Why not have enclosed bicycle paths around cities? That would be far more efficient for future energy usage than minor improvements in cars. maybe the car itself is a problem, maybe you don't want to hear that.
@SonicTheFrenchFrog I've read your comments both here and on my other vids and would say we are in agreement. However I think the Prius has played a very important role in the journey away from drill and burn fuel. Around 80% of the customers who have ordered the Nissan Leaf (27,000 in USA alone) 80% of them have or do own a Prius. The Prius was an introduction to the idea that an electric car was a real possibility. That said, the Tesla is legendary and tipped the balance no question.
Hey Rob, What car of similar size can the prius go 3 or 4 times the distance with the same amount of petrol? Double yes but not 3 or 4. Take a focus 1.8, It's combined mpg is about 40, Even with your extreme example of 80 mpg for the prius it's not 3 or 4 times. I agree we need green solutions to stuff and I'am a liberal minded person. But I'am a petrol head, not because it makes me feel like a big bad man. I just enjoy track days and motorsport and speed. I don't see whats wrong with that...
Great video Robert. I really enjoy the balanced and humorous tone to it. There was however one fact you got wrong here and in another video. The Prius wasn't developed in response to the electric car program in California. Exclusion from the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) prompted Toyota to develop it. The best part from GM "It [PNGV] was never designed to result in a production vehicle." Guess Toyota didn't get the memo.
While I also prefer WLW, I did sample this for a mash up for which I'll be posting a video shortly (unless bobbyllew tells me not to of course...unless I've already posted it by then in which case I'll take it down). Don't want to give too much away but I'll say that bobbyllew plays the part of "a man from the motor trade".
@writersForumUK. Don't be such a sour puss... Robs a great human being, I love his video's and I'd buy him a beer, if he ever makes his way to Hong Kong. Cook me up a kipper, skipper lol Bobby llew rocks :).
In light of what has happened in the Gulf of Mexico over the last two weeks, your "dig" at the destruction of the environment by our use of oil seems vastly understated. If you have the time, mayhaps you could do a Wet Liberal Whenever about the disaster?
Why is it that a Prius does not have to pay any road tax but a motorcycle does. A 125cc motorcycle is more economical than a Prius and due to it being much lighter will not damage the road surface to the extent that a Prius will. Its ridiculous
@CORNABY242 And how many people can you pile on top of a 125cc motorbike. You cannot compare cars to motorcycles. The are not in the same category simple as that. But yes it gets far more mileage but because it has no vehicle emission control like all cars have today, a bike, actually a bike without the emission control standard whatever will cause the same damage as 3 cars.
@toyotaprius79 Which one chokes up the inner cities more causing tailbacks and wasted fuel? The car. Which one will cause more damage to the road surface due to its weight, causing potholes which may not cause you much inconvenience in your car but is horrific you are on a motorcycle. And you may be able to carry 5 people in a prius but how often do you see a car with 5 people in it, more often than not a car usually has only one or two people on board.
@toyotaprius79 And also which one causes more pollution in the production of the vehicle, you have to consider the payback in fuel mileage for the added pollution in production. Which one uses more fuel in transport after production? You can fit far more bikes in the back of a truck or in a boat than you can cars. I dont think you have considered these factors when you spent the best part of £20,000 on your Car
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CO2 is NOT pollution, CO2 is NOT harmful to the environment.
I know this is an inconvenient truth, but the CO2 debacle is just a psychopathic manipulation to get people to submit to what is basically a life tax and to become some sort of neoserfs.
I drive a 308SW diesel, it gets similar mileage to the prius, is bigger, seats 7 and is probably cheaper to buy. But I want full electric too.
okay so im now sold on the concept, it's only a shame they look so functional and not so sporty. Now if they could get one to at least appear more "fun", for lack of a better word. But keep it up Robert, you will get an audience for this one, cheers.
I've never liked Prius' that much in the past (probably since I've brainwashed by that irrational twatface Clarkson like everyone else). Changed my mind about them now, but I still wouldn't have one... you'll still get some vindictive assholes coming up to you and spewing forth garbage (like some of the previous comments) I couldn't give a toss about. Those ships are going to transport stuff no matter what... so I'd rather they transported Prius' than, say, Land Rovers.
I have to admit I hate the Prius. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because I'm being told I will have to buy an electric car, and I will not be told what car to buy.
I enjoy driving my manual petrol powered car, achieving 30mpg, paying £190 for road tax. That's really not a lot of money, it would be financial suicide for me to switch cars to save on tax.
I'm going to keep paying a premium to drive something I enjoy driving long past the time it becomes cheaper to go electric. :-P
I would love to have a Prius but sadly I can't afford it, this is the case with most of the population so people will stick to cheaper to purchase unleaded or diesel cars.
Just look at where all the bits for the Prius are made, like the batteries are shipped all around the world just to be made into a battery, on big boats!
95% of the drivers I have seen driving a Prius are blind to these facts, and will point blank ignore that, in the long term they are no more economical than a normal car. Also my car does 16mpg, puts out over 300kg/pm whatever it is, cost £185 to tax, and takes the up the slack for at least 3 Priuses on the road.
Poor paintwork, ruined after that wasy. Anyways, the reasons why I dont like the Prius, are simple, its marketed in a way that makes people think they are saving the world by driving one, therefore making them better then everyone else for doing so, however they use thousands of tonnes more in fuel getting built, components are made all over the world, then shipped around the world.
Disposal costs are even more for a prius than normal
Excellent, entertaining and informative review. I intend to replace my W169 Mercedes A170 with on of these next year. As a company car driver, the saving in benefit in kind taxation based on emissions is too good to pass up - I'm surprised this isn't talked up more as one of the best aspects of the Prius.
Robert !! I just heard that there will be no follow up red dwarf as there is no funding!!? Surley there must be thousands of rich tycoon red dwarf fans out there who would chip in! i loved the last series so much! it was awesome "Holiday !! Celebrate!!! " hahaha, after going abroad to a supply cupboard on G deck! , lol :P classic!
I think the new Prius has done something that few other cars have been able to pull off - still be desirable in white. And it IS desirable; my best friend is (similarly to Bobbyllew) a reformed petrol head and he's completely bonkers over this latest incarnation. Me, I've always like electric drive systems...
This has made me start to look more longingly at the Toyota Prius... and less towards yet another Diesel Jetta... which I do LOVE... but I also love my lungs.. and my kids and their future.
Interesting idea, and the talk was certainly informative. I did watch all of it. However, since video is an audioVISUAL medium, it feels a bit strange to be watching where the video is so disjointed from the audio. The only thing that really connects the two is the car itself, so I'm not really compelled to watch as I listen. cont.
What makes Top Gear work for me is the humor and the dynamic visuals - which are directly linked with what's being talked about. I'm not in any way a petrol head, and it's obvious that much of Top Gear is downright clownery, but I do like me a bit of Top Gear.
They have fantastic cinematographers and photographers at work in their production, and the presentation of their material is extremely well thought-out. cont.
