Featured Prius hybrid tailpipe emissions

Source: Green Car Congress: Rome study finds Prius hybrids have zero tailpipe emissions for 74.2% of commuting journey time

A study from the University of Rome commissioned by Toyota Motor Italy has found that the new, fourth-generation Prius hybrid operates with zero emissions for most of the time and distance covered on a typical city commute in Rome.

Data gathered from more than 2,200 km (1,367 miles) of driving on a typical Rome commuting journey revealed that the test Prius cars spent an average 73.2% of the journey time (62.5% of the journey distance) producing no tailpipe emissions. These figures included periods when the car was stationary, with the engine automatically switched off.
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The study project used a team of 20 drivers, evenly divided between men and women in age groups up to and over 35. There was an equal balance between those who had driven a hybrid car before, and those with no experience. Each participant drove the same 37 km (23-mile) route across Rome and back, at three different times of day—morning, afternoon and evening—using a standard Prius Style model on 17-inch wheels. For each journey the Eco drive mode was selected and the air conditioning was switched off; speed limits were observed at all times.​

Bob Wilson

 

I wonder if some of our EU members might have read about this report?

Given 'speed limits were observed', how many times did the tires smell of urine? ... even after the lady drivers? Or toe-shaped dents in doors.

Bob Wilson