Hybrids

Hi all!

Since we discussed a bit about the environmental virtues of hybrids (and my Prius specifically) at our May meeting, I thought I'd post a few follow-ups on that topic...

I think it was Roger? who indicated at the meeting that he attributed the increase in fuel economy of the Prius to its being light in weight. According to cars.com, the gross vehicle weight of the 2007 Prius is 3,795lbs; for comparison, a 2007 Corolla is 3,585 lbs and a 2007 (non-hybrid, base version) Camry is 4,275. So, although undoubtably the Prius would have better fuel economy if it were lighter, it is nevertheless a significant improvement over other vehicles with similar weight.

Also, the story in which the Prius failed an emissions test was mentioned. It failed the test not because it pollutes too much, but because the test didn't properly account for it's shutting off the engine at idle--therefore, it automatically failed it. See the story at autoblog.com:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/prius-cant-pass-georgia-emissions-test/

On a related note, it is certified by the California Air Resources Board as a Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle. See here: http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/en/gv/vsearch/cleansearch_result_des.asp?vehicleid=209 Also, according to wikipedia.org (I know, not the best source) it does have a catalytic converter.

Finally, I think it was Ed? who remarked that he had heard that the Prius's overall life cycle cancelled out its environmental benefits...here's what http://www.greenhybrid.com/wiki/index.php/Toyota_Prius#Criticism states relating this:

"The Prius has been criticized for its aesthetics and handling characteristics. In addition to this, manufacturing the electric components, aluminium parts, and the NiMH battery pack requires a significant amount of energy. Toyota's life cycle assessment shows that the amount of energy required to manufacture a Prius is higher than that of a similar gasoline powered vehicle, although the energy saving during its operational life pays back this initial energy overhead [1] according to Toyota. A disputed life cycle assessment by CNW Marketing/Research [2] claims to show that Prius uses more energy than the average car, and also more energy than several larger cars such as the Hummer H3. The Prius still uses regular gasoline, unlike alternative-fuel vehicles. When compared to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the fuel and emissions saving of the Prius is modest, but when compared to vehicles with comparable interior room the savings are significant, in some cases producing nearly double the kilometres per unit of fuel when compared to mid-level conventional vehicles. In either case the high sales volume of Prius relative to any alternative fuel vehicle or plug-in vehicle means that the Prius has caused more gas to be saved. A more relevant observation may be its comparison against smaller (but less comfortable) compact cars, which can be considerably cheaper to purchase (in some cases around half of the initial cost) while delivering perhaps 2/3 of the mileage performance in non-city driving. "

I haven't found a good life cycle assessment doc. from a neutral source on this topic, but I could keep digging for one if people are intersted in this further...

Christine