Two electric and hybrid cars made it into the last week’s news top-list: Honda Civic and Toyota Prius. For rather contradictory reasons. Despite publicity electric and hybrid cars get, there’s still a lot to learn about them.
Toyota hybrid cars, Prius in particular, have gotten an unexpected promo campaign with Albert Gore’s son starring in it. Apparently, Gore’s kid had been pulled over doing about 100 mph. In his Prius. Normally companies tend to attract more or less positive characters to promote their products, and in case with GoreIII, drugs were found in the car. But who cares now that we know for sure that hybrid cars can do 100 mph! Toyota spokesman, Mike Michels, confirmed that Prius is even capable of breaking this speed. You can accelerate up to 103 mph without being worried about battery depletion. That was probably the most unbiased and resulting test-drive ever: the myth about electric and hybrid cars being underpowered was debunked.
The other hybrid-related issue was the story of a guy, who sued American Honda Motor Company over the mileage claims for Civic Honda hybrid. Mr.John True wasn’t satisfied with the mileage he was getting. Driving his Civic hybrid he averaged just 32 mpg (city/highway combined), instead of 49-51 advertised. Most hybrid and non-hybrid owners would agree that mileage of any car depends a lot on your driving habits.
There’s not much to add, for the case looks ridiculous. It’s just amazing how much is being told about electric and hybrid cars and how little people learn. Nevertheless, hybrid technology is gaining popularity. Managers of Toyota branches report the growth of sales of hybrid models. And even if customers don’t end up buying straight away they are willing to learn more about how Toyota hybrid cars work. The technology is quite easy to understand and average drivers don’t need to know a lot to get the most of their green-vehicles. All you need is just consult a few useful hybrid car articles before you're off to enjoy the ride.
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