Randy,
my point about the Prisus is that it touts itself as one of the most Eco friendly car available...that is simply not true.
First off, emissions to manufacture one exceed levels for other vehicles.
The energy(CO2) required to produce a car with body panels derived from plant matter is greater than that of steel.
The energy(CO2) required to produce two engines will always be more than a car requiring one.
The energy required to mine, refine, assemble and transport all the Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries far exceeds the energy needed to produce one lead acid battery. Sure the batteries can be recycled but, as everyone knows, the cost and energy used to recycle anything is greater than starting from scratch. use so much
The Prisus makes up for all the increased energy and CO2 emissions by reporting that the cars emissions are less than conventional model.
This is partly true. The reduced emissions reported are derived from a controlled test with consideration given to the typical owner using it primarily as an urban vehicle. Estimated travel speeds are less than 40mph and there the Hybrid vehicle does shine because the internal combustion engine is not running. The batteries are providing power to the motor and the brakes are helping to recharge the batteries. This is truly a brilliant system.
The truth though is that if the Prisus is driven head to head with a conventional automobile on the interstate(using it's gas engine), it is right on par with similar gas powered vehicles.
If you consider the cost to manufacture, cost to purchase, and estimated life span(100,000 miles
) of the Prisus, they are not saving the planet or really helping in that arena. They are definetly a step in the right direction; tomorrow's technology is dependant on today's efforts.
Wouldn't it make more sense to convert a car such as a 2000 Civic to CNG?? Modern safety devices; no cost to manufacture a new car and CNG emissions are some of the cleanest of any internal combustion engines.
I don't hate the Prisus. I do think it is ugly but that is just an opinion. It simply is not the "holy grail of transportation" that so many think it is.
Ben