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HK October 23rd 07 04:23 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 
Ernest Scribbler wrote:
wrote
That's only 47k miles to break even. Most people these days with
decent maintenence can expect to get 4 or five times that, making it a
very good value.


That's not the break even point, that's the point at which the hybrid has
burned $5000 worth of gas. You've saved less than $2K at that point.

The point where you save the full $5000 worth of $3/gallon gas by burning it
at 28.2MPG instead of 20-22MPG comes somewhere in the 160-210,000 mile
range, according to my mad math skilz.

But as Chuck points out, it's not all about the math.



The Toyota 4Runner is a far better buy than that, excuse me, really ugly
Lexus. Also, the Lexus tow capacity is only 3500 pounds, about the same
as my Lambretta.

D-unit October 23rd 07 05:03 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 

"Chuck Gould" wrote in message ups.com...
On Oct 23, 6:39?am, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote:
"Chuck Gould" wrote in oglegroups.com...
On Oct 22, 11:29?am, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote:
"Chuck Gould"


Fuel economy is reputed to be about 25% better than gasoline-powered
trucks with equal towing capacity.


mmm hmmmm.


db


My personal experience with the 400H indicates that hybrid technology
can indeed improve gas mileage. Our 400H dramatically outperforms the
standard V6 equivalent (especially in acceleration), and with the trip
computer on for a variety of in town and highway driving last weekend
we realized a genuine 28.2 mpg. EPA fantasies aside, I think we would
have been lucky to get much more than about 20-22 mpg with the slower,
orthodox V6.


I'm not sure that the ECVT transmission is heavy duty enough for
extremely large loads, but for small trailer boats under 5-6,000
pounds
the hybrid might be a workable alternative. It would at least bear
looking into.


I like the technology and am excited to check out the vehicle but have heard
*some* complain thier prius' not living up to the (mpg) hype. Other's
are pushing the mpg envelope by altering their driving habits.

YMMV.

db- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Based on our experience with the 400H, I can attest that driving
habits and style make an enormous difference in the mileage realized
with a hybrid, just as they do with an orthodox gasoline car. My wife
gets about 3 mpg less than I do, and it's primarily because her style
reflects her "type A" personality. :-)


Funny how that works.

I used to drive a Chevy 2500HD as my daily driver. When gas hit $3.00/gal
a couple years ago, I went out and bought a used Honda civic just run around
in. I hardly ever take the Chevy out of the garage any more. The last time
I had it inspected the guy said "You know you drove less than 4000 miles
last year??" I only drive it now to pull the camper/boat.

I calculated it would take about 2.5 years in gas savings to pay for the Honda.
We're getting there...the gravy will come soon. That thing gets 35+ highway.


:-)

db



Reginald P. Smithers III October 23rd 07 05:13 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 
Chuck Gould wrote:


- Show quoted text -


Based on our experience with the 400H, I can attest that driving
habits and style make an enormous difference in the mileage realized
with a hybrid, just as they do with an orthodox gasoline car. My wife
gets about 3 mpg less than I do, and it's primarily because her style
reflects her "type A" personality. :-)


Chuck,
My concern has always been the life of the batteries. They are guessing
they are good for 100,000 and then it will cost $5000 to replace them,
which I would assume would have a major impact on their resale value.

Have you heard any new info about the life and cost to replace the
batteries?



Bill Kearney October 24th 07 02:25 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 
Everything I have read says the average driver will never recoup the extra
money spend on a hybrid in gasoline savings.


Wake up. It's not just about saving the money, it's also about BURNING LESS
FUEL.


Bill Kearney October 24th 07 02:26 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 
Where the hybrid pickup truck has some promise, IMO, is when it is
running empty or without a trailer. How many people settle for a 10-12
mpg pickup truck simply because they need to tow a boat or haul a load
of construction materials a dozen times every summer? Sure, the truck
may get only 6-8 mpg while towing, hybrid or not. But if during the 90-
some percent of the time most people operate without a trailer and are
running empty the truck can realize 16 mpg instead of 12 that
represents a significant savings. Multiply that by 20 or 30 million
vehicles and pretty soon we can tell the Arabian Oil Sheiks to shove
it. :-)


EXACTLY.


