PROJECT GREEN Toyota’s Green Problem Despite the Prius, environmentalists are turning on the carmaker for opposing new gas-mileage laws. By Keith Naughton | NEWSWEEK Nov 19, 2007 Issue When Toyota introduced its Prius hybrid car in America seven years ago, Detroit laughed it off. With gas prices at $1.50 a gallon, they argued, no one would buy it. But Dan Becker embraced the little mileage miser. Then head of the Sierra Club's global-warming project, Becker invented an award to give Toyota: the Sierra Club Award for Excellence in Environmental Design. Then he took the Prius on a 50-city promotional tour. Finally, Becker paid Toyota the ultimate compliment; he bought a Prius. Today, Becker is still driving the car, but he's no longer praising Toyota. Instead, he now calls the automaker a "hypocrite" for siding with Detroit in opposition to tougher new gas-mileage laws. "It's embarrassing to have applauded Toyota for the Prius," says Becker, "and now to see them acting so irresponsibly." Full Article
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rancid13 @ Nov 14 2007, 03:10 PM) [snapback]539594[/snapback]</div> Many comments in the discuss section were very incorrect. Somebody, stated that the lawnmower named Prius got 36 MPG. I added a link to GreenHybrid.com for them to see real world numbers. Unfortunately, Toyota is in business to sell vehicles and US consumers seem to want heart throbbing accelleration or a huge truck over mileage.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ibcs @ Nov 15 2007, 07:19 AM) [snapback]539645[/snapback]</div> http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/05/19/au...ur-endurance-t/ "Hino launched the hybrid truck at the show and has already made its first delivery of two vehicles to Australia Post (Oz's postal service)."
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rval @ Nov 16 2007, 07:29 AM) [snapback]540468[/snapback]</div> So Toyota managed to make a mild-hybrid truck... been there, seen that. Looks like HSD really can't do any sort of real towing.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Nov 16 2007, 10:47 PM) [snapback]540474[/snapback]</div> Note, it's a Hybrid Diesel... Diesel engine technology was deemed to be a competitor against hybrids (by some Euro originated groups). Anyway, it's already been replaced with Dutro Hybrid 2.0 (refer to the link below). http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/01/hino_to_roll_ou.html Factor in torque values between electric and diesel engines, not just kilowatts. Like the Prius, conversional engine takes over at a given speed. For Dutro Hybrid 1.0; http://fleetowner.com/equipment/nutsbolts/..._hybrid_headed/ "The electrical power is then used to augment the diesel on startup, as well as during cruising" <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Nov 16 2007, 10:47 PM) [snapback]540474[/snapback]</div> In the current Prius 2.0, the petrol engine take over at higher speeds. HSD only means two engines/power sources(1). A 1.5L engine is hardly built with “useful†towing in mind. The other +3.0L engine hybrid from Toyota would be Lexus 400H or 600H. Panasonic EV is producing drive batteries for high selling hybrids for both Honda and Toyota. 1. http://www.motorpoint.com.au/lexusrx400h.asp "Future Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drives hold the potential to operate even more efficiently using new types of batteries and fuels. According to Fujio Cho, President of Toyota Motor Corporation " Toyota's Hybrid System will make up the heart of our hydrogen fuel cell program of tomorrow".
