Bought a Prius for Environmental Reasons? The New York Times Needs Your Help
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 06.26.07
We're trying to help out the New York Times with a story about Prius owners. Here's Mary Chapman's request:
I'm looking for Prius owners who first and foremost are looking to make an environmental statement with their vehicle, who specifically bought the car because they want their Prius to say "hey, I care about the environment." This is part of a New York Times article that I'm assisting with. Please contact [Removed]
The way we understand it, she's looking for people who bought the hybrid primarily for environmental reasons and not to save money on gas or because they liked the look or whatever (though those can be secondary reasons)... We'll take down the contact information at the end of the day, so if you are a good fit for this story, don't wait too long to contact Mary. Update: Okay, she has enough so we removed the contact info. Thanks to all those who contacted her!
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I hope this journalist will confront some of these "Bought a Prius to help the environment" types with the fact that over the life of the car, it is actually not a very environmentally friendly car, considering all the heavy metals used in the manufacturing of the batteries and having to eventually dispose of all those batteries.
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editor note: I suggest you look at this.
"specifically bought the car because they want their Prius to say "hey, I care about the environment."
Isn't that everybody who seems to have got the obligatory '50MPG' personalized license plate? Everyone wallows in the bragging rights. To quote Ed Begley Jr. on the Simpsons after Marge asks about his car, "I prefer a vehicle that doesn't hurt Mother Earth. It's a go-cart, powered by my own sense of self-satisfaction."
Car batteries are the closest thing we have to a cradle-to-cradle product. They have a huge recycling capture rate, and the metals are reclaimed and reused.
I think those who try to put down people who put their money where their mouth is and support new greener technology (helping create demand for even better things) are just sad.
The whole "oh, they're so smug" thing is schoolyard crap. Trying to put down others to make youself feel better. Bah.
A prius reduces air pollution by running the gas motor in otto cycle, reduces brake wear and dust with regenerative braking and uses less gas.
I drive like I care and get 50-80 mpg.
The new 2008 version will soon have lithium batteries. no heavey metal in those batteries and oh, by the way tests show 90 mpg. Some makers of these advanced lithium safer batteries are looking at 100K to 200K warrenties or 10 to 20 years.
Another great item on the prius is the useful space. I could never fit so many things in regular cars, split folding seats are very versitle.
Sorry bud the Prius is not getting stock lithium batteries for a while.
Well, if you don't have a story, make one up! It's the NYT way!
*cough* Jayson Blair *cough*
Mary interviewed me for her story. I forgot to ask when her article is coming out, does anyone know?
batteries dont pollute, people do. Hybrid owners will recycle their batteries, and in many cases there is a deposit-type reward to recycle them and evey part of the battery is recyclable. in the near future, battery power will advance and these batteries will be user-upgradable for those with some know-how (i already build battery packs to run almost anything). the tesla roadster already runs on lithium ion batteries and does 0-60 in 4 seconds. lithium, btw, is the lightest metal.
buy a hybrid and support this technology!
"Another great item on the prius is the useful space. I could never fit so many things in regular cars, split folding seats are very versitle."
Compare apples to apples - 5 door to 5 door. A Matrix for example is listed has having 21.8 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the Prius' 14.4...and it can tow 1500 lbs...and it is $7000 cheaper.
the Prius is a GIMMICK! #1 your paying thousands more for the vehicle, the amount of gas/money you "save" will never catch up to the money you shelled out on the beginning.
#3 the batteries are filled with volatile chemicals,
#4 dont belive the hype.
#5 Its fun to laugh at people driving prius's when I blow by them in my Ford festiva that ACTULLY DOES GET over 40mpg and is faster.
anyone seen the south park about this issue. not trying to be funny, but all your car does is show how much of a chump you are. ever seen a VW TDI? sure its a diesel but i'll be damned if it doesnt get the same mileage your pious does. and it does it with MUCH more style.