Quote:
Originally Posted by ken1784
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I also saw the EPA's 4 ton number, but I felt it strange.
On the 2008 Prius page, it also says 7.4 barrels/year (311 gallons/year) and 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO 2) per gallon.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/co2.shtml
It means 311 * 20 = 6220 pounds -> 2820 kg -> 117 grams CO2/km.
On the other thread, there is another data.
"Greenhouse Gas Emissions/15k mi 5,100 pounds". This means only 96 grams CO2/km. |
I missed that. You are right, consistency seems to be a problem.
My thinking is the plug-in is just another load and does not by itself dictate the source of that power. The unfairness of the article is to lay the blame on the plug-in as if the other power loads play no part. This takes the eye off of the real problem, the power source.
Although bi-directional plug-in is a new technology, my Prius has a 1 kW inverter that we use for emergency house power during outages. With the right engineering, our Prius should be able to generate 18-20 kW using the existing hardware with modified software and appropriate power connectors. This is roughly three times the power needed by a typical USA home. Add a common clock source, say GPS generated, and 60 Hz power from multiple Prius would be quite practical and useful.
A plug-in provides the power connectors needed. All that is needed to go in the reverse direction is a well engineered, safe electrical interface.
Bob Wilson