Hybrids

[Eric Sanborn]

> On Mar 26, 2006, at 10:25 AM, John Larson wrote:
>
> > While looking into new (and VERY trendy) technologies can be good,
> > Hybrids
> > have so far failed to live our to their hype
>

Like Brett said they do have their place, but as the latest Consumer
Reports points out they are not a cost savings even at these gas
prices.  If I remember best the Civic hybrid was the most cost
effective and only cost you $3k more even considering 15k per year and
all tax breaks than a standard Civic.  All the others were far worse,
even the beloved Prius.  If you have not seen Grassroots Motorsports
thoughts on the Prius they hit the nail on the head I think.

I did a feasiblity study back in college on using Hybrid technology on
short run big rigs.  Around town was obviously best.  The on-demand
power did allow you to have a much smaller base engine which did help
highway mileage, but a lot of this was offset by the wieght and size
of the batteries.

I am glad to see so many people buying hybrids because it will help
further the technology.  Maybe in 5-10 years hybrid cars will use
ultracaps instead of batteries and small Diesels instead of gas
engines.  I just don't want to be in the first wave of buyers.

The REAL problem is they are all automatics!

--

Eric Sanborn
http://sofadog.net/4ktq/