GolfHos

First off, I am a tree-hugging lib.  There, I said it.

But, I've wondered about the overall efficiency of hybrid cars.  Now I've found a study [sm_shock]:

http://clubs.ccsu.edu/recorder/editorial/editorial_item.asp?NewsID=188

That's sort of a loaded article.
- The author compares the mpg of a Prius by 2008 standards to the mpg of a Chevy Aveo by earlier standards
- He/She discusses in great detail the environmental damage of a battery/nickel plant, but does not discuss environmental damage from oil wells, refineries, etc.  (Think of the tear-jerking tales that could have been told of oil well fires in the middle east or evacuations of small children from local refineries.)
- The production cost of a Prius is compared to the production cost of a Hummer in a very strange way.  First, it doesn't take into account the economies of scale, and second, the 100K versus 300K mileage lifetimes seem specious to me.
- The author says that you would need 5 years to make up the consumer cost 'premium' for a hybrid in gas money.  The article implies that the Prius is being compared to a Hummer here, but, the statement would only stand if the Prius were compared to a similar sedan. 
(The Hummer's MSRP is ~$140K, compared to the Prius at $22K makes it pretty silly to try and compare consumer cost.)

Of course, if you were a real tree-hugger, you'd just use one of these:
(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000EG9PHO.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg)

Yeah, I know it's loaded.  We just bought an '06 Forester that should get mid-20's, so I feel pretty good, and know that the wife will get around no matter what the weather and without the luggage of a big SUV.

But, I still wonder about the hybrid batteries, both the real life expectancy and how to dispose of the old ones.

the study , as presented, is pure BS

Guess I don't feel so bad driving a Suburban.

Tree hugging hippee lib. here too.  I like the idea of a hybrid.  My escape does pretty good.  23-29 depending.......  The big plan, however, is I'm really hoping we sell our house soon, and we want to move within about 3 minutes of work for both of us.  I plan to walk, or ride my electric scooter.  8)

Plus, if I start doin' meth, I can drink my own urine.  So, I got that goin' for me.

http://www.leaflady.org/urine_therapy.htm

Too healthy, dude.

Mike, are ya lookin' to move to Blaine or Coon Rapids?

which would I rather buy?  A new bike.  Of course, I really don't need one - the one I have works fine.  Besides that, it matches my golf clubs. :D

Blaine!  Most likely Club West.  We'll see.  If not there, then Spring Lake Park.  We came from there.  Never should have left. :sad3:

Yeah, I agree.  But, the real world battery life and the problems with disposal are still valid considerations.  So are resale values of hybrids with big mileage.