[s-cars] VLAC

[Robert Rossato]

I just don't see hybrids as being that great of an option in terms of
fuel economy.  As Larry stated, their mileage is not that spectacular
compared to a TDI.  They tend to be more of a benefit for urban driving.
Due to the way the EPA runs their tests, actual highway mileage is
typically lower than their advertised EPA figures by a good margin.  So
the numbers are a bit deceiving.  Not much the manufacturers can do
about that as they have to publish the EPA numbers and not actual
mileage.  

But the big issue is battery replacement cost.  If you're going to
replace it in 2-4yrs it shouldn't be a factor, but if you plan on
holding on to it for the long term be prepared for a very expensive bill
when the batteries fail.  A friend of mine works at Ford and has been
involved in the their hybrid program lately.  He mentioned that their
current battery replacement cost for the Escape Hybrid is $7000.  

I've heard similar prices for the Hondas and Toyotas.  Will that price
come down over the next few years?  Probably.  But it will most likely
still be several thousand dollars.  Add that to the premium that you'll
likely have to pay just to buy one lately, and that more than offsets
any potential fuel economy benefits. 

Bob

> -----Original Message-----
> From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com 
> [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of LL - NY
> Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 7:37 PM
> To: Varon H. Fugman
> Cc: Robert Myers; s-car list
> Subject: Re: [s-cars] VLAC
> 
> 
> Autoweek has a long term Prius in their fleet. You may wish to attempt
> to read their articles on the car if you are considering one. 
> They appear
> to be getting less and less enamored of the car, the longer 
> and longer they've
> had it. It has been getting fuel milage on par with a Jetta 
> TDI, and it appears
> to be considerably less fun to drive. Worth your read if your 
> thinking of one.
> 
> LL - NY
> 
> On 4/24/05, Varon H. Fugman <vfugman at globaldialog.com> wrote:
> > My, what a popular topic!
> > 
> > I'll throw in my vote for the Acura TSX... nice handling 
> for a front-driver
> > (but not enough power to be a potential urS6 replacement.)  
> Subaru Legacy GT
> > good on the non-OOOO AWD side.  Or consider a Saab 9-3 or 
> 9-5... not a
> > German car for sure, but again nice handling for a 
> front-drive and the
> > 4-cylinder turbo has a plenty of torque.
> > 
> > On the hybrid side, the Toyota Prius is the only way to go. 
>  With the Honda,
> > the small gasoline engine runs all the time with an assist 
> from the electric
> > motor.  The Prius is a full hybrid, and can travel for 
> several blocks on
> > electric motor power only.  You don't get to shift for 
> yourself, but this
> > automatic is no slushbox.  In fact, it is the most 
> sophisticated drivetrain
> > in a current production vehicle.  The Prius actually has 
> two electric
> > motors, one the prime mover when running on electric power, 
> the other is
> > hooked to the engine via a planatary gearset and controls 
> the power flow
> > between the gasoline engine, the main motor, and the 
> wheels.  It also varies
> > the effective ratio of the transmission.  There are no 
> bands, gears to
> > shift, torque converter, or even variable diameter pullies. 
>  Very clever!
> > 
> > But would it be fun to drive on mountin roads?  Not sure, 
> although the
> > torque from the electric motor combined with the output of 
> the gasoline
> > engine ought to make it a good hill climer (just not a good 
> as a 5-cylinder
> > turbo!)  However, unless you do a fair amount of 
> stop-and-go city driving,
> > don't look for incredible fuel savings... between 
> regenerative braking and
> > shutting of the gasoline engine when not needed, city 
> driving is where the
> > hybrid really shines.
> > 
> > Varon
> > 1995 S6--snow car
> > 1999 Saab 9-5 SportWagon--rain car
> > 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata--sun car
> > --
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> > 
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