I am starting a thread for some exotic, crazy, nice, ,futuristic ideas of how we can get more ecology out of the Prius... Let's go Wild! Here is something just to accelerate creativity:
I hope John From Australia doesn't mind me sharing these, but i think this is about the best you could do with a prius. The guy is a legend, and shows just what you can do if you really want to do something different and put your money where your mouth is.
One thing Toyota could do is to lengthen out the oil change interval. No reason that I can see not to have at least a 20,000 mile interval using synthetic. There's an active thread on this right now. Also, I don't really know how much recycled content exists on the car, but I assume there's plenty of room for more recycled interior components. Finally, it just might be possible to eliminate some of the electronic wiring; i.e. radio, nav, HVAC, other electronic options, by using WI-FI. I don't know how to do it but I think we have the technology without driving up the cost. This would have to eliminate a ton of copper wire, fittings, connectors, etc. JMO Okay, there you have 3 quick ideas that may not hold water, BUT it's a start to making a difference for the good.
Think twice, and maybe three times, about trying to use WiFi for anything critical in the car. External interference can be real; never mind somebody playing Malicious Cracker. There are schemes where there's a single high-speed bus that goes around to the various lights and electronics, along with power and ground. The idea is that lights, windshield washers, door sensors, etc. etc. are turned off or on or signal back via the time shared bus; the only other thing needed is power and ground. This can cut a ridiculous amount of wiring of wire from the car. KBeck