I think that if you manage to do something that is visually interesting and that goes together with the audio, I think something along the lines of CarWash could work, but it would need a full-on effort.
Part of the "Top Gear Idea" is also the sensuality of the presentation of cars without babes. There's room for thinking in there, too. Carwash as it is could even work if you apply dynamic photography and sensuality to the video. That's all I have. :)
Very creative. For those who think this is boring, remember that WLW is essentially a 'talking head'. Contrast vs. Top Gear is quite funny (e.g. no trips around a landing field), yet both are used to comment on a product.
Sorry, I prefer WLW to this....it's, well it's boring.
There really wasn't much in this that would make me come back and watch the channel again. Unlike your previous YT shows this doesn't have entertainment value....Sorry!
As my dear old mother always said, 'you can't please all the people all the time.' I think you could be right, I was surprised by the number of people who found it entertaining and informative. Don't worry, I will be doing more Wet Liberal Whenever shows soon
After some more time to consider this I agree that the IDEA of an 'anti' TG review would be great....I just don't think that 'car wash is the answer. I also have trouble seeing a long future for such a show.
I must also admit that whilst it was informative, I have a personal aversion to the Prius because it seems to be part of the problem not the solution (I may well be wrong, but it is an opinion).
I know I am going to get thumbed down for this, but I have to say it. I know all liberals have good intentions at heart, and I agree with you in some cases. But please please please stop forcing me to think the way you think. The only way liberals can enforce their ideals is with force. By electing a government which will force everyone to fund their solutions. You will tax me in order to finance your ideas, and throw me in jail if I do not comply. Ask me, dont tell me.
I was trying to make a more fundamental point about the process of democracy. How the ideas shared amongst like minded individuals are forced upon me via the ballot box. Such as the fact I am forced to fund environmental solutions which do nothing to help the environment. Thanks for calling me a twat also, made me really reconsider my previous post. But if you didnt like my comment, you didnt have to read it or reply, you twat.
Also, you aint that bad on drums, Ive been playing for past 12 years and I wasnt that good after 6 months. Bring your hi-hat in closer to your snare, its all about the conservation of momentum. Lets you move faster around the kit, especially when doing a few fills.
You could have helped the environment even more by buying a second hand car. More efficient than manufacturing an entirely new vehicle just to get an extra 20mpg or what not.
Why not just be a real man and buy a motorbike! Electric versions are great or ,like me, you could buy a suzuki 125. I recently done 150 miles for £6 and that was over 3 weeks, stopping starting etc.
Yet another great video. Im also a big fan of Top Gear but definately see we need to start shifting to electric cars, especially for all the commuter traffic who's only reason to drive is to get from A to B, not people who see cars as a work of art. An electric Dodge Challenger would seem a bit weird.
Oh and btw heres a small tip, wash youre wheels last, all the crap from the rims gets caught in the cloth and will cause tiny scoring in youre nice paint.
As I've said elsewhere, this is not shameless self-promotion, but I work for Toyota so can comment on things like safety.
I can't link to the blog post here but if you search for 'New Prius gets full marks for safety', you'll find it. It outlines how the Prius did in crash tests (impressively, as it turns out). Prius haters: you should check it out, too - you'll love the video of it getting smashed up...
If that doesn't prove anything, the fact that Bobby lived to wash a new one surely does.
Good show , I have a first generation model with 135,000 miles gets 44-48 mpg. Great automobile , When the economy pickes up I ll be looking for the newest model.
I have to agree, you appearing on Top Gear would be interesting. As much as I love it, it'd be brilliant to see you own Clarkson in an argument about hybrid cards.
You've also convinced me that I want a Prius... I just have to learn to drive, go to uni, earn some money...
I'd like to see Jeremy Clarkson on CarPool, or you on TopGear, or you both on a Newsnight discussion sometime, just to watch you 2 have a chat, see what happens.
I really think you need to watch 'Smug Alert!' (Episode 141 of South Park). It might help you understand one of the downsides of hybrids.
Oh wait Rob's already got the whole broken record aspect down pat. I know you like hybrids but really this is getting dull - you are going to alienate people.
I have heard the 'smug' accusation many times, an accusation I haven't heard is the "head in the sand overly confident jutting chinned denier," less pithy but far more common. Like the bloke I was just driving behind in a 5.7 litre Jeep Cherokee. A new one! What kind of insanely selfish, ignorant twerp do you have to be to see one of those and say, 'Yeah, I want that one.' Plenty wrong with hybrids and their drivers, but not as much as is wrong with straight internal combustion cars and theirs.
And how many Aston Martins did they sell last year? I'll tell you, about 2% of their output. There's a big pile of them in an airfield up the road. Lovely looking cars, but no innovation, no attempt at using alternatives to fossil fuel, a dinosaur car sadly. They could have done something in the last 5 years but no, stick with the old ideas they've been using for 100 years. I ask you, pistons, con rods, valves, crank shafts, steam age technology, wasteful, belongs in a museum. IMHO
Bob must say not a massive prius fan because of the people that buy them, the car itself is a good idea though and this video was fantastic, i just wish the car was cheaper and i would be very interested in one!... again good video, very impressed with this one!
Who are the people who buy them. I've never been able to narrow it down. I know a billionaire with one, a trendy film producer, a make up artist, a banker and a gardener. Is it that we've been told by motoring media that it's dull middle aged men in grey slip on shoes. Wh is it who buys the damn things? Seriously, I want to know.
Thanks for the reply Bob, I am unfortunately a fan of Top Gear which has produced the image of Prius drivers as fat americans tryin to make a point, however your points really help equal me out a little.
Been thinking more and more about it since seeing this video and if the new model was cheaper i would buy one ignoring the opinions of others but 18k for the basic is hurtful on the bank balance :-( a 5k Ford Focus is on the cards soon i think.
Rob have you been on topgear "star in a bag of shit car"?? If not id love to see you on it.Ive invented a form of transport that costs 9 months to produce,roughly 16 years till its able to perform at reasonable speed and needs lots of cleaning,I call it walking.Its the new black apperently and is catching on.I do a stripped down walking coarse available to you only for £3000.grab it now and learn the art of walking.
I suppose it depends what you want to be seen driving. The Prius probably looks good enough for its intended market. The kind of person who would buy a Prius wouldn't want a sexy looking car because it would make their friends think they were a tosser.
I didn't think I'd like this at first, but it was good and I quite enjoyed it. It was a bit bizarre when I'd look at the screen and say, 'Hey, he's washing a car!' For me this could have just been audio, but I have to admit there is something soothing about watching to car's dirt and grime slowly disappear.
Future series? Don't know, depends on what cars you do, but I enjoyed this nonetheless. Thanks Rob.
The solar cells on the roof, like the one I drove in California only power the air con, they don't re-charge the main battery. You can set it so the air con cools the car for an hour before you get in it at no energy cost. Makes sense in California, not much use in UK.
I understand, my brother in law is a leading Australian water scientist. It's scary hearing him describe the problems. We have A LOT of water in the UK, especially in the last few years.
