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October 31, 2008

Hybrid Car FAQ #1

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gmajor asked:


I get asked the same questions all the time, whenever I’m out driving my Prius, so I thought I’d clear up some confusion via the Internet, about hybrid cars and what it’s like to own one. Send in your questions via e-mail at hybridfaq@gmail.com. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll research it and post it in the next episode.

Kansieo.com




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  • http://kansieo.com Troyc20

    Valid points, I live in Iowa where there are no smog tests therefor I can run a open exhasut sytem if I so choose so(it helps with fuel consumption. I normally drive older Chevrolet V8 trucks so my registration is $20 and insurance will level off usually unless I get anything newer than a 91. I will be getting a small 4 cyl SUV within a few weeks however. I don’t need a whole lot of truck to drive anymore but still need to haul stuff. Cheers.

  • http://mycaffeinatedcontent.com gmajor

    We got our sales tax refunded to us, and if it had been new, we would’ve gotten a $2000 rebate from our province (other high-efficiency cars get this bonus too, btw. If it’s a small, low-polluting, high efficiency car, it’s on the list, not just hybrids.). So the cost balancing equation should factor in more than just “How much will I save on gas?” Mind you, gas WILL continue to climb in price, and that gap will widen.

  • http://kansieo.com/members gmajor

    We’ve always been looking for ways to decrease our impact. We couldn’t afford new, but we got a deal on a used one. Aside from fuel economy, there are other advantages, like, we don’t need a Drive Clean test, ever, so there’s one less errand to do, and our insurance actually went down a few bucks.

  • gmajor

    Our previous car was a Honda Civic (97) and was among the most fuel efficient in its class. Short of going with a sub compact, which wouldn’t have been practical for our family, or a SmartCar (even less, being a two-seater), the next level was a hybrid.

  • http://mycaffeinatedcontent.com Troyc20

    not trying to mean but did you evaluate how you could cheaply increase your fuel economy on your exsisting vehicle before you set out to but $22,000 battery? Iam just curious, I never got a chance to talk to a hybid owner.

  • http://kansieo.com/members gmajor

    I was thinking of filming it driving by to demonstrate, but I wasn’t sure my digital camera (not a proper video camera) would pick up the sound well enough to be able to hear it, but I may try next time.
    It’s got plenty of pep when I need it to on the highway. From a standing stop, not so great. From what I’ve heard, the Ford Escape is the opposite. I’m working on the next episode now. I got an e-mail asking about the “pulse and glide” technique for maximizing fuel economy.

  • http://kansieo.com/members Turbo291

    Like to see how quiet it is. Have a car drive by and then have your Prius drive by.
    Also, would like to see how fast it goes on the highway. try passing a Big rig.


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