Misleading Article - GreenHybrid

Jason · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2004, 12:34 PM

Who IS this guy? The person answering the questions has a negative bias and is a bit misinformed. Nothing he says is technically correct, but much of it is extremely misleading and demeaning.

http://www.freep.com/money/autorevie...2_20040212.htm

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

Stevo12886 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2004, 08:36 PM

the sad thing...anyone not in the know would easily take that as truth, it comes off very convincing...another thing that bothered me...the prius is not a small/lightweight car, its a midsize, and 37 is a heck of alot better than the 24 or so you get EPA w/ a camry/acord/malibu.....

Jason · #4 (**permalink**) 02-13-2004, 11:57 AM

Here's Mark's response, posted with permission:

Quote:

Jason,

Thanks for taking the time to write. I still believe the Prius is too small and expensive to be the right car for most buyers, although, as I said, the technology is breathtaking.
Mt reference to steel wheels was simply because, due to their greater mass, most companies will not offer them with their hybrid packages. Since aluminum wheels are generally preferred, it never occurred to me to think of this as a downgrade.
Your point about the restart is correct. Although the Prius did restart every time I used the accelerator when turning or pulling away from a traffic light, it doesn't have to if the power requirement is low. I could certainly have put that more clearly in the story.
My understanding is that the battery will not drain to zero, even if you run it when there's no gasoline, however. I believe the electronic controls shut the motor down before it can drain the battery that deeply.
I greatly appreciate the time you took, and hope you believe that I do not have a prejudice against hybrids. I do believe that the Prius requires some compromises - in terms of interior space and price - that are not right for most drivers.
I am very eagerly awaiting the chance to drive the hybrid Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander, which I expect to have all the virtues of a conventional Toyota, plus the benefits of its hybrid leadership.
Thanks for reading the Free Press.

Mark Phelan
Detroit Free Press

Stevo12886 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2004, 11:20 PM

bi-atch

Jason · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2004, 07:58 AM

Who, him? I think he's a nice guy, but a little off-target. It's not so much that he's ignorant, but rather clumsy with his words and not careful to provide accurate information.

Stevo12886 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-15-2004, 01:04 PM

yah him, err, well, not to bad after the e-mail, he hastn changed the info....