Hybrid Drive is no different than Fuel Injection

I remember our '76 Honda Civic wagon. It had a choke that you had to pull out to start the car (even in mild San Diego!), and you had to remember to push it back in after you'd been on the road a little bit. Of course, there were the times when you'd forget to do that, and you'd get back home with the choke still out! I think our '85 Civic wagon (which replaced it) didn't have FI, but at least the choke was gone by that time. It was soooooo nice when we got the '91 Camry and didn't have to pump the gas pedal anymore! Upgrading to the Prius in 2004 was a huge leap in technology, so now I'm spoiled!

 

All this automotive complexity, and it doesn't get me around town any faster than a bicycle. :blink:

 

Interesting thread - I enjoy my Prius a lot but would not have the first idea what to do if it stopped working. I also own a 1972 Triumph GT6 convertible which has a straight six with twin SU carbs. This did break down one time and my friend and I were able to jury rig it so we could get home using some silver paper, a lolly pop stick and some sticky tape. Even I can completely strip the fuel or ignition system and then put it back together so it works! Simplicity does have some benefits! It is however probably not much faster than the Prius and does about 20 imperial mpg! Biggest advance in my time has been good brakes! Stopping quickly and reliably and in a straight line is quite a bonus!