Canuck57 October 24th 07 03:26 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 

" JimH" ask wrote in message
...

"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Oct 22, 11:29?am, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote:
"Chuck Gould"

Fuel economy is reputed to be about 25% better than gasoline-powered
trucks with equal towing capacity.

mmm hmmmm.

db


My personal experience with the 400H indicates that hybrid technology
can indeed improve gas mileage. Our 400H dramatically outperforms the
standard V6 equivalent (especially in acceleration), and with the trip
computer on for a variety of in town and highway driving last weekend
we realized a genuine 28.2 mpg. EPA fantasies aside, I think we would
have been lucky to get much more than about 20-22 mpg with the slower,
orthodox V6.

I'm not sure that the ECVT transmission is heavy duty enough for
extremely large loads, but for small trailer boats under 5-6,000
pounds
the hybrid might be a workable alternative. It would at least bear
looking into.


Everything I have read says the average driver will never recoup the extra
money spend on a hybrid in gasoline savings.

It looks like your Lexus hybrid cost you about $5,000 more than the
comparable non hybrid Lexus. That works out to 1,667 gallons of gas @
$3/gallon just to break even.

Who knows how it pans out for the person doing a lot of towing.


You are also assuming they do not break down any more often than a typical
truck and no more expensive to repair. Heck, one major engine or
transmission job sure eats up the savings (if realized) real fast. I too
doubt any will save money.

Me, reliability, safety and suitability are far ahead of fuel mileage. The
last thing I want to do on vacation with the boat is drag my ass up the hill
or into a dealership for repairs. Or worse yet, in an underpowered rig flip
off the road. And a V6? They are kidding right? What are they pulling a
Jon?

Like you, I am quite content to let someone else test this for us.



HK October 24th 07 03:34 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 
Canuck57 wrote:
" JimH" ask wrote in message
...
"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Oct 22, 11:29?am, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote:
"Chuck Gould"

Fuel economy is reputed to be about 25% better than gasoline-powered
trucks with equal towing capacity.
mmm hmmmm.

db
My personal experience with the 400H indicates that hybrid technology
can indeed improve gas mileage. Our 400H dramatically outperforms the
standard V6 equivalent (especially in acceleration), and with the trip
computer on for a variety of in town and highway driving last weekend
we realized a genuine 28.2 mpg. EPA fantasies aside, I think we would
have been lucky to get much more than about 20-22 mpg with the slower,
orthodox V6.

I'm not sure that the ECVT transmission is heavy duty enough for
extremely large loads, but for small trailer boats under 5-6,000
pounds
the hybrid might be a workable alternative. It would at least bear
looking into.

Everything I have read says the average driver will never recoup the extra
money spend on a hybrid in gasoline savings.

It looks like your Lexus hybrid cost you about $5,000 more than the
comparable non hybrid Lexus. That works out to 1,667 gallons of gas @
$3/gallon just to break even.

Who knows how it pans out for the person doing a lot of towing.


You are also assuming they do not break down any more often than a typical
truck and no more expensive to repair. Heck, one major engine or
transmission job sure eats up the savings (if realized) real fast. I too
doubt any will save money.

Me, reliability, safety and suitability are far ahead of fuel mileage. The
last thing I want to do on vacation with the boat is drag my ass up the hill
or into a dealership for repairs. Or worse yet, in an underpowered rig flip
off the road. And a V6? They are kidding right? What are they pulling a
Jon?

Like you, I am quite content to let someone else test this for us.



Taste is subjective, but jeez, the 400H is one uggleee car. Has side
windows like one of those newfangled dockside cruisers.

