[SGVLUG] [OT]Hybrids and trains (was fuel prices and the dollar)

[Christopher Smith]

I blogged about this phenomena a fair while back:

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-NGG_XKMyebVXpbF6EpCU?p=193

That said, oil production levels aren't growing too quickly these days, 
so energy conservation measures (particularly significant ones, like 
driving less and/or driving more fuel efficient vehicles) really are the 
most effective way for us to alter the supply/demand situation in the 
short term. In the long term, you need some other source of energy (see:
http://google.org/rec.html) to become more cost effective than 
petrochemicals to really have a lasting impact.

--Chris

Dan Borne wrote:
> I would be willing to bet that that is so (especially in Los Angeles) 
> but I mean does converting ever car into a hybrid really do much in 
> terms of energy savings? I would be willing to bet that in a sort time 
> the energy consumption of the world would soon reach pre-hybrid levels.
>
>
>
> 2008/5/14 Rae Yip <rae.yip at gmail.com <mailto:rae.yip at gmail.com>>:
>
>     Don't forget regenerative braking; this is a big win for hybrid and
>     electric vehicles because it saves wear and tear on the brake pads as
>     well as improving mileage.
>
>     So even if the Prius loses 1/3 of the energy it stores in the
>     batteries, much of that energy would simply have been discarded in a
>     regular car - 100% loss!
>
>     Naturally, you don't something for nothing. As people have said,
>     there's added weight. But I doubt the auto makers would add a
>     component that wasn't a net gain, and the real world data bears it
>     out.
>
>     In stop-and-go traffic (is there any other sort in LA?), I'm fairly
>     certain hybrid vehicles are more efficient, no matter how well you
>     follow your car's fuel consumption map.
>
>     -Rae.
>
>