GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars - View Single Post

Jason · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2004, 12:51 PM

I just e-mailed the author with the following. I hope he responds!

Quote:

Mark,

I read two of your articles concerning hybrids and was disappointed by your anti-productive bias.

In "Prius is high-tech showcase, but Silverado more practical," you compare apples to oranges -- a midsize sedan to a pickup. This is obviously personal preference. Your 37 MPG experience is definitely not a scientific sample of hybrid drivers, and it should not be treated as so. I own a Prius and have been in contact with hundreds (yes, hundreds) of other hybrid owners, most of which achieve anywhere from 40 to 55 MPG. In addition, it is known fact that EPA estimates are 20% optimistic and must be compared with the EPA estimate of ALL cars. Your comparison of the Prius' inaccurate 60 MPG (which, by the way, should have been stated at 55 MPG) to a pickup truck's real-life 2-3 MPG improvement on 12 MPG is ludicrous. Apples and oranges!

In "Hybrid Q&A", you pass off your 37 MPG as fact. Your reference to "more optimistic about other companies' claims" discounts Toyota and slaps them in the face. Your statement that a hybrid offers "virtually" every option on a traditional combustion car but may not have steel wheels implies that a hybrid is a downgrade. In fact, today's hybrids have more features than traditionally available, and will be a true "upgrade." Your statement that "Every hybrid I've driven restarts its engine as soon as your foot leaves the brake pedal." is incorrect -- especially since you drove a Prius for a week. The Prius engine does _not_ start up unless significant demand is requested. There are times when the engine is off and the car is propelled with the motor. The car battery _can_ be drained if the owner runs out of gas.

I do not mean to attack you at all, but rather would like to mention that your inaccuracies and negative bias towards hybrids is not aiding in the evolution of the automobile, and is rather anti-productive. Please ensure in the future that the information you provide is both accurate and fair. Thanks for your time. I look forward to your response.

Jason Siegel
GreenHybrid.com