| Z-man |
06-17-2009 08:40 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by john70t
(Post 4727156)
Everyone is free to buy the biggest heaviest guzzler they can afford for their daily commuting. Everyone is also free to deny the effects of pollution and environmental changes, which has been demonstrated ad-nauseum on this web site.
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Counterpoint - while it has been proven that gas guzzling vehicles do pollute our environment, what hasn't been unequivocally proven is the actual environmental benefits of hybrid technology. They pollute, but in a different way. For example:
1. Consider the environmental effects of the manufacture of hybrid components - it is a more complex system which requires a different manufacturing process.
2. Consider the environmental impact of the disposal of used up hybrid components.
And don't even get me started with the fact that it takes on average 15 years for a consume to reap the financial benefits of driving a hybrid car. (15 years being the time it takes to cover the premium one pays for a hybrid car vs. the savings in better gas mileage.) And let's not forget the extra costs associated with maintaining a more complex drivetrain system.
My personal opinion regarding hybrid technology: it is cool science, and is more fuel efficient than a conventional gasoline powered powerplant, but it is NOT the final solution - it is merely a stop-gap measure. Once all electric powerplants, and hydrogen fuel-cell cars mature and become availble, THAT is when you will likely see a positive impact on the environment.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.
-Z-man.
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