Huge article on hybrid cars in our paper today. Veddy interesting!

SO? What's your view?

I am of the impression from the info given you would get the most out
of a hybrid if you use it primarily in city traffic (because while
you're sitting in traffic for example the gas engine is shut down and
the battery takes over. The battery part of the set up is for low
speed driving. The gasoline part is for high speed driving.

A battery pack has an 8 year warranty, can cost 5-10K to replace and
can at this time be serviced only by the dealer. (There are as of yet
no independents serving hybrid models.)


It's said that the hybrids come with all the usual amenities and they
also perform identically or nearly so. The engine is said to be so
quite you don't even know it's running; and in effect the tire noise
is a lot louder.

An interesting item is that hybrids were around in the 1900's ; they
electric engine helped when the gasoline engine was too week... OH I
knew this part but it was a nice refresher/reminder of how necessity
is the mother of 'invention' or use...  Now with gas prices soaring
hyrbrids WILL become more popular and they're not all teeny tiny
models either.

I kinda like that Honda Civic hybrid. 40 mpg. I didn't care for the
'who buys this model age group breakdown. Bah. Buy what serves your
needs! Forget the 'gee only people between 30 -40 buy this model. heh.
And the Lexus if for the uh well heeled 50-60- year old. I hate it
when they do that. ((I imagine this age grouping data are
for the "status quo" hyper-conscious. As in if you have kids you
HAVE to want an SUV.)


We currently have a regular GM Vibe  (30 mpg).. all paid off too. Good
care we're thinking of getting a hybrid next time. :) SO that's why
I'm broaching this topic here to see with everyone has to say even
though I don't drive. I do find cars interesting though. :)

Cindy


... Nobody notices when things go right, I'm always noticed.

--- PPoint 3.01