[af_vet_rr]

If you actually care about the environment then you CANNOT be an eco-freak.

What does it make you if you are fascinated by the stuff like the Prius and what not, just because of the technology behind it? Are you just a typical geek or gearhead or gadget-freak or whatever.

[Tony in Hawaii]

I'd say so. I find the technology fascinating, but I'll let the early-adopters put up with the inevitable teething problems.

[PokeyJoe]

Nice thing about the Prius.... there is no such thing as Turbo Lag or vapor lock when you punch the accelerator. All Horsepower is THERE.

[zeugma]

What does it make you if you are fascinated by the stuff like the Prius and what not, just because of the technology behind it? Are you just a typical geek or gearhead or gadget-freak or whatever.

Probably a gadget freak more than anything else. :-)

Personally, I think the idea is most excellent in theory, but it really needs better battery tech before it will really be practical. I really like the idea of an engine tuned to run at a specific rate that is calculated to give it optimum efficiency to power a generator that is actually used for thrust is an excellent idea. Much of your fuel efficiency is lost in city driving with all the start and stop driving. I would imagine that the 3rd or 4th generation of these things will be pretty excellent cars, but given current battery technology (i.e., mostly lead/acid batteries, essentially the same as those in use almost a hundred years ago, it's not even practical from an environmental standpoint when you consider that they have to be replaced every 5 or so years.

I've been reading some good stuff about possibly using nanotech to make better batteries out of carbon fibers that may be promising someday, but until something like that is practical, it's nothing but the usual feel-good crap from the enviro-whackos.