Difference between revisions of "Toyota Prius"
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The '''Toyota Prius''' is a [[hybrid electric vehicle]] made in Japan. It is very popular with homosexuals, celebrities and environmentalists concerned about their public image. One reason the Prius sells more than other hybrids is because it looks different, and people recognize it as a hybrid. Some other reasons given for Prius ownership are: owners wanting to make a statement about themselves, concern over foreign oil dependence, and the myth of [[global warming]].<ref name="Prius">[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/04/business/worldbusiness/04iht-hybrid.4.6491389.html Toyota's hybrid car more than a mixed success] Maynard, Micheline, July 4, 2007, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | The '''Toyota Prius''' is a [[hybrid electric vehicle]] made in Japan. It is very popular with homosexuals, celebrities and environmentalists concerned about their public image. One reason the Prius sells more than other hybrids is because it looks different, and people recognize it as a hybrid. Some other reasons given for Prius ownership are: owners wanting to make a statement about themselves, concern over foreign oil dependence, and the myth of [[global warming]].<ref name="Prius">[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/04/business/worldbusiness/04iht-hybrid.4.6491389.html Toyota's hybrid car more than a mixed success] Maynard, Micheline, July 4, 2007, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | ||
| − | While some studies have shown it takes more energy to build a Prius than a Hummer; other studies question those findings.<ref>[http://www.thecarconnection.com/tips-article/1010861_prius-versus-hummer-exploding-the-myth Prius Versus HUMMER: Exploding the Myth] Thecarconnection.com, Halvorson, Bengt, April 16, 20007</ref> The car is underpowered, expensive, and emits electromagnetic radiation which can cause cancer.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/automobiles/27EMF.html?pagewanted=all Motoring - Fear, but Few Facts, on Hybrid risk] Montavalli, Jim, April 27, 2008, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | + | While some studies have shown it takes more energy to build a Prius than a Hummer; other studies question those findings, regardless they have a similar environmental cost.<ref>[http://www.thecarconnection.com/tips-article/1010861_prius-versus-hummer-exploding-the-myth Prius Versus HUMMER: Exploding the Myth] Thecarconnection.com, Halvorson, Bengt, April 16, 20007</ref> The car is underpowered, expensive, and emits electromagnetic radiation which can cause cancer.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/automobiles/27EMF.html?pagewanted=all Motoring - Fear, but Few Facts, on Hybrid risk] Montavalli, Jim, April 27, 2008, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> |
Buyers of hybrid cars were initially given a federal tax break, but these ended on December 31, 2010.<ref>[http://www.hybridcars.com/federal-incentives.html Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory] Hybridcars.com, retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | Buyers of hybrid cars were initially given a federal tax break, but these ended on December 31, 2010.<ref>[http://www.hybridcars.com/federal-incentives.html Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory] Hybridcars.com, retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | ||
Revision as of 00:06, August 22, 2011
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle made in Japan. It is very popular with homosexuals, celebrities and environmentalists concerned about their public image. One reason the Prius sells more than other hybrids is because it looks different, and people recognize it as a hybrid. Some other reasons given for Prius ownership are: owners wanting to make a statement about themselves, concern over foreign oil dependence, and the myth of global warming.[1]
While some studies have shown it takes more energy to build a Prius than a Hummer; other studies question those findings, regardless they have a similar environmental cost.[2] The car is underpowered, expensive, and emits electromagnetic radiation which can cause cancer.[3]
Buyers of hybrid cars were initially given a federal tax break, but these ended on December 31, 2010.[4]
How it works
The Prius actually has two engines: a 76 HP, 1.5 liter four-cylinder, gasoline-powered engine, and a battery-powered 67 HP motor. The electric motor gets the car going up to about 30 mph then the conventional engine takes over. The battery is charged whenever the vehicle slows down. Toyota markets this complicated system as "Synergy Drive."
The system is designed to game the EPA fuel economy tests and produce very high mileage ratings. These numbers are impossible to obtain in real world driving. In actuality, the Prius gets mileage similar to any small car, but costs quite a bit more. The people who drive Priuses (The plural of Prius is disputed) don't care because they only buy the car as a liberal status symbol.
References
- ↑ Toyota's hybrid car more than a mixed success Maynard, Micheline, July 4, 2007, The New York Times, retrieved August 20, 2011
- ↑ Prius Versus HUMMER: Exploding the Myth Thecarconnection.com, Halvorson, Bengt, April 16, 20007
- ↑ Motoring - Fear, but Few Facts, on Hybrid risk Montavalli, Jim, April 27, 2008, The New York Times, retrieved August 20, 2011
- ↑ Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory Hybridcars.com, retrieved August 20, 2011