On Fri, 2007-03-23 at 19:50 -0700, Bob Blick wrote:
> 
> Herbert Graf wrote:
> 
> > 
> > On a similar topic,
> > http://omidr.typepad.com/torque/2007/03/toyotas_prius_i.html
> > 
> > I haven't been able to confirm this story elsewhere, but I have always
> > said that a hybrid car is NOWHERE near as good for the environment as
> > everyone claims it is. 
> 
> Only if you believe the Hummer lasts 300,000 miles and the Prius just 
> 100,000 miles. Personally I've owned both GM and Toyota vehicles and I'd 
> say the numbers should be reversed.

Not really. Remember, the battery packs have a limited lifetime. While
the rest of the car would probably be fine (although, at 100k miles some
things will need replacing) the battery packs will likely be EOL. I
believe that is where they are getting their 100k mile number.

Nevertheless, while that article may be a little "out there", is there
ANY doubt in your mind that the total energy to make, use and dispose of
a Prius is FAR more then other petrol or diesel only cars with similar
fuel economies (and yes, they do exist, have a look at the small diesel
cars in Europe, 4.4l/100km is a COMMON figure).

My point however stands: people must consider MORE then just the energy
use of something being used, the energy needed to make the item and
dispose of it MUST be considered.

TTYL

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