Nice review. It's a pretty nice car, but I"m a big proponent of visibility, and I can't abide by any car that won't let me look outside easily by turning my head. Overall, it's great to see cars that can use both types of energy. I wonder if the natural torque of an electric motor helping on moving from a dead stop is where the prius saves most of the petrol.
I thought the same thing. Hose the dirt off the car first or you'll be grinding dirt into the finish. You might be able to find a car-wash soap attachment for your hose that will let you hose it with soapy water to let it soak into the dirt before washing it away.
I'm a non-driver who enjoys Top Gear for what it is- daft matey-banter based entertainment- but I did thoroughly enjoy this film too Bobby. But man, that car was filthy- what did you do, drive through an elephant's arse?!
I live in a remote rural area, there's these blokes called farmers who drive past our house in these giant tractors that are fearfully mucky. The roads around us a essentially mud tracks.
I have 2, a 12 year old Land Rover and eventually a Prius when I get a new one. The other car we have is a 14 year old van which we use very occasionally and belongs to my wife. A local stables essentially gave it to her, it's knackered. I take your point though. But if you buy a new 100% electric car it'll last for ages and the dirtiest day is when you first get it. From then on it only gets 'cleaner to use.'
I really don't hate Top Gear, in fact, I am a big Top Gear fan. I don't know if the Prius advertises itself as a 'full hybrid.' I don't know what that means.
Well, that's the point, how can there be such thing as a "Full Hybrid"? It doesn't make sense (well, not to me anyway).
I wished you'd go on Top Gear, I think it would be interesting to see how your opinion fairs (and how your lap goes).
Also, I loved the idea of this, reviewing (couldn't think of a better word because I'm not really into cars) a car while washing it, instead of driving. It's an very unique, clever idea.
(One last thing, thank you for replying =), much appreciated!)
This is not supposed to come off as salesy AT ALL, but I work for Toyota and so can quickly clear up the 'full hybrid' confusion.
The Prius is indeed a full hybrid. Basically, a 'full', or series-parallel, hybrid car has a separate engine and electric motor which can be used either on their own or combined to power the car. A 'mild', or parallel, hybrid car cannot use the engine and motor simultaneously, nor can it run on electric power only.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Hydrogen fuel cells are the future, but even these have problems due to the energy needed to separate the water into hydrogen and oxygen to power the vehicles. If we used nuclear power then the emissions would be absoultely tiny and the only worry would be nuclear waste. However we would only be realiant upon this for maybe 50 years before fusion is perfected.
So for now the electric car is nothing more than something to make you feel superior to others without any real justification.
I admire your confidence in predicting the future with such finality. I would strongly dispute that hydrogen fuel cells are the future for automobiles. Maybe ships, trains busses but not cars. They are being promoted by big manufacturers/oil companies as being the answer, in 10 to 15 years, in the mean time, keep buys petrol/diesel. Battery powered cars work really well now, the technology exists and even in the last 5 years has got much cheaper. Hydrogen fuel cells are a con.
What makes you think fuel cells will only be of use on larger vehicles, and why are they 'a con'? Do you genuinely think rechargeable batteries are the way ahead for personal transport? It will be some time before batteries charge as fast as you can fill a tank with H, and both still require a large infrastructure. I'd have thought hydrogen a much more abundant and green solution?
Supercapacitors might clear out that problem, but in the meantime, batteries really are the better solution. Handling hydrogen gas is very dangerous (and therefore expensive) business, and as such will most likely only be done by large companies. The same large companies, in fact, that currently provide the world with gasoline. Coincidentally, they'll get to keep their control over the world's fuel prices.
With batteries, you could get by with a simple wind turbine.
Hydrogen is no more dangerous than petrol, probably less so, and supercapacitors are up there with Fusion power for the foreseeable future. You're right about the companies in one respect, I can see the major oil companies switching to hydrogen infrastructure in the next 10-15 years as a get out. Dont confuse companies with nations, it was the middle eastern producers who held us to ransom, not the companies. H is everywhere, and frees us from their hold.
The problem with oil and power companies is that they're out to make a profit, which means that while they won't drive prices up enough to halt a country's transport infrastructure (except, perhaps, to force an agreement through), they will keep the price of energy artificially high, as close to the consumer pain threshold as possible. With battery-powered cars, there'd be a lot more even competition (which should be better for the global economy in the long run).
The oil price is so high because the govt puts about 65% tax on it. Toyota are not a workers collective out to save the world from big greedy companies, they're a massive company too. Batteries may be getting better, but someone still has to make and sell them, and charge them too. H can be manufactured anywhere by anyone with the will, hows that for spurring competition?
It's still a lot more complicated to handle, prone to ridiculous taxation, and inefficient (ie: not that green), whereas a simple electrical generator can be made out of an old bicycle and a couple of magnets (well, you get the idea).
Furthermore, hydrogen gas is lighter than air, and so will escape confinement a lot more easily than gasoline, requires high pressure tanks to contain (and which, if improperly maintained, might rupture violently), while gasoline is easily stored in an old jug with a cap.
Also, hydrogen is extremely energy-inefficient (generator-to-wheels) - hydrogen is about 40% efficient, while batteries are on the order of 90-94% efficient. That is a problem as long as fusion power is not viable. :)
A clever combination? You have two seperate engines, which means more weight. You may achieve 75 MPG but the electricity has to be produced, usually from fossil fuels. Also studies have shown people who own electric cars tend to drive more, therefore using more fuel!
The manufacturing methods release a shed load of CO2, not to mention truly horrible chemical residues due to the battery production.
The electricity is produced by the car it doesn't plug in it recharges itself as for the battery production they are 100% recyclable so their will come a point when their is no need to mine any more lithium as it doesn't deplete and has no half life...
Basically nit picking is a feel good thing, nothing else...LOL
Even if I agreed with everything imr22 says, I wouldn't be convinced that electric cars are tripe. What alternative is he/she suggesting? That we stick with petrol?
Sorry, your argument makes no sense. This is not a plug in hybrid, all the electricity is produced on board, by the fossil fuel engine and the momentum of the car. As for pure electric, every test has shown that even when they are charged using dirty coal fired power generation, they emit 20% of CO2 per km than the most super fuel efficient internal combustion engine. electric motor 80% efficient, petrol engine 25%. It is not a feel good car, it's the 1st step to a big change. Check your facts.
I take it that you will not be the star in a reasonably priced car for some time then ? You should do a carpool with Bill Oddie to really wind up JC :-)
I'm one of them people that hate the Prius, but i love the Tesla.
If the government weren't making so much in hand outs from the petrol companies and on tax from us, i'm sure there would be a lot more Hybrid cars on the road, but seeing as we have about a decade before we run out of the stuff i guess they need to get they're thumbs outta they're fat cat arses.
Still, i'd rather have a 69 Mustang fastback, British racing green, but then I've wanted one since i was 11.
I can see my next car being a hybrid of some kind, but we should be well aware they're just a short-lived stepping stone to something better. Can we have some totty washing it next time, you;re not my type.
Had many comments on my pronunciation of Tee yotah. I won't apologise, I'm not Japanese, that's just how it comes out. All my friends in North America say 'Toi yodar which sounds just as daft to me.
