2016 Election
#1501
Re: 2016 Election
[QUOTE=sir_eccles;11757903] ...
Remember, Priuses are hybrids, not pure-electric (though they do now offer a plug-in version, but even that one still has a hybrid powertrain), and they work their magic (gas saving) by regenerative braking, which is the closest thing to 'magic' that you can get. The batteries may be toxic, and/or environmentally damaging to produce, but that's about the only criticism you can level against them. My g/f has one and it's simply a decent car to own/drive, with amazing use of space.
On a more general level, while I don't think any current 'efficient' car (be it hybrid or pure electric) may be the answer, I think Toyota deserve credit for actually proving that such technology can be mainstream/reliable. The electric cars of today are spurring research and development that will result in a better product in the future.
My friend in AZ (who is a die-hard republican) has installed solar panels at his second home (which is 'off the grid' in a remote location) and he says the current efficiencies of solar panels are quite good, and getting better. He thinks individual homes with solar panels will be the way of the future, and that would allow you to recharge your electric car with no environmental penalty (again, other than the panel production). My local Safeway in Scottsdale just installed solar panels in its parking lot, and apparently it will power the entire store during the day - all the lights, refrigerators, everything - and possibly power all the battery cars that want to charge there.
at anyone who thinks Priuses (no idea on how to correctly pluralize that one) will in any way, shape or form change the world. (I know you were satirizing them, not shooting the messenger here.)
Unless they think that electricity is generated by magic fairies who excrete only pure water and oxygen as waste products.
Unless they think that electricity is generated by magic fairies who excrete only pure water and oxygen as waste products.
On a more general level, while I don't think any current 'efficient' car (be it hybrid or pure electric) may be the answer, I think Toyota deserve credit for actually proving that such technology can be mainstream/reliable. The electric cars of today are spurring research and development that will result in a better product in the future.
My friend in AZ (who is a die-hard republican) has installed solar panels at his second home (which is 'off the grid' in a remote location) and he says the current efficiencies of solar panels are quite good, and getting better. He thinks individual homes with solar panels will be the way of the future, and that would allow you to recharge your electric car with no environmental penalty (again, other than the panel production). My local Safeway in Scottsdale just installed solar panels in its parking lot, and apparently it will power the entire store during the day - all the lights, refrigerators, everything - and possibly power all the battery cars that want to charge there.
#1502
Re: 2016 Election
That's the million dollar question - what would an (even more) extreme congress do to the Republican's chances in the election? Govt. shutdowns have apparently backfired in the past, but Cruz seems hell-bent on doing more of them. What's HIS logic ... ?
#1503
Re: 2016 Election
Speculation on likely Speaker front runners?
One Of These 4 People Will Probably Be The Next Speaker Of The House | ThinkProgress
Oy!
One Of These 4 People Will Probably Be The Next Speaker Of The House | ThinkProgress
Oy!
#1504
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
Re: 2016 Election
Remember, Priuses are hybrids, not pure-electric (though they do now offer a plug-in version, but even that one still has a hybrid powertrain), and they work their magic (gas saving) by regenerative braking, which is the closest thing to 'magic' that you can get. The batteries may be toxic, and/or environmentally damaging to produce, but that's about the only criticism you can level against them. My g/f has one and it's simply a decent car to own/drive, with amazing use of space.
#1507
Re: 2016 Election
The type of car you drive will have no effect on how long the Earth lasts. The only thing it may alter is how long it is until civilisation returns to the Dark Ages.
#1508
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
Re: 2016 Election
So far, the only bumper sticker I have seen is a Bernie Sanders one. Where I live (last election it was nothing but Romney stickers), that's quite a big deal.
#1509
Re: 2016 Election
Don't get it. Are you suggesting (for sake of argument) that if everyone drove a Hummer it would be the same impact as if everyone drove a Prius? Surely, reducing consumption is a very valid step forward?
#1511
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
Re: 2016 Election
Moving away from dependence on petroleum based fuels for cars is the only thing that will make any difference. But that in itself isn't going to happen overnight - electric isn't going to cut it unless we change how it is generated; hydrogen is too costly to produce. Bio-fuels may be the way to go for now.
#1515
Re: 2016 Election
I was being facetious. What I'm getting at is the difference it makes will be immeasurable in the grand scheme of things.
Moving away from dependence on petroleum based fuels for cars is the only thing that will make any difference. But that in itself isn't going to happen overnight - electric isn't going to cut it unless we change how it is generated; hydrogen is too costly to produce. Bio-fuels may be the way to go for now.
Moving away from dependence on petroleum based fuels for cars is the only thing that will make any difference. But that in itself isn't going to happen overnight - electric isn't going to cut it unless we change how it is generated; hydrogen is too costly to produce. Bio-fuels may be the way to go for now.