Hybrids and the auto media: Is there a bias?
I think the fact that the auto media constantly points out the fact that hybrid cars miss their EPA numbers demonstrates a very ignorant bias against hybrids. In reality, the EPA isn't accurate in predicting the fuel economy of ANY vehicles, yet this is only mentioned in a tiny percentage of articles regarding hybrid vehicles and MPG. In actuality, many conventional vehicles miss their EPA estimates by as much as 30 percent.
Why doesn't the media focus on that fact, especially in the wake of Katrina? U.S. automakers enjoy and benefit from the fact that the EPA is so far from reality. If the truth were told, the actual fuel INEFFICIENCY of many vehicles, especially large trucks and SUVs, would have forced many consumers to rethink their purchases years ago. Additionally it would have forced American automakers to begin to take fuel efficiency seriously.
Nonetheless, others claim hybrids are the darling of the media, but I just don't see it.
Why doesn't the media focus on that fact, especially in the wake of Katrina? U.S. automakers enjoy and benefit from the fact that the EPA is so far from reality. If the truth were told, the actual fuel INEFFICIENCY of many vehicles, especially large trucks and SUVs, would have forced many consumers to rethink their purchases years ago. Additionally it would have forced American automakers to begin to take fuel efficiency seriously.
Nonetheless, others claim hybrids are the darling of the media, but I just don't see it.
Labels: fuel efficiency, hybrid trucks, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
10:41 AM
2 Comments:
Hybrid this, hybrid that. Is there a bias? Obviously, diesel and/or biodiesel offer more at cheaper prices.
I don't mind hybrids, but other options offer more possibilities right now.
I disagree. Other options offer almost as much at cheaper prices.
In urban traffic, there isn't a diesel that compares with the Prius or the Ford Escape hybrid in either fuel efficiency or emissions.
Diesel has been around for more than 100 years and the best diesels only compare to the FIRST generation hybrids. Hybrid cars are an emerging technology and the best is yet to come.
More important, diesel hybrids and biodiesel hybrids offer far greater potential than just diesel.
Diesels are a good option right now - that is correct - but they offer limited upside in and of themselves.
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