I have a question about electric cars since you clearly know more than me.
Does the charge up time depend on the type of model your using? Because opponents say that the charge time to range ratio is too big. As in you have to charge it for ages to get any sort of real distance.
I'm trying to stop using my brothers petrol estate car, I want to get a motorbike instead ... guess how much it will cost as a MINIMUM just to get the license - £950!
That's before buying the bike, helmet & other protective clothing, insurance etc.
My old NSR 125 could do 120MPH no probs, not that i have ever been that fast on Englsh roads that would be against the law.
Befor any1 says the NSR wont do that speed i must say it wasn't STD and did have a power valve, STG3 dinojetsand race pipes but it was proper fun to ride... :D
Why not have enclosed bicycle paths around cities? That would be far more efficient for future energy usage than minor improvements in cars. maybe the car itself is a problem, maybe you don't want to hear that.
SonicTheFrenchFrog 11 months ago
@SonicTheFrenchFrog I've read your comments both here and on my other vids and would say we are in agreement. However I think the Prius has played a very important role in the journey away from drill and burn fuel. Around 80% of the customers who have ordered the Nissan Leaf (27,000 in USA alone) 80% of them have or do own a Prius. The Prius was an introduction to the idea that an electric car was a real possibility. That said, the Tesla is legendary and tipped the balance no question.
bobbyllew 11 months ago 2
Hey Rob, What car of similar size can the prius go 3 or 4 times the distance with the same amount of petrol? Double yes but not 3 or 4. Take a focus 1.8, It's combined mpg is about 40, Even with your extreme example of 80 mpg for the prius it's not 3 or 4 times. I agree we need green solutions to stuff and I'am a liberal minded person. But I'am a petrol head, not because it makes me feel like a big bad man. I just enjoy track days and motorsport and speed. I don't see whats wrong with that...
1brutaldeath 1 year ago
Great video Robert. I really enjoy the balanced and humorous tone to it. There was however one fact you got wrong here and in another video. The Prius wasn't developed in response to the electric car program in California. Exclusion from the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) prompted Toyota to develop it. The best part from GM "It [PNGV] was never designed to result in a production vehicle." Guess Toyota didn't get the memo.
karuddell 1 year ago
great show, are you going to make more?
TBman256 1 year ago
While I also prefer WLW, I did sample this for a mash up for which I'll be posting a video shortly (unless bobbyllew tells me not to of course...unless I've already posted it by then in which case I'll take it down). Don't want to give too much away but I'll say that bobbyllew plays the part of "a man from the motor trade".
NeonChimpAustralia 1 year ago
@writersForumUK. Don't be such a sour puss... Robs a great human being, I love his video's and I'd buy him a beer, if he ever makes his way to Hong Kong. Cook me up a kipper, skipper lol Bobby llew rocks :).
SkyhookHKG 1 year ago
hello Jeremy....eat this......bon appetit..;o)
TheGel69 1 year ago
In light of what has happened in the Gulf of Mexico over the last two weeks, your "dig" at the destruction of the environment by our use of oil seems vastly understated. If you have the time, mayhaps you could do a Wet Liberal Whenever about the disaster?
sappha58 1 year ago
Why is it that a Prius does not have to pay any road tax but a motorcycle does. A 125cc motorcycle is more economical than a Prius and due to it being much lighter will not damage the road surface to the extent that a Prius will. Its ridiculous
CORNABY242 1 year ago
@CORNABY242 And how many people can you pile on top of a 125cc motorbike. You cannot compare cars to motorcycles. The are not in the same category simple as that. But yes it gets far more mileage but because it has no vehicle emission control like all cars have today, a bike, actually a bike without the emission control standard whatever will cause the same damage as 3 cars.
toyotaprius79 1 year ago
@toyotaprius79 Which one chokes up the inner cities more causing tailbacks and wasted fuel? The car. Which one will cause more damage to the road surface due to its weight, causing potholes which may not cause you much inconvenience in your car but is horrific you are on a motorcycle. And you may be able to carry 5 people in a prius but how often do you see a car with 5 people in it, more often than not a car usually has only one or two people on board.
CORNABY242 1 year ago
@toyotaprius79 And also which one causes more pollution in the production of the vehicle, you have to consider the payback in fuel mileage for the added pollution in production. Which one uses more fuel in transport after production? You can fit far more bikes in the back of a truck or in a boat than you can cars. I dont think you have considered these factors when you spent the best part of £20,000 on your Car
CORNABY242 1 year ago
Dont think theyre in Australia yet, the land of 5 litre gas guzling Ford Falcon's and Holden Commodore's!
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago
Thanks Robert, good review,
i didnt realise you dont pay tax!
Im going to buy one now.
Fingers up to Clarkson!
texasitch 2 years ago 2
1:47 did you spray its genitals or just tickle it?
th86stone 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
CO2 is NOT pollution, CO2 is NOT harmful to the environment.
I know this is an inconvenient truth, but the CO2 debacle is just a psychopathic manipulation to get people to submit to what is basically a life tax and to become some sort of neoserfs.
I drive a 308SW diesel, it gets similar mileage to the prius, is bigger, seats 7 and is probably cheaper to buy. But I want full electric too.
Other than these comments, good video!
Zepherian 2 years ago
Well said
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago
Eek Bobbyllew, you should wear gloves when washing any car.
Animal faeces/blood off roadkill and other nastys are all over your hands, and if you have a cut on your hand anywhere...
That prius is sexy in white...I want one
richandnik 2 years ago
okay so im now sold on the concept, it's only a shame they look so functional and not so sporty. Now if they could get one to at least appear more "fun", for lack of a better word. But keep it up Robert, you will get an audience for this one, cheers.
David170106 2 years ago
Hey Rob you can wash my car and do a review of that if you like hahahahaha. No seriously keep them up I enjoyed it.
HooDlymUK 2 years ago
I've never liked Prius' that much in the past (probably since I've brainwashed by that irrational twatface Clarkson like everyone else). Changed my mind about them now, but I still wouldn't have one... you'll still get some vindictive assholes coming up to you and spewing forth garbage (like some of the previous comments) I couldn't give a toss about. Those ships are going to transport stuff no matter what... so I'd rather they transported Prius' than, say, Land Rovers.
BurroDiablo 2 years ago
I have to admit I hate the Prius. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because I'm being told I will have to buy an electric car, and I will not be told what car to buy.
I enjoy driving my manual petrol powered car, achieving 30mpg, paying £190 for road tax. That's really not a lot of money, it would be financial suicide for me to switch cars to save on tax.
I'm going to keep paying a premium to drive something I enjoy driving long past the time it becomes cheaper to go electric. :-P
BigglesPiP 2 years ago
Wow Robert! How often to you wash your car? It was filthy! lol
999000888 2 years ago
nice because we need it but there is even beterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
talk to me
truthseekers666 2 years ago
I would love to have a Prius but sadly I can't afford it, this is the case with most of the population so people will stick to cheaper to purchase unleaded or diesel cars.
