A few weeks ago one of the founders of this website, Eric Wilson, accused me of chastisement because I challenged his decision to purchase an SUV instead of the hybrid Prius. I plead guilty and now add the charge of temerity for trying to justify a bad decision.
According to Eric, usage was the issue in his decision to buy the SUV. He needed a car that could accommodate a family of four, camping equipment, and a stroller. The SUV met that requirement; the Prius did not. My experience says otherwise. On a recent trip from Maryland to South Carolina our ‘little’ Prius had enough space for a driver, three passengers, a cat (in a large cage), two big suitcases, and gifts for our granddaughter’s birthday. I filled up the gas tank one time midway through the trip and had half a tank left when we reached our destination.
Eric also argues that he wouldn’t have saved much money had he purchased a Prius because he and his wife, Jill, only drive about 8,000 miles per year. Assuming his SUV gets 25 miles per gallon, the Prius would have gotten 40 miles per gallon (I actually do a little better), and gas that averaged $3.25 over the last three years, the Wilson family would have saved $1,733/ year or $5,000 from the time he purchased the SUV to now. That ain’t chump change, Eric!
It appears Eric is waiting for a viable electric vehicle before he goes green. He may have a long wait. How useful can an electric car be when at best it can only go 250 miles before needing a charge? And what about charging stations? Where are they in an emergency?
Eric’s current state of residence, Minnesota, presents another problem- cold weather. Batteries just don’t perform as well in cold weather as they do in warm weather. Consequently, electric vehicles suffer a loss of power, albeit small, during the Winter. If Eric wants to practice good green behavior in Minnesota yet not buy a Prius, I suggest he get a dog sled!
Harold A. Manger
