Hybrids: the Catalyst for Positive Change |
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NoSUV
New Slug Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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Raymond - I've explained many times why I'm on this forum. Go through my postings.
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n/a
New Slug Joined: 17 Dec 2001 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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I have NoSUV and I will not buy a hybrid from you! I'm saving my money for a biodiesel, solar, wind powered or ethinol vehicle; renewable fuel is the answer!
BTW, Hybrids are a farce! |
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omaryak
New Slug Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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I have a feeling the lower hybrid mileage comes from driving on the highway at excessive speeds. EPA highway estimates are based on the most economical speed of 55 mph, but most people drive faster. A hybrid has to rely more on its gas engine the faster it goes, so it stands to reason its mileage performance would deteriorate at higher speeds. This very quandary was discussed at a regional government meeting I attended once.
Still, I must support allowing hybrid use of the HOV lanes -- for now -- until hybrid adoption becomes cheaper and more widespread, to serve as an incentive for taking a step that does help the environment overall. Hybrids are 90 percent less polluting than their gasoline-only counterparts, and in congested city areas they rely mainly on their electrical portion for motion. Ever hear a hybrid start up from a stoplight? It uses only electrical energy, saving the burst of exhaust (and pollution) that comes from gasoline engines. The Toyota hybrid is called "Prius" for a reason – it represents the most prudent use of gasoline on the market, and while its highway mileage may be lacking, it more than makes up for it in its superior city performance. And what are the use of HOV lanes but to funnel people into the city? |
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N_or_S_bound
New Slug Joined: 20 May 2005 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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They could very easily be funnelled into the city in the mainlanes since, as you point out, in stop & go traffic, they are highly "fuel" efficient and less polluting.
Substantial incentives already exist paid for by our tax dollars. Love the benefits of hybrids? Put them where they do the most good overall---in the mainlanes. Oh, unless they have the requisite bodies for HOV participation. NoSb SOV because you can, HOV because you care! |
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NoSUV
New Slug Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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NoSB: Sorry, but you aren't right on this. Hybrids are only 2% of total car production. How can we get that to 100%? The demand isn't there because the more expensive technology makes it more expensive to purchase. Therefore, to make them affordable, either you need to pay more in the way of subsidy, or there must be non-financial incentives. There is a higher concnetration of hybrids in this region than anywhere else in the US. Any you know the reason why.
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n/a
New Slug Joined: 17 Dec 2001 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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Yes, NoSUV, hybrids are popular here because of the exemption. The exemption paves the way for hybrid ownership which creates more hybrid advocates who support the exemption. Its sort of like a small tornado that feeds on itself spinning out of control and destroying everything in its path. Hybrids create a false sense of conservation for their owners which leads to apathy when hybrid owners feel that they are "helping the problem" by driving SOV; an obvious contradiction.
Bottom line is that hybrids are a bandaid, not a solution. And as long as they are allowed in the HOVs without maximizing ridership they are part of the problem. |
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Lisa292
New Slug Joined: 16 Dec 2005 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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quote: You'll decide that your previous conclusions were wrong and change ways? online gambling tips - reputable online casino |
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TROLL
New Slug Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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Where's the Christmas cheer in this place?
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omaryak
New Slug Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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quote: I guess the question comes down to one of promoting carpooling versus promoting environmental benefits in general. Overall I'd rather see someone driving alone in their hybrid in an HOV lane than polluting the air in standstill traffic in the regular lanes – or worse, using an SUV do to it. It's true that the hybrid solution is a band-aid – the hybrid exemption cannot last forever, but as a temporary measure it promotes hybrid usage in the short term. |
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MDC
New Slug Joined: 04 Dec 2002 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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omaryak,
End the exemption and the hybrids will either have more people per vehicle in HOV, or pollute even less than they are now in the regular lanes. Winner on both counts. |
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