TheIceP 2 years ago
well, i think you should stick with the car you have. it takes a lot of energy to manufacture cars, remember that. :P
TheBoomTube 2 years ago
I KNEW I was going to like watching more of your videos!
The Prius is the first car that made me feel right about vehicle energy consumption on the road without compromising looks or performance.
Thanks.
G4oit 2 years ago
Just look at where all the bits for the Prius are made, like the batteries are shipped all around the world just to be made into a battery, on big boats!
95% of the drivers I have seen driving a Prius are blind to these facts, and will point blank ignore that, in the long term they are no more economical than a normal car. Also my car does 16mpg, puts out over 300kg/pm whatever it is, cost £185 to tax, and takes the up the slack for at least 3 Priuses on the road.
pitsvr4 2 years ago
Poor paintwork, ruined after that wasy. Anyways, the reasons why I dont like the Prius, are simple, its marketed in a way that makes people think they are saving the world by driving one, therefore making them better then everyone else for doing so, however they use thousands of tonnes more in fuel getting built, components are made all over the world, then shipped around the world.
Disposal costs are even more for a prius than normal
pitsvr4 2 years ago
Excellent, entertaining and informative review. I intend to replace my W169 Mercedes A170 with on of these next year. As a company car driver, the saving in benefit in kind taxation based on emissions is too good to pass up - I'm surprised this isn't talked up more as one of the best aspects of the Prius.
drwalpurgis 2 years ago
Robert !! I just heard that there will be no follow up red dwarf as there is no funding!!? Surley there must be thousands of rich tycoon red dwarf fans out there who would chip in! i loved the last series so much! it was awesome "Holiday !! Celebrate!!! " hahaha, after going abroad to a supply cupboard on G deck! , lol :P classic!
indiasrainbow 2 years ago
I think the new Prius has done something that few other cars have been able to pull off - still be desirable in white. And it IS desirable; my best friend is (similarly to Bobbyllew) a reformed petrol head and he's completely bonkers over this latest incarnation. Me, I've always like electric drive systems...
IrregularShed 2 years ago
Thank you for this.
This has made me start to look more longingly at the Toyota Prius... and less towards yet another Diesel Jetta... which I do LOVE... but I also love my lungs.. and my kids and their future.
Thanks again.
ottoarchitect 2 years ago
Interesting idea, and the talk was certainly informative. I did watch all of it. However, since video is an audioVISUAL medium, it feels a bit strange to be watching where the video is so disjointed from the audio. The only thing that really connects the two is the car itself, so I'm not really compelled to watch as I listen. cont.
Magnulus 2 years ago
What makes Top Gear work for me is the humor and the dynamic visuals - which are directly linked with what's being talked about. I'm not in any way a petrol head, and it's obvious that much of Top Gear is downright clownery, but I do like me a bit of Top Gear.
They have fantastic cinematographers and photographers at work in their production, and the presentation of their material is extremely well thought-out. cont.
Magnulus 2 years ago
(Final one, promise)
I think that if you manage to do something that is visually interesting and that goes together with the audio, I think something along the lines of CarWash could work, but it would need a full-on effort.
Part of the "Top Gear Idea" is also the sensuality of the presentation of cars without babes. There's room for thinking in there, too. Carwash as it is could even work if you apply dynamic photography and sensuality to the video. That's all I have. :)
Magnulus 2 years ago
Very creative. For those who think this is boring, remember that WLW is essentially a 'talking head'. Contrast vs. Top Gear is quite funny (e.g. no trips around a landing field), yet both are used to comment on a product.
pcz911 2 years ago
Sorry, I prefer WLW to this....it's, well it's boring.
There really wasn't much in this that would make me come back and watch the channel again. Unlike your previous YT shows this doesn't have entertainment value....Sorry!
WritersForumUK 2 years ago
As my dear old mother always said, 'you can't please all the people all the time.' I think you could be right, I was surprised by the number of people who found it entertaining and informative. Don't worry, I will be doing more Wet Liberal Whenever shows soon
bobbyllew 2 years ago
After some more time to consider this I agree that the IDEA of an 'anti' TG review would be great....I just don't think that 'car wash is the answer. I also have trouble seeing a long future for such a show.
I must also admit that whilst it was informative, I have a personal aversion to the Prius because it seems to be part of the problem not the solution (I may well be wrong, but it is an opinion).
Regardless, if you do continue good luck with it.
WritersForumUK 2 years ago
Who the hell are "teeota"??? :-)
xjet 2 years ago
Sorry, obviously it's pronounced toi- yodah
bobbyllew 2 years ago
Fabulous CarWash Prius monologue Robert and I didn't fall asleep once LOL//Thank you for creating such a neat channel and "Smeg On Sir!" ;-)
Mikey
WarlordFeyd 2 years ago
I kinda quite like the new shape of the new prius. XD probably more better than the old model anyway.
Bigfinlach 2 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Great video, very entertaining.
sross1210 2 years ago
Your garden/driveway reminds me of my parents' house. I hated the countryside as a kid but wish I could afford to move back there now!
Another thing I can't afford - A Prius!
Less petrol and tax is all well and good, but you need to fork out to get one!
alexvegas 2 years ago
This is an awesome video Llew!
It did make me chuckle when you're talking about your super-healthy-low-cal Prius and then mention your diesel Land-Rover.
Blouchenob 2 years ago
I know I am going to get thumbed down for this, but I have to say it. I know all liberals have good intentions at heart, and I agree with you in some cases. But please please please stop forcing me to think the way you think. The only way liberals can enforce their ideals is with force. By electing a government which will force everyone to fund their solutions. You will tax me in order to finance your ideas, and throw me in jail if I do not comply. Ask me, dont tell me.
johny344 2 years ago
No one's forcing you to think one way or another, johny344. Stop crying, you twat.
If you don't like the opinions presented, don't watch the video.
mrgrazzt 2 years ago
I was trying to make a more fundamental point about the process of democracy. How the ideas shared amongst like minded individuals are forced upon me via the ballot box. Such as the fact I am forced to fund environmental solutions which do nothing to help the environment. Thanks for calling me a twat also, made me really reconsider my previous post. But if you didnt like my comment, you didnt have to read it or reply, you twat.
johny344 2 years ago
Also, you aint that bad on drums, Ive been playing for past 12 years and I wasnt that good after 6 months. Bring your hi-hat in closer to your snare, its all about the conservation of momentum. Lets you move faster around the kit, especially when doing a few fills.
johny344 2 years ago
You could have helped the environment even more by buying a second hand car. More efficient than manufacturing an entirely new vehicle just to get an extra 20mpg or what not.
johny344 2 years ago
Better yet, ride a bike.
johny344 2 years ago
Why not just be a real man and buy a motorbike! Electric versions are great or ,like me, you could buy a suzuki 125. I recently done 150 miles for £6 and that was over 3 weeks, stopping starting etc.
