Hybrid vehicles threaten commuters' trip in the fast lane

San Diego Union -Tribune ^ | 7/8/05 | Brian Westley - AP

[bmwcyle]

My R1100RTA flys at twice the speed of those electric things.

[Little Pig]

And my ZX-11 could also manage double their speed, and at traffic speeds still get over 40mpg.

[B Knotts]

For example, California's Department of Motor Vehicles would limit the number of hybrids in the commuter lanes by issuing only 75,000 special decals. State transportation officials would review the law periodically, and it would only apply to hybrids that get at least 45 miles per gallon.

That should be interesting. The only hybrid that actually gets more than 45 mpg is the Honda Insight.

[Little Pig]

And I could get 4-5 new zx-11s for what one hybrid cost.

[over3Owithabrain]

slicing Murphy's daily two-hour commute in half. And since buying a hybrid 18 months ago, Murphy is leaving his home as much as three hours later.

Does this add up? One less hour of driving, sleeps three hours later. More media math...

[bmwcyle]

They add more electronics to a car. Stuff in a big battery. Then they get into the HOV lane and drive slow.

[Made In The USA]

I propose a special high speed lane for my American V8 powered Pontiac.

I use less gas when I'm not stuck behind slow moving Hondas, Nissans, etc.

Actually - I should be be thanked by libs for using more gas. The punitive taxes here in NYS help support all their stupid social programs!

[D Rider]

Re: hybrids:

Most the power of an automobile is for acceleration. In a standard auto this requires that the engine be sized for such. In a hybrid, the engine provides cruising speed and battery charging. The acceleration power is provided by the addition of electric power. The overall engine size is reduced and therefore consumes less energy. This is why they have diesel-electric trains, (where the idea came from.)

[Fresh Wind]

Drivers of the environmentally friendly cars are allowed to cruise solo in Virginia's car pool lanes, slicing Murphy's daily two-hour commute in half. And since buying a hybrid 18 months ago, Murphy is leaving his home as much as three hours later.

This makes no sense. If Murphy's two-hour commute is cut to one hour, how does allow him to leave for work three hours later? What am I missing, other than another "journalist" who doesn't know how to write?

[highball]

"BUILD MORE LANES! QUIT WITH THE SOCIAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS AND SOLVE THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE!"

Not possible in much of LA. The freeways are already pretty wide in many places.

I've heard talk of adding a second layer, and that might work.

[relee]

What about HOV lanes on the Toll Road?

[keat]

slow moving Hondas, Nissans

Care to race my Maxima for pink slips?

[Little Pig]

I don't think there is any direct connection between the engine and the wheels on modern locomotives (at least here in the US).

[The Electrician]

For example, California's Department of Motor Vehicles would limit the number of hybrids in the commuter lanes by issuing only 75,000 special decals.

This is a sure-fire prescription for special favors being granted by politician-criminals for other politically-connected criminals, for bribes to change hands, and for all sorts of other types of organized criminal mischief. Why can't these government "professionals" ever learn a thing or two from history?

[Cowman]

What if you took a normal car and stuck a couple of very realistic store mannequins in it and used the carpool lane anyway?

[rkhampton]

I get a steady 45-47 miles per gallon on the highway and thats driving with traffic, around here 65 to 75 miles per hour. If the flow of traffic is around 55 to 65 miles per hour I can get 50-55 miles per gallon easy. Something is improving the mileage.

Yes, something is. Dropping your speed by 10 mph considerably reduces the rolling resistance, in particular, the air resistance. The hybrid system doesn't produce power; it scavenges it, and unless you put your foot on the brake, which by definition, isn't happening at a constant speed, then there's nothing to scavenge.

[sitetest]

Dear Cowman,

It's been tried around here, and sometimes folks get caught. Expensive ticket.


sitetest

[Modernman]

What if you took a normal car and stuck a couple of very realistic store mannequins in it and used the carpool lane anyway?

IIRC, in Virginia that can get you a fine of over $1000 and a suspended license.

[savedbygrace]

Or in Red states...trucks with mirror image stickers on the FRONT bumper that say "Run Hillary Run"

LOL.

[Auntie Mame]

My Prius gets 50-53 mpg consistently in the summer and 48-51 mpg in the winter.

Best part? Only having to stop at a gas station every two weeks or so.