Toyota Hybrid News, Fall 2005

I write for Weekly Reader magazine, a classroom periodical that goes to elementary school students. I am writing an article about hybrid cars and would love to interview a few hybrid car owners, especially people who bought their cars to help the environment.

 

Sorry, but I have to say this!!!

WOW, I ACTUALLY REMEMBER THAT!!!!!!! Wahooo!!! Weekly Reader!!!!

 

Ask away, or provide contact info.

 

Hi Richard,
I am writing about hybrid cars for Weekly Reader. Here are my questions:

1. Why did you decide to buy a hybrid? (save money on gas? help protect the environment?)

2. Does driving it feel any different than driving a regular gas-powered car? If so, how?

3. Is there anything that surprised you about it?

My email is: [email protected]

Thanks,
Laura

 

1. To minimize air pollution, and to encourage development of cleaner car technology by helping this example of the technology succeed in the market. There are a few other cars that use even less gas than this one, but this seemed like the best compromise.

2. As it speeds up, a car with an ordinary transmission hesitates every time it shifts (changes the gears between the gas engine and the wheels). The hybrid I own never hesitates because it uses a very clever device that combines power from the gas engine and from an electric motor. The electric motor is used more at low speed, and the engine is used more at high speed. The car is also quieter than an ordinary car because the engine does not run all the time. Everything else feels the same or a little better than in other cars.

3. I was surprised by how many people stopped to ask questions about it and wanted rides in it. I was also surprised by how fast it can go!

 

What are you talking about Wayne, you mean people are supposed to actually research about a topic before they write an article?! You must be living in some woohoo/la-la land! No one has the time for that!

I would start a thread asking for info and watch out for the flood of replies.