3 people in the car with gym gear. Yup sure does suck to be with the horrid gas mileage I'm getting....HMMMMM maybe if I ditched those 2 other people I'd get 55 mpg.....NAHHHH
oh and BTW the honda is NOT a true hybrid....it will NOT move without the engine being on so stop compairing the Prius and the honda like it's the same thing.

Yep, but I believe I recall that to extend it down south and other points, it would take quite a few years. I understand that we PWC folks would be in bad shape almost at once.