MISSION ENVIRONMENT Take Action Now and Save the Environment

There has been a recent study creating buzz about how environmentally friendly the Toyota Prius really is. The study compares the Prius to a Hummer - and says the Hummer is better! Not only is this statement absurd, it is downright incorrect. Let’s examine this statement, the study, and the overall picture.

First of all, the most obvious thing that can be pointed out is that this study must be flawed. By looking at the actual report, which you can find here, CNW Research, you can immediately see that this website does not look like the most trust worthy source to begin with. Do I smell possible oil connections? Maybe, but I couldn’t find any significant proof.

Now lets look at the research arguments and figures. The study itself says that just considering mileage (MPG) is misleading because production, maintenance, and disposal of the vehicle itself should be considered as well when trying to make an environmentally friendly decision. I do believe in that statement, but I also believe the CNW Research grossly underestimates the gas consumption and emissions of vehicles in the equation, since those two factors have the most significant impact on the environment out of anything.

CNW Research also gave the Toyota Prius a 100,000 mile lifespan, while giving the Hummer a 250,000 mile lifespan. Their reasoning behind this is a combination of the lifespan of a Prius’ battery pack, which is 100,000 miles but is replaced rather easily and for a reasonable price, and that they estimate that Prius drivers drive less often then Hummer drivers. Because of a theoretically longer lifespan for Prius’ since they are driven less, the longer they last, the more the technology will change and therefor it will not be able to be serviced and must be replaced by a new car. It is true technology changes, but that does not mean we will not be able to keep a Prius on the road if it needs servicing. I would imagine that Toyota, which has a reputation for producing cars with longevity, would produce the Prius with the same quality standards.

Also, comparing the Prius to a Hummer is unfair to begin with. Not only are they two completely different types of automobiles, but the Prius is a baby compared to the Hummer. The Hummer was originally created for the military decades ago. As Hybrid technology and the Prius progress and become more mainstream, the manufacturing and disposal costs should be greatly reduced due to increased production.

Possibly the most important reason to purchase a Prius is not for the immediate environmental solutions, but for the long-term solutions. By purchasing a Prius, or any Hybrid for that matter, sends a message to the auto makers to let them know that there is a demand for hybrid technology and fuel efficient automobiles. This intrinsic value is also overlooked in this study.

So please, ignore this hype and buy a hybrid!