Re: John M. Haines’ Jan. 17 commentary, “Hybrid cars don’t really work�:
I am a “mechatronic engineer� with 53 years of experience. I also own two Toyota Prius hybrids.
The mileage of the hybrid car is based on actual use of the gasoline engine, both propelling for the vehicle as well as charging batteries. The continuously variable transmission, coupled with a sophisticated computer power-control system, continually optimizes the gasoline engine and electric motor/generator application to achieve the highest miles per gallon under current road conditions.
The hybrid car is, most significantly, an ultra-low pollution vehicle. Under the dynamic loading part of the smog test required for California cars, the Prius and its fellow hybrid cars produce almost unmeasurable levels of pollution.
As far as room is concerned, the Prius hybrid has more interior space than most mid-sized cars. I would be delighted to accept Mr. Haines’ challenge regarding a side-by-side test of the gasoline consumption of my Prius hybrid and a “regular� car with the same measured interior room. I propose the test be conducted with a driver and an observer plus 50 pounds of “baggage.� It should be run on a round trip between Camarillo and Barstow, a round-trip distance of 335 miles. The proposal would be to put 10 usable gallons of gasoline in each car’s tank. At the end of the test, the remaining gasoline in each car would be measured. The car with the most gasoline left would be the “winner.� I would propose this test be supervised by the Automobile Club of Southern California and/or the California Highway Patrol.
I’m willing to put my money and my Prius hybrid where my mouth is. I wonder if Mr. Haines is willing to do the same with his “regular� car?
— David Collins, Newbury Park
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