[ausev] A Quandary

[Rush]

Agree 100% with the Insight numbers and pleasure in driving it.

And after the motor and battery pack go, or even before they go - do what 
Otmar did - convert it.
http://www.cafeelectric.com/insight/Conversion/Page1.html

Rush
Tucson, AZ
2000 Insight, 66.7lmpg, #4965
www.ironandwood.org
www.Airphibian.com
www.TEVA2.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dustin" <ullearn at gmail.com>
To: "AustinEV News Announcements and General Discussion" 
<ausev at austinev.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:15 PM
Subject: Re: [ausev] A Quandary


> Agreed if your are willing to except a hybrid, the Prius is a good choice
> because of it's upgrade path to a PHEV and it's size.
>
> Though if you are just going to keep it a hybrid and you can deal with a
> small 2 seater then I would recommend the Honda Insight (2000 - 2006).  I
> purchased a 2002 used several years ago and still very happy with my
> decision.  Don't be fooled by EPA #'s, no car reaches theirs.  Though the
> insight is the best from the factory with around 45mpg real world driving 
> in
> the city (better if your willing to follow all the gas mileage tips) and 
> 60+
> mpg on the highway.  These are the numbers I consistently get in mine and
> even with my somewhat lead foot.  My lifetime gas mileage is around 55 mpg
> (city/hwy combined) with 75k miles on the odometer.
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Chris Robison" <chris at chrisrobison.org>
> To: "AustinEV News Announcements and General Discussion"
> <ausev at austinev.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 12:04 AM
> Subject: Re: [ausev] A Quandary
>
>
>> Charlesvsi at aol.com wrote:
>>
>>>  If you want to change soon, However, I suggest a Honda Civic Hybrid  or
>>> Toyota Prius, These are available new or even on the used car market, 
>>> are
>>> dealer
>>> maintained, and  According to Consumer Reports ( and our experience 
>>> with
>>> a
>>> Honda Civic Hybrid) very reliable and cost effective. They get 36 to 45
>>> mpg in
>>> mixed driving which is a great savings available immediately.
>>
>> If you decide to go with a Prius (and potentially in the future, the
>> other vehicles on the market that are based on its drive system, e.g.
>> the Ford Escape, etc) then you will have the option of converting to a
>> "plug-in hybrid" (PHEV).
>>
>> The benefit is that you will have the ability to actually use power from
>> the grid (or from a solar/wind system at home) to drive, which of course
>> is not possible in a normal hybrid. This makes it effectively an
>> electric car for a certain distance, beyond which it reverts to normal
>> (and still highly efficient) hybrid gas/electric behavior. There are
>> limits imposed by the mechanical design of the Prius drivetrain (the
>> engine has to turn on above 34mph), but it's a huge step in the right
>> direction.
>>
>>   --chris
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> AusEV at austinev.org
>> http://www.austinev.org/mailman/listinfo/ausev
>
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