Difference between revisions of "Toyota Prius"
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The '''Toyota Prius''' is a [[hybrid electric vehicle]] made in Japan. It is very popular with homosexuals, celebrities and environmentalists concerned about their public image. One reason the Prius sells more than other hybrids is because it looks different, and people recognize it as a hybrid. Some other reasons given for Prius ownership are: owners wanting to make a statement about themselves, concern over foreign oil dependence, and [[global warming]].<ref name="Prius">[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/04/business/worldbusiness/04iht-hybrid.4.6491389.html Toyota's hybrid car more than a mixed success] Maynard, Micheline, July 4, 2007, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | The '''Toyota Prius''' is a [[hybrid electric vehicle]] made in Japan. It is very popular with homosexuals, celebrities and environmentalists concerned about their public image. One reason the Prius sells more than other hybrids is because it looks different, and people recognize it as a hybrid. Some other reasons given for Prius ownership are: owners wanting to make a statement about themselves, concern over foreign oil dependence, and [[global warming]].<ref name="Prius">[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/04/business/worldbusiness/04iht-hybrid.4.6491389.html Toyota's hybrid car more than a mixed success] Maynard, Micheline, July 4, 2007, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | ||
| − | + | While some studies have shown it takes more energy to build a Prius than a Hummer, there are other studies that question those findings.<ref>[http://www.thecarconnection.com/tips-article/1010861_prius-versus-hummer-exploding-the-myth Prius Versus HUMMER: Exploding the Myth] Thecarconnection.com, Halvorson, Bengt, April 16, 20007</ref> The car is underpowered, expensive and emits electromagnetic radiation which can cause cancer. | |
Buyers of hybrid cars were initially given a federal tax break, but these ended on December 31, 2010.<ref>[http://www.hybridcars.com/federal-incentives.html Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory] Hybridcars.com, retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | Buyers of hybrid cars were initially given a federal tax break, but these ended on December 31, 2010.<ref>[http://www.hybridcars.com/federal-incentives.html Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory] Hybridcars.com, retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> | ||
Revision as of 21:36, August 20, 2011
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle made in Japan. It is very popular with homosexuals, celebrities and environmentalists concerned about their public image. One reason the Prius sells more than other hybrids is because it looks different, and people recognize it as a hybrid. Some other reasons given for Prius ownership are: owners wanting to make a statement about themselves, concern over foreign oil dependence, and global warming.[1]
While some studies have shown it takes more energy to build a Prius than a Hummer, there are other studies that question those findings.[2] The car is underpowered, expensive and emits electromagnetic radiation which can cause cancer.
Buyers of hybrid cars were initially given a federal tax break, but these ended on December 31, 2010.[3]
How it works
The Prius actually has two engines: a 76 HP, 1.5 liter four-cylander, gas-powered engine, and a battery-powered 67 HP motor. The electric motor gets the car going up to about 30 mph then the gas engine takes over. The battery is charged whenever the vehicle slows down. Toyota markets this complicated system as "Synergy Drive."
The system is designed to game the EPA fuel economy tests and produce very high mileage ratings. These numbers are impossible to obtain in real world driving. In actuality, the Prius gets mileage similar to any small car, but costs quite a bit more.
References
- ↑ Toyota's hybrid car more than a mixed success Maynard, Micheline, July 4, 2007, The New York Times, retrieved August 20, 2011
- ↑ Prius Versus HUMMER: Exploding the Myth Thecarconnection.com, Halvorson, Bengt, April 16, 20007
- ↑ Hybrid Car Tax Credits: Incentives Fade into Memory Hybridcars.com, retrieved August 20, 2011