[FSU_Noles]

Just a quick survey...

If you were in the market for a fuel efficient car would you choose to go with Displacement on Demand or Hybrid technology. The actual make and model of the car do not matter -- only the technology.

 

[SilverCTS]

Hybrids are not for me.

First of all, it could take as much as 6 years before they pay for themselves. For example, the Honda Accord Hybrid costs $3000 more than a fully equipped non Hybrid Accord. It will take about 6 years to recover that $3000 (even if gas prices go crazy again).

This assumes you save $10 a week on gas which comes out to about $520 per year. Pretty good on the surface, but at $520 per year, it will take 5.7 years to get a return of $3000.

That is a problem for someone like me (new car every 3 years).

Plus, I'm just not sold on them yet...

 

[SilverCTS]

Disregard my previous post. Tax incentives help pay for Hybrids to a degree.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml

But they're still not for me.

 

[Spyder]

If it was JUST economy I was worried about, it'd be a hybrid, but if I wanted some performance, I'd go with DOD...in which case, I'm voting for DOD, because I refuse to give up performance for a few mpg.

 

[Playdrv4me]

If it was JUST economy I was worried about, it'd be a hybrid, but if I wanted some performance, I'd go with DOD...in which case, I'm voting for DOD, because I refuse to give up performance for a few mpg.

I dunno... youd be surprised with what Toyota is doing with Hybrid performance...

Still I voted for DOD ****IF IT WORKS PROPERLY**** as a better alternative for now. (I originally mistakenly voted for Hybrid, but I fixed it.)

 

[ben72227]

Where's the option for GM's (never gonna get here) fuel cells:lildevil:?

 

[FSU_Noles]

Where's the option for GM's (never gonna get here) fuel cells:lildevil:?

Since fuel cells are not publically available yet I left them off...

 

[1enthusiast]

If it was JUST economy I was worried about, it'd be a hybrid, but if I wanted some performance, I'd go with DOD...in which case, I'm voting for DOD, because I refuse to give up performance for a few mpg.

The Hybrid Accord has 255 hp, while it's non-hybrid counterpart has 244.

The 16 hp electric motor with integrated motor assist really does make a difference.

 

[AsAkAs]

DoD has more potential in performance oriented applications like V8's running on 4cyl. Whereas most hybrid systems (and current applications) don't have performance in mind. Not in my mind anyway

 

[[email protected]]

DoD.

I don't want to spend £5,000 on batteries in 5 years time.

 

[powerglide]

Hybrid.
Have you driven a DOD and Hybrid?

Also, the cost of gas savings is offest by 2000 tax deductible (will become tax credit in Jan 06) and certain hybrids let you drive the carpool lane........but I suppose all this is not really the point of this thread so...**steps off the high horse**

 

[powerglide]

DoD.

I don't want to spend £5,000 on batteries in 5 years time.

Honda's is 8 years warranty so unless you keep it for that long I think you're oin the clear. (plus extened warranties IF purchased at new isn't alot of dough)

 

[Kev]

If it's merely fuel efficiency I'd be a rebel and go with a motorcycle! :cycle:

 

[Night Wolf]

DoD all the way.

 

[nightowle]

considering the batteries have to be replaced at a large expense. i vote DOD.

 

[Playdrv4me]

Mark my words... batteries *WILL* be an issue that were gonna start seeing with Hybrids within 3 years time. Used ones will begin coming on the market with overcharged/defective battery packs etc. I want to give Hybrid technology a few years to work out battery issues and move to Lithium Ion and LiPolymer technology before getting anywhere close to it.

Hell, the laptop Im typing on HAS a lithium ion battery and the thing fried within a couple of months, the owner never had it replaced.

 

[Night Wolf]

yup, Toyota only warrantee's the batteries for like 5 years?

can't exactly buy these things at Radio Shack either.

Hybrids are only a stepping stone in the world of things... DoD uses a great concept, one that was great over 25 years ago, but only now has the technology to back up the concept.

It just makes more sense.

One system you get better mileage in stop and go traffic, the other greatly improves highway mileage... so a direct comparison isn't the best... it is more of a matter of... where do you spend most of your time driving?

 

[powerglide]

yup, Toyota only warrantee's the batteries for like 5 years?

Nope, Honda and Toyota back up their hybrid components including batteries for 8 years.

Hybrid-Related Component Coverage: Prius' hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV battery may have longer coverage under emissions warranty. Refer to applicable Owner's Warranty Information booklet for details.

Plenty long enough for me. If I was buying Hybrids I would buy new only for now. Playdrvs right, batteries have limited charge/recharge cycles.

 

[Jesda]

Expense of disposal.
Expense of manufacturing.
Weight.

DoD wins, for now.