Tech

oh how i love a good debate *rubs hands together*

i'm not sure if you are refering to, or have ever read, the CNW marketing research report claiming that a prius is worse for the environment than an H2 based on the overall energy costs. while the purpose of the study was a good idea, they have several flaws in their system. first, if we are talking about overall COST of this vehicle, what about the money we are pumping into middle eastern countries each time we fill up an H2 (a lot more money than a prius sends) and some would say we're fighting a whole damn war over this oil. this is not factored into their study at all, or even addressed. there is also huge speculation over the credibility of their data showing the estimated life-span of a prius (109k) vs an H2 (197k). there is also plain falsities in the study as well. for instance the study states that the lithium-ion batteries of the prius are not recycled, despite toyota having an extensive recycling program in place. then there are just oddities such as the fact that the xA and xB are both built on the same assembly lines, only sold in the US, both shipped at the same time, to the same dealers, have the same engines and transmissions, are within 50 lbs of each other and 2 mpg, yet somehow the xB only costs 60% per mile vs the xB ($.78 vs $.48 respectively).

i'm not saying a prius is a saint, but i'm just going to say it... anyone who still thinks driving a hummer is better than driving a hybrid is still not getting it. if you want to argue with me that a VW Lupo or Toyota Echo is more environmentally friendly, go for it, but don't be so foolish to argue that a Hummer is good for "mother nature."

It's actually through it's first round of crash testing.

they have, however, riden in the passenger seat many a time, it's not like no one outside the company has experienced this thing perform. besides, do you trust a journalist in your car that hasn't even fully passed it's crash tests?

seriously... who is the last person to try to start an automotive company from scratch in the US? Delorean? Tucker? yeah they faired well... cut the Tesla guys some slack, building a car is an expensive and time consuming venture.

and to the OP and those talking about affordability, Tesla feels the same way. with the success of the Roadster they have plans for a sub-$60k sedan in '09 and a ~$30k mass-market vehicle in '10. will they reach that goal? i doubt it, but maybe '12? at least they are aiming in the right direction.

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-Tim-

~I swear sometimes i feel like i'm married to a child.
~You better watch who you're calling a child, Lois, cause if i'm a child than you know what that makes you? a pedophile. and i'll be damned if i'm going to stand here and be lectured by a pervert.