Someone please explain the rationale of this to me: Yet in the same article: And a little research found this:
Can you imagine what 51.3 billion would do towards the research and exploration of hydrogen fueled cars? Or renewable solar, tidal, or wind energy? Couple this with the funds we are going through in Iraq and I believe we'd have enough money to solve a problem here or there.
Supply and demand. The ethanol myth is out the window. It takes oil to produce ethanol. Think about it. Usually what is read in the morning paper drives the markets. Alot of talk with nothing happening.
I remember back in the '80's we thought hydrogen was going to be the thing to save us from fossil fuel disaster. I'm disappointed that's not working out. I think you're right about solar and battery technology.
I sat in BIL's Prius yesterday, it's weird!! The car is virtually silent! He really likes it, but it's just so small, and I wasn't crazy about the interior. I guess you can get used to anything though.
I'm thinking about a Prius for my next car, or maybe one of the Honda hybrids. I don't usually buy new - let somebody else take that first year depreciation hit - so I'm hoping there will be a good selection of used hybrids by the time I get ready to trade.
Could be!! I think I'd have to go with the Escape Hybrid if I went the Hybrid route. Honestly, you can get some really fantastic mileage out of the plain Civics. My other BIL just got one of those and is very happy with it.
Rented a Prius in LA last year and I actually had to get the owners manual out of the glove compartment to learn how to turn it on. Enjoyed the car though.
Yeah, the key was in my pocket................you just push a button. :shock: I think there are other cars out there with that technology, but there is something strange about not putting a key in the ignition to turn it on. :mrgreen:
Thanks for all the info, everybody! :hurray: I only have 113k on the Tracker, so it will be a good long time before I get ready to trade, but I will definitely come back here and ask for advice when the time comes. Thanks, 4042 family! :grouphug:
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-batteries-none-the-worse-for-wear-cga.htm And Toyota claims that not one has required a battery replacement due to malfunction or "wearing out." The only replacement batteries sold--at the retail price of $3000--have been for cars that were involved in accidents. Toyota further claims that the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery packs used in all Prius models are expected to last the life of the car with very little to no degradation in power capability. <snip> According to Toyota, the life of the Prius battery pack is determined more by mileage than by time, and it has been tested to 180,000 miles. Supporting this are first- and second-generation Prius taxis in Canada that have reportedly traveled more than 200,000 miles without suffering any battery problems.
Since they have been on the market for about 5 years there should be some information on the replacement now. I do agree the cost of replacement packs will affect the resale value on the books.
