The Car Czar - Sac Bee - Why Prius shouldn't be COY

The NiMH batteries are warranteed for 150,000 mi in California. When the plug-in hybrids arrive, vehicles will have a greater range in electric mode and even less of a need for extraordinary maintenance. Oil changes are every 5,000 mi and these are do-it-yourself.

The Prius is an AT-PZEV, requiring no smog checks. The Detroit Belchfire 1000s have been kicking and screaming on emissions and fuel economy for years. Why aren't hybrids a good choice? Because Detroit and fossil fuel company have not figured out how to control everything yet.

These are old inappropriate excuses that were discussed in detail by Daniel Berman and John O'Conner (1996). Who Owns the Sun? People, Politics and the Struggle for a Solar Economy. Chelsea Green (US$17.95).

The last thing utility giants and Detroit want to promote is the idea of communities becoming self-sufficient in terms of electricity, air quality and transportion. Heaven forbid that areas with some of the worst air quality and abundant sunshine might consider use of an AT-PZEV Prius vehicle and photovoltaics on homes, businesses and schools.