Bangus07 2 years ago
yeah but surely 150miles on a 125 would have numbed your bum for hours! I've done that kinda distance, lol. Cheap yes, but comfy nope :(
Blouchenob 2 years ago
Yet another great video. Im also a big fan of Top Gear but definately see we need to start shifting to electric cars, especially for all the commuter traffic who's only reason to drive is to get from A to B, not people who see cars as a work of art. An electric Dodge Challenger would seem a bit weird.
Oh and btw heres a small tip, wash youre wheels last, all the crap from the rims gets caught in the cloth and will cause tiny scoring in youre nice paint.
pjaussiemovies 2 years ago
Man, I love your videos..."cali-bloodi-fornia" LOL.
samrustan 2 years ago
I do love Top Gear and that was a nice burn on Mr. Jeremy Clarkson. Very informative. Makes me want to look into a Prius.
ToddACross 2 years ago
Why do the hazard lights keep flashing?
dan90x 2 years ago
Are you sure you mean nitrous oxide?
I dont remember that being particularly toxic
septimal 2 years ago
That's all great! But you didn't say anything about how safe they are, in terms of roll-over and other crashes.
Illuminatta 2 years ago
As I've said elsewhere, this is not shameless self-promotion, but I work for Toyota so can comment on things like safety.
I can't link to the blog post here but if you search for 'New Prius gets full marks for safety', you'll find it. It outlines how the Prius did in crash tests (impressively, as it turns out). Prius haters: you should check it out, too - you'll love the video of it getting smashed up...
If that doesn't prove anything, the fact that Bobby lived to wash a new one surely does.
melacou 2 years ago
I don't hate 'em, I just don't see how such a small car can be that safe. Thanks...I'll check it out.
Illuminatta 2 years ago
You'll probably end up on Top Gear for this lol.
2270000 2 years ago
You know that scene in Cool Hand Luke this aint it. But hooray for yer car.(I left the same comment at the Top Gear site LOL)
motobmwr756 2 years ago
right on Rob :) interesting to see. Im guessing this is to replace the crashed one?
unriselyrical 2 years ago
strangely captivating. i'm definitely gunna consider a prius
davestrand 2 years ago
Good show , I have a first generation model with 135,000 miles gets 44-48 mpg. Great automobile , When the economy pickes up I ll be looking for the newest model.
heartland96a 2 years ago
What kind of wizardry are you using to clean this!! I can never seem to clean my car with such little water.
noodlemasta 2 years ago
I have to agree, you appearing on Top Gear would be interesting. As much as I love it, it'd be brilliant to see you own Clarkson in an argument about hybrid cards.
You've also convinced me that I want a Prius... I just have to learn to drive, go to uni, earn some money...
iamafish400 2 years ago
I'd like to see Jeremy Clarkson on CarPool, or you on TopGear, or you both on a Newsnight discussion sometime, just to watch you 2 have a chat, see what happens.
TheKlink 2 years ago 8
I really think you need to watch 'Smug Alert!' (Episode 141 of South Park). It might help you understand one of the downsides of hybrids.
Oh wait Rob's already got the whole broken record aspect down pat. I know you like hybrids but really this is getting dull - you are going to alienate people.
TheFunkeyGibbon 2 years ago
I have heard the 'smug' accusation many times, an accusation I haven't heard is the "head in the sand overly confident jutting chinned denier," less pithy but far more common. Like the bloke I was just driving behind in a 5.7 litre Jeep Cherokee. A new one! What kind of insanely selfish, ignorant twerp do you have to be to see one of those and say, 'Yeah, I want that one.' Plenty wrong with hybrids and their drivers, but not as much as is wrong with straight internal combustion cars and theirs.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
its a very pretty car, i was desperate to get in there and help clean!
What equipment do you use to film btw?
GemIsBack 2 years ago
It's not pretty! An Aston Martin is pretty - this is dull a hell.
TheFunkeyGibbon 2 years ago
And how many Aston Martins did they sell last year? I'll tell you, about 2% of their output. There's a big pile of them in an airfield up the road. Lovely looking cars, but no innovation, no attempt at using alternatives to fossil fuel, a dinosaur car sadly. They could have done something in the last 5 years but no, stick with the old ideas they've been using for 100 years. I ask you, pistons, con rods, valves, crank shafts, steam age technology, wasteful, belongs in a museum. IMHO
bobbyllew 2 years ago
I was actually gonna say they might be pretty but stupendously expensive and unnecessary. I just like cars that arent worth a house!
GemIsBack 2 years ago
Nice job! I'm with you on hybrid and electric cars.
tobyrhino 2 years ago
Bob must say not a massive prius fan because of the people that buy them, the car itself is a good idea though and this video was fantastic, i just wish the car was cheaper and i would be very interested in one!... again good video, very impressed with this one!
whistler1091 2 years ago
Who are the people who buy them. I've never been able to narrow it down. I know a billionaire with one, a trendy film producer, a make up artist, a banker and a gardener. Is it that we've been told by motoring media that it's dull middle aged men in grey slip on shoes. Wh is it who buys the damn things? Seriously, I want to know.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
Thanks for the reply Bob, I am unfortunately a fan of Top Gear which has produced the image of Prius drivers as fat americans tryin to make a point, however your points really help equal me out a little.
Been thinking more and more about it since seeing this video and if the new model was cheaper i would buy one ignoring the opinions of others but 18k for the basic is hurtful on the bank balance :-( a 5k Ford Focus is on the cards soon i think.
whistler1091 2 years ago
Tiyota?
jremy7 2 years ago
I know - I like but this was an awful pronounciation.
TheFunkeyGibbon 2 years ago
i would take a picture of you with my camera phone if i saw u in tesco (y)x
queensofia123 2 years ago 2
cheers bob
SuperTwit 2 years ago
top gear hate this car
pcgamerguy1234 2 years ago
well observed.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
lol i would love to see u on top gear having a go at clarkson
pcgamerguy1234 2 years ago
Rob have you been on topgear "star in a bag of shit car"?? If not id love to see you on it.Ive invented a form of transport that costs 9 months to produce,roughly 16 years till its able to perform at reasonable speed and needs lots of cleaning,I call it walking.Its the new black apperently and is catching on.I do a stripped down walking coarse available to you only for £3000.grab it now and learn the art of walking.
spiralisedcat 2 years ago
wow that car was filthy.
Nice wellies Rob, but I think you should get some nice floral ones XD
Well done, you actually talked about cars in a way I understand, and trust me, that is an achievement
LittleRandomDuckie 2 years ago 3
no, im sorry, no its not. its just....not.
parnol 2 years ago
I suppose it depends what you want to be seen driving. The Prius probably looks good enough for its intended market. The kind of person who would buy a Prius wouldn't want a sexy looking car because it would make their friends think they were a tosser.
BaubleRob 2 years ago
well said *****stars; )
Kabuki0009 2 years ago
I didn't think I'd like this at first, but it was good and I quite enjoyed it. It was a bit bizarre when I'd look at the screen and say, 'Hey, he's washing a car!' For me this could have just been audio, but I have to admit there is something soothing about watching to car's dirt and grime slowly disappear.