Canuck57 October 24th 07 03:45 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 

"Bill Kearney" wkearney-99@hot-mail-com wrote in message
t...
Everything I have read says the average driver will never recoup the
extra
money spend on a hybrid in gasoline savings.


Wake up. It's not just about saving the money, it's also about BURNING
LESS
FUEL.


But that should come after safety and suitability.

I bet a F150 Lariat with all the towing options, 4x4 for the slippery ramps
etc. is a whole lot safer with a 2000 lb load than this hybrid is. Better
yet, F350 Diesel. And it isn't going to need new batteries just outside of
warranty. Nor will I crawl to 30mph up a hill obstructing others. Being
well powered for the load it is less likely to need expensive and complex
repairs. If it lasts longer, it is green in that not as many are needed to
be built. (Batteries are toxic inside).

I like recyclable steel. More steel than plastic inside is better "green"
vehicle. They tend to last longer too. Less cadmium, lithium and lead is
better.



Canuck57 October 24th 07 03:47 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 

"D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote in message
...

"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Oct 23, 6:39?am, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote:
"Chuck Gould" wrote in
oglegroups.com...
On Oct 22, 11:29?am, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote:
"Chuck Gould"

Fuel economy is reputed to be about 25% better than
gasoline-powered
trucks with equal towing capacity.

mmm hmmmm.

db

My personal experience with the 400H indicates that hybrid technology
can indeed improve gas mileage. Our 400H dramatically outperforms the
standard V6 equivalent (especially in acceleration), and with the
trip
computer on for a variety of in town and highway driving last weekend
we realized a genuine 28.2 mpg. EPA fantasies aside, I think we would
have been lucky to get much more than about 20-22 mpg with the
slower,
orthodox V6.

I'm not sure that the ECVT transmission is heavy duty enough for
extremely large loads, but for small trailer boats under 5-6,000
pounds
the hybrid might be a workable alternative. It would at least bear
looking into.

I like the technology and am excited to check out the vehicle but have
heard
*some* complain thier prius' not living up to the (mpg) hype. Other's
are pushing the mpg envelope by altering their driving habits.

YMMV.

db- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Based on our experience with the 400H, I can attest that driving
habits and style make an enormous difference in the mileage realized
with a hybrid, just as they do with an orthodox gasoline car. My wife
gets about 3 mpg less than I do, and it's primarily because her style
reflects her "type A" personality. :-)


Funny how that works.

I used to drive a Chevy 2500HD as my daily driver. When gas hit $3.00/gal
a couple years ago, I went out and bought a used Honda civic just run
around
in. I hardly ever take the Chevy out of the garage any more. The last
time
I had it inspected the guy said "You know you drove less than 4000 miles
last year??" I only drive it now to pull the camper/boat.

I calculated it would take about 2.5 years in gas savings to pay for the
Honda.
We're getting there...the gravy will come soon. That thing gets 35+
highway.


That is actually the smart way to go. One good fuel efficient for the every
day and a safe real truck to tow by.



Eisboch[_2_] October 24th 07 04:25 PM

GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
 
Not the cite I was looking for (can't remember where I read it) but this
one makes the same point:

"Green" technology autos actually cost more to manufacture and use more
total energy during the lifetime of the auto than traditional designs.


http://equityprivate.typepad.com/ep/...ng_below_.html

Quoting one paragraph:

"For many hybrid vehicles 25% to 30% of the life cycle energy
expenditure is consumed in raw material production and manufacture- this is
much higher than in non-hybrid vehicles. For foreign built cars this means
that emissions in the country of use (the United States, say) are not being
eliminated, but rather transferred to the country of manufacture. Next time
a hybrid driver looks smug feel free to remind them that they are likely
dumping their emissions into the second or third world. What kind of pig
subjugates the peoples of Mexico and endangers their health to look "green"
for their suburban neighbors and smirks about it? "


------------------------------------------------
Eisboch



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