Hybrid cars in ski area

[bobbutts]

Yup, having that big bank of batteries allows you to store power and use it later for any purpose. Of course, most people like to use it for driving their ev, but there are other uses available, and they may become more popular.

 

[Rowsdower]

What ever happened to hydrogen fuel cells? Weren't those supposed to be the next big thing?

 

[abc]

Yup, having that big bank of batteries allows you to store power and use it later for any purpose. Of course, most people like to use it for driving their ev, but there are other uses available, and they may become more popular.

Well... only if you're REALLY, REALLY sure you won't be needing to use that car!

 

[Scruffy]

And yes, those owning electric cars will TRY to charge it during lower rate period. But many of them won't be able to, because they're DRIVING the car during the day.

Right. Technology and inovation will be need to be harnessed to address logistical issues.

 

[Scruffy]

A fun read. Of course they don't take in consideration the price dif between gas and diesel and the price dif of the cars, but hey... details, details.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/feature...a-luxury-car?dclid=CMD3sNHsv74CFc_COgodJH8A1A

 

[BenedictGomez]

^ I didnt get this part.

to be fair to the Prius, I eliminated any of California's enormous elevation changes.

Is the Prius unable to climb well?


EDIT: Though this part I found offensive. Even my full size SUV beats that by a few seconds for god's sake.

Prius (0-60 in 10 seconds)

 

[deadheadskier]

10 seconds doesn't surprise me. Most non-turbo 4 cylinder compact cars don't do much better than 9 seconds. Very few of them better than 8 as most of them have 150HP or less.

 

[AdironRider]

10 seconds doesn't surprise me. Most non-turbo 4 cylinder compact cars don't do much better than 9 seconds. Very few of them better than 8 as most of them have 150HP or less.

I think you would be surprised for the most part these days. While sub 8 is still relatively quick, most NA cars these days are doing around 8 - 8.5 seconds at worst.

My FJ Cruiser does it in low 7's, and its slow for an SUV. 10 seconds is getting to be to slow to keep up with modern day traffic, hence why we always get stuck behind some assbag doing 60 in the left lane shitting out rainbows and unicorns from the tailpipe.

 

[deadheadskier]

I wouldn't be surprised. I own a Mazda3, which tends to be one of the faster fuel economy based compacts and it does about 8 seconds. It's quick to get to 45, but the last 15 it's pretty slow. It's the way the gear ratios are configured to maximize economy in the 45-65 mph range.

2014 Toyota Corolla CVT - 9.1 seconds
2014 Honda Civic CVT - 8.8 seconds (9.9 for the Hybrid)
2013 Nissan Centra - 9.1 seconds
2013 Hyundai Elantra - 9.5 seconds
2013 Chevy Cruze - 9.4 seconds

All of these cars have faster models, but that's not in the same buyer segment as a fuel economy interested Prius buyer.

 

[BenedictGomez]

10 seconds is getting to be to slow to keep up with modern day traffic, hence why we always get stuck behind some assbag doing 60 in the left lane shitting out rainbows and unicorns from the tailpipe.

I literally laughed out loud.

Yeah, I couldnt care less if someone wants to buy a car that saves the equivalent of .00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001% of global gasoline production during its' useful lifetime if it makes them feel like (or look like as marketing studies demonstrate) they're saving the planet. Different strokes for different folks. What I DO care about are the ones with the mentality, that, gosh DARN it, I'm entitled to do 55mph in the fast lane. Had that happen just yesterday on the way home from work on a 2-lane highway in NJ (Route 22) which always has a crowded rush hour slow lane. Nothing I could do.

 

[jack97]

Yeah, I couldnt care less if someone wants to buy a car that saves the equivalent of .00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001% of global gasoline production during its' useful lifetime if it makes them feel like (or look like as marketing studies demonstrate) they're saving the planet. Different strokes for different folks.

I'm more thinking about a hybrid in terms of money. Feds and Mass may levy more taxes b/c they and the sheeple who vote them in got sold on this AGW nonsense. In the end, every one will feel the pain of higher fuel prices.

My take on this is.... if used hybrids are cheap enuf, it may save me some money. My days of driving fast are over given I had to be a role model for someone I care about.

 

[deadheadskier]

I literally laughed out loud.

Yeah, I couldnt care less if someone wants to buy a car that saves the equivalent of .00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001% of global gasoline production during its' useful lifetime if it makes them feel like (or look like as marketing studies demonstrate) they're saving the planet. Different strokes for different folks. What I DO care about are the ones with the mentality, that, gosh DARN it, I'm entitled to do 55mph in the fast lane. Had that happen just yesterday on the way home from work on a 2-lane highway in NJ (Route 22) which always has a crowded rush hour slow lane. Nothing I could do.

I drive 80 on the highway. I average about 500 miles per tank. It cost me $45 to fill that tank from empty today. I hate the slow drivers in the left lane as much as the next guy. I drive an efficient vehicle for my own personal money savings, nothing more. When you average over 25K miles per year as I do, the savings ad up.