Future series? Don't know, depends on what cars you do, but I enjoyed this nonetheless. Thanks Rob.
pestlett 2 years ago
hasn't the new model got optional solar panels to help charge the battery's ?? surprised you didn't go for that option aswell rob
scottparkin69 2 years ago
The solar cells on the roof, like the one I drove in California only power the air con, they don't re-charge the main battery. You can set it so the air con cools the car for an hour before you get in it at no energy cost. Makes sense in California, not much use in UK.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
oh right the ad i saw was a bit misleading then or i missunderstood it although it would be a good idea for it to help charge the battery's
scottparkin69 2 years ago
if you ever were on top gear i think their would be a bit of a heated debate with jezza
thestalkinghead 2 years ago 2
Why does the vision out of the back need to be obscured?
feckingbillgates 2 years ago
Possibly the best carwash...... in the world!
insaneJericho 2 years ago
Did you forget something Bobby?
"And if you have been, thank you for watching" No?
LordZope 2 years ago 3
Bobby why don't you search for a mechanic who can add plug-in functionality to your Prius?
I have heard that this is what people do.
roidroid 2 years ago
I know people who have done this with varying degrees of success. Can't do it to this car as it isn't mine, it's loaned to me by Toyota
bobbyllew 2 years ago
Nice bit Robert.
You always seem to come up with entertaining and original ideas for these vids.
A tad less biased might make it a little more digestible for Top Gear types. But otherwiase, rather interessting and very informative.
McRocket
McRocket 2 years ago
Top Gear has nothing to do with the car industry, it's just entertainment. But I think we're in furious agreement.
I wish we could wash our cars like this in Australia, we have serious water problems.
ma4very 2 years ago
I understand, my brother in law is a leading Australian water scientist. It's scary hearing him describe the problems. We have A LOT of water in the UK, especially in the last few years.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
Nice review. It's a pretty nice car, but I"m a big proponent of visibility, and I can't abide by any car that won't let me look outside easily by turning my head. Overall, it's great to see cars that can use both types of energy. I wonder if the natural torque of an electric motor helping on moving from a dead stop is where the prius saves most of the petrol.
P00P0STER0US 2 years ago
Wash the wheels last, or you'll be wiping grit over your paint and putting swirls in it ;)
fullthrottleric 2 years ago
I thought the same thing. Hose the dirt off the car first or you'll be grinding dirt into the finish. You might be able to find a car-wash soap attachment for your hose that will let you hose it with soapy water to let it soak into the dirt before washing it away.
P00P0STER0US 2 years ago
I'm a non-driver who enjoys Top Gear for what it is- daft matey-banter based entertainment- but I did thoroughly enjoy this film too Bobby. But man, that car was filthy- what did you do, drive through an elephant's arse?!
MikeandEllie 2 years ago 2
I live in a remote rural area, there's these blokes called farmers who drive past our house in these giant tractors that are fearfully mucky. The roads around us a essentially mud tracks.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
good review, can we have one of the land rover too please :)
ruuman 2 years ago
Building a car consumes huge amounts of energy, so why do you need 3 Bobby?
zeitgeistGO 2 years ago 2
I have 2, a 12 year old Land Rover and eventually a Prius when I get a new one. The other car we have is a 14 year old van which we use very occasionally and belongs to my wife. A local stables essentially gave it to her, it's knackered. I take your point though. But if you buy a new 100% electric car it'll last for ages and the dirtiest day is when you first get it. From then on it only gets 'cleaner to use.'
bobbyllew 2 years ago
Why are you washing that car? Don't you have people for that sort of thing?
AnomalousDataPoint 2 years ago
XD You really do hate Top Gear =P
Wait, is this that car that advertises itself as a Full Hybrid?
STHsuperMovies07 2 years ago
I really don't hate Top Gear, in fact, I am a big Top Gear fan. I don't know if the Prius advertises itself as a 'full hybrid.' I don't know what that means.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
Well, that's the point, how can there be such thing as a "Full Hybrid"? It doesn't make sense (well, not to me anyway).
I wished you'd go on Top Gear, I think it would be interesting to see how your opinion fairs (and how your lap goes).
Also, I loved the idea of this, reviewing (couldn't think of a better word because I'm not really into cars) a car while washing it, instead of driving. It's an very unique, clever idea.
(One last thing, thank you for replying =), much appreciated!)
STHsuperMovies07 2 years ago 3
Great video, Robert - really made me laugh.
This is not supposed to come off as salesy AT ALL, but I work for Toyota and so can quickly clear up the 'full hybrid' confusion.
The Prius is indeed a full hybrid. Basically, a 'full', or series-parallel, hybrid car has a separate engine and electric motor which can be used either on their own or combined to power the car. A 'mild', or parallel, hybrid car cannot use the engine and motor simultaneously, nor can it run on electric power only.
melacou 2 years ago
You should ask Jeeves to do that for you, it looks too much like hard work for you. Or, is he cleaning the moat? Geez.
Channelography 2 years ago
It's a nice change from top gear although I do like the programme. Good work!
hevmeanne1 2 years ago
good review but i still prefer other forms of mobility than a prius
shadowthewedgehog 2 years ago
I well enjoyed this ;-)
robinphillips 2 years ago
i agree that the prius is a great idea the things that needs to be done to make electric/hybrid cars more widely used are.
creating a better infrastructure for electric charging.
and more importantly cheaper more affordable models need to be made.
i like the idea of the car review though.
dasads44 2 years ago 3
cool video. a nice laid-back twist on the car review.
mit1185 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
haha kryten would have loved this..
OMGitsSeppie 2 years ago
Comment removed
OMGitsSeppie 2 years ago
Very interesting Boby, really enjoyed it. Now I'd like a Prias even more!
PurpleFunnyChocolate 2 years ago
I wish I had one.
OhSmeg 2 years ago
You missed a bit ;-)
pendo86 2 years ago
Howay Kryten, it's like a wet t-shirt competition.
MartinHire 2 years ago
Toyota seem miles ahead of the competition (except maybe honda).
And Japan is a fantastic place geographically and economically to develop this technology it seems.
It will be tough for gas guzzler companies in the near future.
CognosSquare 2 years ago
Loved it, you should do more of these, I was thoroughly entertained!
ProgrammerInProgress 2 years ago
Love the idea!
car wash is good
clashloverben 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
that is such a beautiful car!
hunhun23 2 years ago
Not tempted by the Honda Insight Bobby?
JackTraven2525 2 years ago
I fear Honda are way behind Toyota.. the Insight motor is way underpowered merely a token effort.. Hopefully they will do it properly with the CRZ.
Parax77 2 years ago
Nice review, bad car wash technique
Boodieman72 2 years ago
I hyper mile my Audi S4 but it still only gets 11mpg (US gallons) in town.
geffel 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Hydrogen fuel cells are the future, but even these have problems due to the energy needed to separate the water into hydrogen and oxygen to power the vehicles. If we used nuclear power then the emissions would be absoultely tiny and the only worry would be nuclear waste. However we would only be realiant upon this for maybe 50 years before fusion is perfected.
