Hybrids: the Catalyst for Positive Change

Raymond - I've explained many times why I'm on this forum. Go through my postings.

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?

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.

quote:

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Originally posted by tdar20
[br]Once again misguided reporting. I have a buddy with a Hybrid and his city driving is well over 40 m

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You'll decide that your previous conclusions were wrong and change ways?





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Originally posted by raymond

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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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.