I am *so* sick of hearing that the EPA is inaccurate. The test is remarkably accurate for what it does: model a defined set of driving conditions for a reasonable driver. Yes, the average driver today uses A/C non-stop, chooses dark colored cars in hot climates, goes for two minute drives, stomps on the gas to speed to the next red light, and considers 75 mph a minimum speed on the highway. No, the average EPA driver does not mimic these idiotic driving habits.
The message should be: If you are not close to EPA, you may wish to review your driving habits unless you live in extreme climate, which is explanation enough. Period. This has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH HYBRIDS.
Putting, as it were, Mr. Lead Foot into the driver's seat of an EPA test would lead, I suspect, to the majority of current US auto production failing CAFE. I think that would be great -- but what is the chance of that happening ? Detroit has not been pressing the "hybrid mileage problem" because they know it is BS.
I agree with Wayne: focusing on hybrids is off-target completely.
I agree in that focusing on hybrids is off-target. My impression here is that hybrids are being cited as an example, but are not necessarily the focus of the story as a whole. I don't really want this topic turning into an EPA war... we can save that for another thread. Start one! If you're in the area and want to be famous(!), pick up the phone
I appreciate your bringing this opportunity to the attention of the forum, Jason. My intent, other than ranting a bit, is actually a bit of a warning that a volunteer may find themselves used in a manner that deprecates hybrids without meaning to.
I personally do not desire this sort of 'fame'; but if I did, I would consider asking the producer if hybrids are different than conventional cars in EPA testing. Any answer other than OF COURSE NOT! would suffice to send me on my way.
BTW, I think it was the AAA that recently came out with a long list of cars that compared EPA to MPG'S obtained on their 'modern' course. I'll look for it and post the link here when I find it.
Thanks Jason - I will help advance the Hybrid Community any way I can. I left a message for Jim at KNBC in LA. If he reads this forum he can contact me at SDCTCHER@Yahoo.Com or at 760-364-2384.
Mike
Mike Maline - Sdctcher
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Owner
California School Teacher
I live in the Los Angeles area.
I left a message on Jim's voicemail.
I have a 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid with CVT.
It's an AT-PZEV with EPA numbers of 47 / 48 MPG.
My best tank was 62.4 MPG.
My worst tank was 52 MPG.
I've had the car for exactly one year.
My mileage for the whole year averaged 58.6 MPG.
I have the best mileage in the LA area in the database, and the best CVT in the database.
No car meets EPA, given the way 90% of the people drive.
But hybrids can meet and exceed EPA.
I am proof of this, and I live in KNBC's territory.
Their camera can take a shot of my dash board that shows 59 MPG for the last 500 miles.
Can't fake that.
If KNBC wants to produce a balanced story they will interview me.
If not, they won't.
Let's see how much journalistic integrity KNBC Los Angeles has.
He said he is looking for people who are getting about EPA with their hybrids in the LA area.
I'm getting 10 MPG OVER EPA, so he is not sure he wants to report on that.
Haha. Curious how that works out, huh?
I agree that every story has the potential to be spun one way or another. That's "journalism." But, if we all hide from the press, how do we expect to change the world?
I just spoke to Jim.
He said he is looking for people who are getting about EPA with their hybrids in the LA area.
I'm getting 10 MPG OVER EPA, so he is not sure he wants to report on that.
___I do not want to let this one go and with your statement about Jim looking for someone that achieves near EPA estimates, I have a bad feeling about this … Where have you read a story about a hybrid driver no matter the manufacturer or type exceeding EPA estimates vs. the tens to hundreds of hybrid stories that are not even close by many who have never driven a hybrid?
___This EPA based TV News report is not going to be good for hybrids by the sounds of it …
Wayne,
Chill your butt down It's a legitimate discussion to have: whether the media is portraying hybrids in a false light. But, I don't exactly see what your issue here, is. You'd be complaining if Mr. Sheen was only looking for drivers who failed to meet EPA standards. Now, you're complaining that he's asking for those who meet them!
Call him up and give him a piece of your mind, if you like. But, you're tearing up a story before it even hits the waves.
