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View Full Version : Is the Prius bad for the environment?


Satt
04-11-2008, 07:00 AM
I own a Prius and I came across this article. Tell me what you think.

http://clubs.ccsu.edu/recorder/editorial/editorial_item.asp?NewsID=188

Kinda made me think.
CelticFlyer
04-11-2008, 09:24 AM
That was an interesting article. I've read things similar to that before. I always wonder if the author is a Hummer owner seeking to ease his conscience by demonizing hybrids. I think the article would have appeared more balanced if he suggested alternatives to the type of battery currently used in the Prius.

I'm curious, why did they wait over a year to publish this article?
MVRacing
04-11-2008, 10:28 AM
Just remember, you are reading an article done by a student. I've tried to find the "Dust to Dust" study he reference with no results. Just because something gets shipped around the world doesn't mean it cost huge amounts of energy ... ships & trains transport hundreds of thousands of tons at a low energy cost.
Miracleman89
04-11-2008, 11:06 AM
This is a kid trying to get a job with opec!
Lumberjack
04-11-2008, 10:28 PM
I can really blame the prius for the damage done by a nickle plant....

The return time goes down real fast as fuel costs continue to rise....

If a hummer only lasts 100k miles the cost per mile triples....
RAN
04-11-2008, 11:48 PM
The engine in a hummer may go 300,000 miles if it's given regular maintenance, but that doesn't mean the rest of it will. Also, I'm sure that nickel mine was operating before the Prius came along, and it's not Toyota's problem if it's a dirty operation. It's a shame Toyota came up with such a complicated and inefficient hybrid system for the Prius (look at GM's "dual-hybrid system" too), but look at all the parts there are to be replaced! They're looking at their bottom line while they can still get away with it.

This guy's argument will really fall apart when the Aptera and V-1 hit the road.

BTW, NiZn batteries use much less nickel than the NiMH batteries in the Prius do, so that's one possible way to reduce the demand for nickel. Also, I'm not sure how recyclable NiMH batteries are, but I doubt the nickel will end up in a landfill.