Quote:
Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr
Considering the energy spent in mining for rare earths used in electric motors, and either Nickel or Lithium to the batteries, then the logistics, both the energy balance and the pollution footprint from a battery pack is often pointed out to be even higher than the footprint of a Hummer H2 in a 20-year life cycle, even after the energy required to refine petroleum and to transport the gasoline is taken into account. Sure it sounds weird and over-exagerated, but if we could consider something with an engine smaller and lighter (thus requiring less raw materials) than the Hummer's V8 I'd still rather get an old Mercedes-Benz MB 180 D with the die-hard OM616 engine rated at 79hp instead of a brand-new Prius.
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Man that stupid, baseless hit-piece on the Prius was an absolute goldmine of brainwashing power. It's STILL being rattled around the internet anywhere there's a public forum or comments section. This in spite of the thorough and repeated debunking of pretty much every claim in it.
Is it possible that a Hummer's better for the environment than a Prius is? - Slate Magazine
AskPablo: Time to get a new car?
The upshot summary:
Quote:
The energy required to manufacture the vehicles is:
Hummer H2: 200.717 mmBTU
Toyota Prius: 113.322 mmBTU
...snip
The gallons used during a 160,000 mile lifespan and the energy contained therein is:
Hummer H2: 13,913 gallons, 1579.13 mmBTU
Toyota Prius: 2,883 gallons, 327.207 mmBTU
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The Hummer even takes more nickel to make than the Prius because it requires so much more steel, which contains nickel as an alloying agent to improve tensile strength.
Do the world a favor and never mention that stupid, incorrect article again.