Hybrid vehicles threaten commuters' trip in the fast lane

San Diego Union -Tribune ^ | 7/8/05 | Brian Westley - AP

[Eva]

It must have been really annoying when a flaw in the computer design caused the hybrids to shut down when they reached 50mph.

[NormsRevenge]

It must have been really annoying when a flaw in the computer design caused the hybrids to shut down when they reached 50mph.

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tee hee hee.. a virus, perhaps? :)

[Eva]

Seriously, Toyota had a huge recall on the Prius because it would just shut down when it reached 50mph.

[NormsRevenge]

I heard of quite a few folks experiencing difficulties and the recall. Not good if it happened to ya in the fast lane. Ouch.

[TChris]

Open the diamond lanes, press automobile technology to reduce fuel consumption, and let the market take over.

Just how do you "press automobile technology" without interfering with a free market? It should be consumer, not government, pressure that increases demand for hybrid powerplants.

[Regulator]

It should be consumer, not government, pressure that increases demand for hybrid powerplants

Umm...what's your point, genius? That already happened with hybrids. They sell like hotcakes. And will continue to.

[RobRoy]

The only thing I can see as advantageous regarding hybrids is the ability to recharge with braking energy.

That may amount to something on the third or fourth generation cars, but anyone buying one now is simply a guinnepig

[Publius6961]

I'll bet these people are going to really start screaming when the hybrid vehicles include a larger percentage of SUVs. Ford already has a hybrid version of the Escape on the dealers' lots, and others are sure to follow.

Impossible.
Every state HOV lane proposal limits the hybrids to those which get at least 46 mpg.
If hybrid SUVs get that kind of mileage, I'll buy two!

[Publius6961]

The idiot idea known as the "Diamond Lanes" in California has shown itself to be a dismal failure.

A dismal failure has never stopped idiot bureaucrats from proposing more of the same.
I have worked with those morons up close and personal.

They'll just lie, cheat, steal, distort to keep throwing money at the problem.

What "counts" is good intentions, not results.

[Publius6961]

Two hybrids driven separately pollute more that one conventional Honda Civic with two passengers.

BS!

You are entitled to your opinion, but not to make up your own facts (or math).
I suppose you could force that to work if you choose the "right" hybrids. The one I drive generates less than half the pollution of the equivalent sized non-hybrid.

[Publius6961]

BSmeisters always amuse me.
For 15 years, I drove a car weighing 800 pounds less which got 30 honest and constand miles per gallon.
After 3 years and 46,000 miles, I am averaging 47.3 mpg, 95% of those miles on Interstate 5 at speeds between 62 and 70 mph; in other words, pretty much highway speeds.

Rolling resistance and other BS notwithstanding, I am quite sure I am not hallucinating.

[Publius6961]

You obviously have no clue what you're talking about, do you.

How many "D" size cells do you use in 10 years?

[Publius6961]

That's wonderful!
Run along and tell your mommy, OK?

[Publius6961]

The only hybrid that actually gets more than 45 mpg is the Honda Insight.

Exactly wrong.

[B Knotts]

I'm talking widespread real-world, not anecdotally.

[Publius6961]

That's because most haven't been on the road long enough. The design life of these batteries is in the 4-5 year range, though, so they will soon be coming in for replacement

Interesting math. The first Priuses started selling in 1997...
But what the hay. The facts may be wrong but the intention is in the right place.

[keat]

Chill out dude. Go take a nap.

[Publius6961]

Widespread real-world, the Prius is by far the highest selling hybrid; and they all get 46+ mpg; many get 55+

Nothing anecdotal about that. I have all the records on mine. After three years, I do have a few problems with the execution, but none concerning adequate power and mileage.

[Publius6961]

Chill out dude. Go take a nap.

What's the matter kid? Afraid to admit that you had no clue that the driving battery in the Prius consists of "D" sized cells?

[rkhampton]

Rolling resistance and other BS notwithstanding, I am quite sure I am not hallucinating.

I haven't yet exchanged comments with you on this thread, but since you mention something I said in one of my replies, you are obviously addressing me. Still I haven't a clue as to what you are talking about. I think this is more of a problem with cognitive dissonance or just plain reading comprehension, rather than BS.