 

[DoublePlanker]

As I stated before in this thread, I drive a Prius and it works for me as a commuter vehicle, long distance driving for vacations, and driving around town. Obviously, it is not the best performing car. But it gets SPECTACULAR gas mileage if driven properly. I have averaged 52mpg since I purchased it. I can get 60+ in good conditions, 50+ in the winter with the heat on. This is barely trying. I do keep it 65-70mph on the highway. I don't gun it from 0 to 60. I can get high 50's in the winter by trying harder or mid 60's now in good conditions by trying harder.

I used to be a Masshole who drove 80-90 mph and would gun it off the line to gain speed. I love to drive. But in commuter traffic, this was just getting me stressed out.

What I have found by gunning it to accelerate is that it does not really save any time especially in traffic. So many people either pass me or gun it off the line only to be caught by me at the next traffic light, stop sign, or bunch of cars in traffic. I started not gunning it when I tried to optimize my gas mileage for the Honda Accord and achieved above sticker 31mpg. So then I figured that the Prius would work better for my driving style.

As I stated, I am saving nearly $2500 per year in gas. Yes, I drive a lot.

The Prius was not that expensive. The incremental cost for this particular hybrid was not much more.

So, for me, its a win. I understand its not for everybody. Hell, my wife had a Porsche. I've had muscle cars and sports cars in the past.

But, in my commuter mentality, this Prius works for me dollar wise to save gas.

Whatever floats your boat.

 

[fbrissette]

I'm more thinking about a hybrid in terms of money.

I'm with you on this one. I haven't yet seen a convincing argument that hybrids are actually eco-friendly. You put in electricity that is mostly made out of gas and coal and once you add the significant environmental cost of batteries (both manufacturing and disposal) you end up with an expensive underpowered car (not counting Tesla) that may not be that environment-friendly.

 

[DoublePlanker]

I'm with you on this one. I haven't yet seen a convincing argument that hybrids are actually eco-friendly. You put in electricity that is mostly made out of gas and coal and once you add the significant environmental cost of batteries (both manufacturing and disposal) you end up with an expensive underpowered car (not counting Tesla) that may not be that environment-friendly.

In terms of money, I SAVE A SHITLOAD OF MONEY driving a Prius. I made a PURELY economic decision. So far, it is working out BETTER than expected since I actually get BETTER gas mileage than advertised.

I agree its not all its cracked up environ wise when you consider the manufacturing.

And its a sucky car to drive in snow. Otherwise, its a great car.

 

[fbrissette]

In terms of money, I SAVE A SHITLOAD OF MONEY driving a Prius. I made a PURELY economic decision. So far, it is working out BETTER than expected since I actually get BETTER gas mileage than advertised.

I agree its not all its cracked up environ wise when you consider the manufacturing.

And its a sucky car to drive in snow. Otherwise, its a great car.

By expensive, I meant with respect to the acquisition cost. I fully agree that the choice of going hybrid should purely be based on the assumption that it will end up being cheaper in the long run. People should not fool themselves into thinking they are saving the environment.

 

[x10003q]

A fun read. Of course they don't take in consideration the price dif between gas and diesel and the price dif of the cars, but hey... details, details.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/feature...a-luxury-car?dclid=CMD3sNHsv74CFc_COgodJH8A1A

There is some cheap diesel (3.55/gal) near me. Most of the other diesel is 3.70/gal to 3.99/gal. The RUG is 3.40gal -3.60/gal. Prem is priced 3.70/gal to 3.99/gal.

I would rather go with a diesel than a hybrid.

 

[deadheadskier]

There is some cheap diesel (3.55/gal) near me. Most of the other diesel is 3.70/gal to 3.99/gal. The RUG is 3.40gal -3.60/gal. Prem is priced 3.70/gal to 3.99/gal.

I would rather go with a diesel than a hybrid.

Interesting

Regular 87 octane around the NH Seacoast right now is $3.50 - $3.65. Diesel is up around $4. My observation over the last few years is that diesel is always about 50 cents more per gallon than 87 octane unleaded throughout northern New England.

I wonder if it's a tax issue as to why diesel can be found in Jersey for nearly the same price as regular gas.

 

[BenedictGomez]

I'm always amazed at how many Prius owners claim to beat (or slaughter in some cases in this thread) Toyota's posted Prius gas mileage attained on their test track under optimal conditions. That's amazing. Especially since it's been debunked by more than a few reputable vehicle publications.

 

[BenedictGomez]

I'm more thinking about a hybrid in terms of money. Feds and Mass may levy more taxes b/c they and the sheeple who vote them in got sold on this AGW nonsense. In the end, every one will feel the pain of higher fuel prices.

That's an interesting ideological point in how people view these things. People on the left looks at Hybrids and think they're helping the ecology. People on the right looks at Hybrids and think they're hurting the economy.

I'm with you on this one. I haven't yet seen a convincing argument that hybrids are actually eco-friendly. You put in electricity that is mostly made out of gas and coal and once you add the significant environmental cost of batteries (both manufacturing and disposal) you end up with an expensive underpowered car (not counting Tesla) that may not be that environment-friendly.

I'm with you 100% on this. I dont even think it's disputable. What it shows is that as per usual, money, politics, and marketing win the day. If you took a poll, I bet 75% of people would say the Prius etc.... is environmentally friendly.