Hybrid Cars Don't Live Up to Mileage Claims

Omega1045 writes "Wired News is running a great little article about how hybrid cars (specifically Honda and Toyota models) do not come anywhere close to living up to their fuel efficiency claims. The article highlights that the EPA tests are more to blame than the car manufactures. Consumer reports has shown that the mileage for these cars can be as low as 60% of the claims. The article also links to a blog authored by hybrid enthusiast Pete Blackshaw detailing his failures getting any real answers on why his Honda Civic Hybrid isn't getting better fuel mileage. It looks like these cars are more hype than help in the battle against pollution and foreign fuel reliance."

I love stories...

[T3kno]

That bring a smile to my face first thing in the morning. I can't wait for my "HYBRID1" plates to arrive for my 63 Pontiac with a 400 and dual Edelbrock carbs :)

Re:Biodiesel baby

[Woogiemonger]

Exhaust smells like french fries!

If there's anything that's gonna sell Americans on biodiesel, it's gonna be the smell of fast food.

The Real Reason

[Anonymous Coward]

Let's face guys - the real reason why Hybrids get such poor mileage is because people are starting to "rice" them out just like other Asian cars.

I saw a ridiculous looking Prius yesterday - boost gauge, 17" spinners, recaro seats, quad custom exhaust. Jeez! No wonder you get such bad milage!!!

Old Honda Insights

[BeerVarmint]

I owned a 2001 Honda Insight a few years ago. It did not live up to it's claims of 65+ miles a gallon, but my lifetime average was a respectable 54. Mind you, I did drive on country roads, and rarely got many highway miles, so I never complained much.

Re:Better than nothing

[Glonoinha]

Yes but you have to remember - your buddy's Escort gets 31MPG and the Hybrid car may get 31.5MPG - but the Hybrid's mileage is 31.5 environmentally friendly miles per gallon of gasoline where your bud's Escort's mileage is 31 environment destroying miles per gallon.

Miles per gallon of gas in a Hybrid car are way better for the environment because the Hybrid also uses electricity, where miles per gallon of gas in a regular car are bad for the environment because of emissions, resource depletion, depending on OPEC, all that stuff.

Big difference. Or so the Honda ads would have me believe.

Re:New Math?

[pclminion]

So, your car cost $18,400 ($1400 more - after deduction).

You're arguing with him about how much he spent? Don't you think he knows better than you?

It's a $2000 credit, bozo. They hand it to you on a platter.

gallon of what?

[stanmann]

Please, tell me where I can get a gallon of electricity?

Re:Better than nothing

[henley]

I was going to say something disparaging about US cars and gas mileage, since my 2.4 Volvo V70 tank gets about 33 MPG

...Then I remembered that UK Gallons are about 20% bigger than US Gallons, and that I was going to make a fool of myself, again

Carry on, nothing to see here....

Re:Better than nothing

[Dausha]

Your '69 Type 1 put out 55 horsepower, which was plenty to get 4 passengers and their gear up to 75 MPH.

And get you out of a speeding ticket. I was cruising over the posted speed in my old Bug and topped a hill. On the other side was one of the State's Finest. Even without having a radar detector I knew he had me--lights went on, dust flying from under his wheels. However, he quickly stomped the breaks and shut off his lights. I think he thought he would have a hard time proving in court I was going as fast as his radar gun said.

Re:Duh

[DaveLatham]

However in city traffic jam traffic, it shines big time... Unfortunately most of our time on the road isn't in these conditions in the USA.

You and I either have a different definition of "unfortunate", or we differ about liking to drive in traffic jams.

Re:Better than nothing

[tbone1]

My VW Golf TDI, was rated at 49 MPG highway; in practical driving, it's 44.2-44.9 MPG at each fill-up.

(Most of my driving is highway, but I drive like Rosie O'Donnell chasing a Twinkie truck.)

Re:Better than nothing

[the_mad_poster]

I drive a 2001 Mustang GT. I get about 17 mpg in it. I like it a lot more than your SL2, because it has WAY WAY WAY more power, plus I get lots of looks from hot college chicks.

...... I'm probably gonna get killed by an environmentalist now.... go pick on a Viper owner instead.... they're much worse...

Re:What were they doing to those poor cars?!?

[nbahi15]

It sounds like the article wants to appease the conscience of SUV owners, whom as we all know drive considerately and maximize fuel economy.

Re:Saturn MPG??

[bugsmalli]

My Solar Powered Saturn runs rings around all the saturns in this post put together. I get 29.46 Earth years per charge and it comes with its own moons. Just don't smell what it releases. could be hazardous to your health.

Re:Saturn MPG??

[pyrrhonist]

drafting as much as possible behind other vehicles

I live in Massachusetts. What's drafting?

What? Oh, it's the way everyone here drives. Nevermind.

Re:Better than nothing

[dasunt]

Bah! I drive a '78 V8 318 Dodge D100 pickup that seems to have a humid/cold weather electrical issue which results in about 2 mpg when the engine is cold.

Why?

Because I support our troops in Iraq!

Re:TDI rocks!

[Guipo]

I get 43 in my 97 passat tdi. 800 miles a tank. I rock

Re:Better than nothing

[Suidae]

(compressors get HOT).

Well, if you loose the heat from the compression, you'd also be loosing energy. See, you can get the same effect if you just close up the air tank and build a fire under it.

Here's an idea, instead of putting the fire ouside the tank, we can put the gas inside and burn it there, then use the hot gas to push down a cylinder.. Wait.. darn, nevermind.