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Old May 20th 12, 10:32 AM
Robin9 Robin9 is offline
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First recorded activity at LondonBanter: Feb 2011
Location: Leyton, East London
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Recliner[_2_] View Post

Probably because a Prius isn't much more economical than a modern euro
diesel, but is much more expensive. Diesels don't sell in the US car
market, hence the need for hybrid petrol cars. But commercial vehicles
are usually diesels, even in the US, and the benefits of hybrid
propulsion are smaller for diesels (as they're more efficient in
part-load conditions). The NB4L is a range-extender (similar to the
Ampera), and they tend to be more efficient, particularly if you
charge the batteries overnight at lower cost.
The Prius is far more economical (in terms of fuel consumption) than a
diesel engine car when driving at low speeds in urban streets
with innumerable stops for traffic signals and other vehicles.
On open roads, particularly motorways, a diesel is more economical.
Previously I was driving a diesel engine car and I'm very conscious
of the difference in my fuel consumption!