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Are hybrids more environmentally sound?
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Posted by annafl z10a FL (My Page) on Sat, Aug 9, 08 at 20:07
| I drive a hybrid. Recently, in my quest for getting used coffee grounds from my local coffee and tea store, I stopped in to support his new business. He is reputed to be very environmentally conscious (gives discounts to those who walk or bike to the store, etc.), and he saw my car. We got into a discussion about hybrids and he told me he didn't think they were environmentally sound because of the danger in creating and disposing of the lithium batteries.
I guess I'm a little confused. Isn't lithium less of an environmental problem than the lead and other stuff in regular car batteries? I haven't really done any research on this, nor really know what I'm talking about, but I left feeling kind of bad. Here I thought I was doing something good, but is it really something worse in the long run? I know the batteries of the first generation hybrids supposedly didn't last that long, but I was under the impression they have now improved a lot. Is that true? What's the truth about hybrids?
Anna |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Are hybrids more environmentally sound?
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| Hybrids have a lot of debate for various reasons. I believe the problem with the batteries is people aren't sure how to recycle them and since they are still somewhat new, time will tell. The other debate is are hybrids worth the cost? Hybrids are expensive cars. Yes, you may save on gas mileage, but for those who can't afford cars over $20,000 they won't be able to pay for a hybrid, even when financed. Also, with the exception of the Prius, the other hybrids on the market do not get much better gas mileage than new non-hybrid cars that cost less. That being said, if someone can afford a hybrid up front, it really doesn't pay off unless the owner plans on keeping the car for a long time. Someone who buys a hybrid and five years later decides he/she wants another car, won't see the cost benefit of the driving a hybrid. Sarah |
RE: Are hybrids more environmentally sound?
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| "Will you save money (in the long or short run) by buying a hybrid?" is a different question from "Are hybrids good for the environment?". We have a diesel which gets 45-50 mpg, and I really don't understand why there isn't more talk of diesels. Another thing I don't understand is the car ads bragging on the car getting 35 mpg. I bought a car 20 years ago that got 35 mpg, and my husband had a car 30 years ago that got 35 mpg. And they're trying to brag on 35 mpg in 2008?! None of this answers the question about Prius battery recycling, of course. |
RE: Are hybrids more environmentally sound?
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| Alfie, you are absolutely right. My point was to say that while yes, hybrids are better for the environment, for many people the reality of affording a hybrids isn't an option. Additionally, hybrids still run on gas to an extent. The idea for people just to go out and buy hybrids is unlikely. I hope in the future car companies will discover an realistic and affordable way to have cars run on alternative fuels. So far, we have the option of biofuels. Great idea, just not everyone has access to used cooking oil. Then there is the idea of hydrogen powered cars. Another nice idea, yet I can understand why it would take a long time to develop. Scientists for years have been trying to discover a way to combust a hydrogen molecule. It is certainly not an easy task, especially when applying the idea to cars. Car commercials advertise cars getting 35m/gallon because it is better than many older vehicles. Yes, there are older cars that get that mileage, but there are far more that done not. So for those people who are driving old cars that get 20 miles to the gallon or giant gas guzzling SUVs (which is a whole other topic), it may be appealing. As far as the hybrid battery, as I said above, it is somewhat realtively new to cars. Just as learning how to develop a car that runs on water, it takes time to learn all of the ins and outs. Hopefully, your battery is more of a blessing than a problem. Anna, don't worry yourself over it. You are doing what you can to help the environment and that is what mattters. Sarah |
RE: Are hybrids more environmentally sound?
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| Solar batteries also contain lithium. Lithium is highly poisonous. All types of batteries are now supposed to be treated as hazardous materials. Most folks still throw alkaline batteries into their trash barrels, but we are supposed to be keeping them separate from trash and transporting them to the hazardous waste sites. The waste management companies need to institute an annual pick-up of hardous materials. That would encourage folks to dispose of these things "properly". Proper or no, they are still going into a dumpsite somewhere. I bought a whole bunch of solar path lights. Thought I was being really cool in having solar outdoor lights. I was totally shocked when I later found out they contained lithium batteries. It is difficult to fully educate oneself on all aspects of "going green". Forums like this help a lot! Lorna |
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