While I appreciate your comments, I do not appreciate your tone.

While I certainly respect the opinions of other blogs, I do not think that your citations actually say much with authority. The only academic link you provided is from a story written by a sensational journalist that has been completely discredited.

This image, comparing the well to wheel impact of different vehicle types, however, is from MIT. Feel free to check out the technical paper from the SAE, one of the most respected auto research organizations that exist:

I am not opposed to the discussion, as there are valid issues with any production and disposal of a vehicle. For example, hydrogen sucks in terms of life cycle. However, hybrids do not. I will once again challenge you to find an academic study and not personal opinion. While I realize I write personal opinions, I can back them up with facts. If you find a personal opinion that you think is worthy, evaluate the sources and cite them.

Thanks again.

This was all with a minimal amount of searching….but I realize that most people don’t actually want to research what they’re posting about….happy blogging.

http://geekswithblogs.net/gaijin42/archive/2006/07/11/are_hybrids_really_green_true_cost_hybrid_TCO_utility_society_break_even.aspx

The overall cost and damage to the environment from one hybrid more than makes up the total of just driving a grocery-getter SUV and REALLY doesn’t warrant switching from anything that yields 25 or more mpg.

This gave us a great idea.

Just how far is it possible to travel on a single tank of gas in the new Ford Fusion Hybrid? A team of Ford engineers is going to find out when they take the car to Washington, D.C. and drive it from full to empty.

And while they do that, we’re asking for your help to raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). We will make it worth your while, too!

Take a moment and log on to (www.jdrf.org/fordfusionhybridchallenge). There, you will find a simple form where you can enter in your guess as to how many miles the team will travel on a single tank of gas. The contest runs thourgh April 24. To help you out, here are a few fun facts.

The Fusion Hybrid fuel tank holds 17.5 gallons
The EPA city rating is 41mpg
Our team has been in training and has already beaten these EPA numbers on a regular basis and by a significant margin
The driving team will be using their eco-driving skills to get the very best fuel economy possible
The person who gets closest to the final verified mileage (to the nearest single decimal point) will be given the opportunity to drive their own Fusion Hybrid or Milan Hybrid for two weeks, with a $50 gas card provided by our partners at BP. In addition, the second place winner will receive a $300 gas card from BP, and the third place winner to receive a BP gas card for $200.

To support JDRF, any donation amount is appreciated — it is recommended that it be $1 or more — to be made with your entry. You can place as many guesses as you like. These dollars add up and all go to help find a cure for diabetes.

So, get your calculators out and work out what you think this remarkable Fusion Hybrid is capable of and wish the team all the best for their ’smart driving’ initiative in Washington.

Thank you for your support.

Edsel Ford