On Sun, 14 Aug 2005 14:56:42 +0100, Andy Dingley
wrote:


The whole point about a Prius is that it's a hybrid. It uses the
electric motor because that just doesn't need a variable speed
transmission (as has been done with electric cars since 1900). The
clever part of the Prius is the use of this transmission to improve the
efficiency of the engine cut-in, compared to previous hybrids.

Just because Drivel drives one doesn't mean that they're a bad idea.

Indeed, it's just that he claims some pretty fantastic facts about it?

At 65mpg and (I believe) Co2 figures not dissimilar to many current
much cheaper offerings, add the extra production / component
(environmental?) costs involved in it's construction and just doesn't
seem to add up (to me anyway and I own an EV)!

Now, when someone brings out a practical sized car that does 200 mpg
with 'reasonable' performance (and I drive a Rover 218SD remember and
consider that 'reasonable') then they will be queing at the showrooms
... ?

All the best ..

T i m