So for now the electric car is nothing more than something to make you feel superior to others without any real justification.
imr22 2 years ago
So i take it from that that you wouldn't mind driving around with a Hydrogen bomb in your boot?
It's nothing like a H bomb i hear you say, well go tell that to a rocket scientist..
happyhippy555 2 years ago 2
I admire your confidence in predicting the future with such finality. I would strongly dispute that hydrogen fuel cells are the future for automobiles. Maybe ships, trains busses but not cars. They are being promoted by big manufacturers/oil companies as being the answer, in 10 to 15 years, in the mean time, keep buys petrol/diesel. Battery powered cars work really well now, the technology exists and even in the last 5 years has got much cheaper. Hydrogen fuel cells are a con.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
What makes you think fuel cells will only be of use on larger vehicles, and why are they 'a con'? Do you genuinely think rechargeable batteries are the way ahead for personal transport? It will be some time before batteries charge as fast as you can fill a tank with H, and both still require a large infrastructure. I'd have thought hydrogen a much more abundant and green solution?
axeman3d 2 years ago
Supercapacitors might clear out that problem, but in the meantime, batteries really are the better solution. Handling hydrogen gas is very dangerous (and therefore expensive) business, and as such will most likely only be done by large companies. The same large companies, in fact, that currently provide the world with gasoline. Coincidentally, they'll get to keep their control over the world's fuel prices.
With batteries, you could get by with a simple wind turbine.
int3rl0per 2 years ago
Hydrogen is no more dangerous than petrol, probably less so, and supercapacitors are up there with Fusion power for the foreseeable future. You're right about the companies in one respect, I can see the major oil companies switching to hydrogen infrastructure in the next 10-15 years as a get out. Dont confuse companies with nations, it was the middle eastern producers who held us to ransom, not the companies. H is everywhere, and frees us from their hold.
axeman3d 2 years ago
The problem with oil and power companies is that they're out to make a profit, which means that while they won't drive prices up enough to halt a country's transport infrastructure (except, perhaps, to force an agreement through), they will keep the price of energy artificially high, as close to the consumer pain threshold as possible. With battery-powered cars, there'd be a lot more even competition (which should be better for the global economy in the long run).
int3rl0per 2 years ago
The oil price is so high because the govt puts about 65% tax on it. Toyota are not a workers collective out to save the world from big greedy companies, they're a massive company too. Batteries may be getting better, but someone still has to make and sell them, and charge them too. H can be manufactured anywhere by anyone with the will, hows that for spurring competition?
axeman3d 2 years ago
It's still a lot more complicated to handle, prone to ridiculous taxation, and inefficient (ie: not that green), whereas a simple electrical generator can be made out of an old bicycle and a couple of magnets (well, you get the idea).
int3rl0per 2 years ago
Furthermore, hydrogen gas is lighter than air, and so will escape confinement a lot more easily than gasoline, requires high pressure tanks to contain (and which, if improperly maintained, might rupture violently), while gasoline is easily stored in an old jug with a cap.
Also, hydrogen is extremely energy-inefficient (generator-to-wheels) - hydrogen is about 40% efficient, while batteries are on the order of 90-94% efficient. That is a problem as long as fusion power is not viable. :)
int3rl0per 2 years ago
A clever combination? You have two seperate engines, which means more weight. You may achieve 75 MPG but the electricity has to be produced, usually from fossil fuels. Also studies have shown people who own electric cars tend to drive more, therefore using more fuel!
The manufacturing methods release a shed load of CO2, not to mention truly horrible chemical residues due to the battery production.
Basically it's a feel good vehicle, nothing else.
imr22 2 years ago
The electricity come from the engine charging the battery.
quwers 2 years ago
The electricity is produced by the car it doesn't plug in it recharges itself as for the battery production they are 100% recyclable so their will come a point when their is no need to mine any more lithium as it doesn't deplete and has no half life...
Basically nit picking is a feel good thing, nothing else...LOL
happyhippy555 2 years ago 3
Even if I agreed with everything imr22 says, I wouldn't be convinced that electric cars are tripe. What alternative is he/she suggesting? That we stick with petrol?
BaubleRob 2 years ago
Sorry, your argument makes no sense. This is not a plug in hybrid, all the electricity is produced on board, by the fossil fuel engine and the momentum of the car. As for pure electric, every test has shown that even when they are charged using dirty coal fired power generation, they emit 20% of CO2 per km than the most super fuel efficient internal combustion engine. electric motor 80% efficient, petrol engine 25%. It is not a feel good car, it's the 1st step to a big change. Check your facts.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
Sweet review, Robert!
crimsong19 2 years ago
I take it that you will not be the star in a reasonably priced car for some time then ? You should do a carpool with Bill Oddie to really wind up JC :-)
triwilson 2 years ago
I'm one of them people that hate the Prius, but i love the Tesla.
If the government weren't making so much in hand outs from the petrol companies and on tax from us, i'm sure there would be a lot more Hybrid cars on the road, but seeing as we have about a decade before we run out of the stuff i guess they need to get they're thumbs outta they're fat cat arses.
Still, i'd rather have a 69 Mustang fastback, British racing green, but then I've wanted one since i was 11.
GrifterSixOne 2 years ago
You missed a bit!
andrewgeeuk 2 years ago
that looks nice with them wheels and the white paint a little bit sporty sir
moshman69 2 years ago
Tee-otah? TEE-OTAH?
I can see my next car being a hybrid of some kind, but we should be well aware they're just a short-lived stepping stone to something better. Can we have some totty washing it next time, you;re not my type.
axeman3d 2 years ago
Had many comments on my pronunciation of Tee yotah. I won't apologise, I'm not Japanese, that's just how it comes out. All my friends in North America say 'Toi yodar which sounds just as daft to me.
bobbyllew 2 years ago
I have a question about electric cars since you clearly know more than me.
Does the charge up time depend on the type of model your using? Because opponents say that the charge time to range ratio is too big. As in you have to charge it for ages to get any sort of real distance.
Nightmare060 2 years ago
I'm trying to stop using my brothers petrol estate car, I want to get a motorbike instead ... guess how much it will cost as a MINIMUM just to get the license - £950!
That's before buying the bike, helmet & other protective clothing, insurance etc.
What is this country coming to =(
MaxSafeheaD 2 years ago
do you mean a full bike licence?
johnyfido 2 years ago
yea. I could ride around on a 125 for £200
but constantly looking like a drowned rat,
as well as crawling along in something that sounds like a wasp in a biscuit tin,
AND with L plates ...
there's only so much my ego can take!
I might as well just spend my money on fuel =(
MaxSafeheaD 2 years ago
My old NSR 125 could do 120MPH no probs, not that i have ever been that fast on Englsh roads that would be against the law.
Befor any1 says the NSR wont do that speed i must say it wasn't STD and did have a power valve, STG3 dinojetsand race pipes but it was proper fun to ride... :D
happyhippy555 2 years ago
Perhaps I shouldn't knock it till I've tried it =)
MaxSafeheaD 2 years ago
All that said i did end up getting a GSX-R 1000, it's faster and more comfortable but i still had more