Featured Would there have even been a Prius?

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by bwilson4web, Dec 5, 2025 at 3:10 AM.

  1. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    What hybrid or PHEV cars do NOT burn gasoline?
     
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    As I pointed out yesterday, PHEVs of sufficient all-EV range do qualify. The 2026 RAV4 Plug-in meets it.
     
  3. Isaac Zachary

    Isaac Zachary Senior Member

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    I thought Ferdinand Porsche (the same guy who designed the original VW Beetle and father of the guy who started the Porsche brand of cars) was the one who invented the first hybrid and didn't actually finish the gasoline part of it until after 1900.
     
  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    You seemed to be working under the assumption the past 'EV mandate' and the more recent governor order were to push BEVs only. As that is what some have portrayed it as.

    That was never the case.
     
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  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    It The reasoning was to eliminate fossil fuels. Remember Biden threatened to put the oil companies out of business in a 2020 debate with Trump?
     
  6. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    That isn't what he said, only how his opponents misrepresented it.

    And this CARB ZEV mandate did not come from Biden's level of government, he was never governor of California. Or Washington State. Or any other CARB state.
     
    #46 fuzzy1, Dec 6, 2025 at 8:06 PM
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2025 at 8:20 PM
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  7. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    No. Got a transcript?

    Then what policies did Biden pursue in that supposed goal of putting oil companies out of business? US crude production was higher under him than the previous administration. US Crude Oil: Production, 1960 – 2025 | CEIC Data

    California and the other CARB states aren't federal level activities. Without those state level support, you wouldn't be driving a hybrid today.
     
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  8. Isaac Zachary

    Isaac Zachary Senior Member

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    Well, there are two ways of ending dependance on fossil fuels. #1, slow down the use of them with alternatives until they no longer make sense. Or #2, just keep burning them until they're all used up.
     
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  9. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I still remember the ash infused keyboards in other offices I would visit. Many of them used half-filled soda bottles as ash trays. <YECH!>

    My new wife, a pack a day smoker in 1970s once used my soda can in the car as an ash tray without letting me know. She then realized that is not what lovers do to each other.

    Bob Wilson
     
  10. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    If I could find an old VW MicroBus with rotted engine and transmission, I would consider transplanting. the BMW i3 REx into the rear. I would then get about a $200 relief in annual "hippy tax" tags as they don't really inspect our cars. Old enough, I might even get an antique tag saving even more.

    The other option is a front-wheel drive, used pickup. Gut the engine and transmission and replace with the BMW i3-REx driveline. The battery lays in the back with a load-protecting cover. Fabricate an aero reach cover and problem solved.

    Transplanting the Tesla would be harder because it is a larger drivetrain. But the same idea, the VIN claims it is a gasser and I'm not going to volunteer what they don't need to know. Add a high efficiency generator and I'll have a second, serial hybrid with exceptional range. and low cost to operate. <GRINS>

    Bob Wilson
     
  11. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Peak Oil died a long time ago. Known fossil fuels supplies (including coal) are huge.

    Before the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric CO2 had long run around 280 ppm for several millennia, since the end of the last Ice Age. Over the last several Ice Age cycles, the level appears to have cycled around in the range of 180 to 300 ppm.

    Moana Loa's seasonal high (May) this year was 430 ppm, seasonal low (September) 424. Last month averaged 426. Warming climate is already discernible.

    If all known fossil fuels were burned and not captured, the estimated level would be about 2000 ppm. Forget warming, it would become HOT!
     
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  12. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    About the "K-car," it really isn't a car as much as it is a four-wheel, motorcycle. We already see a number of 3-wheel motorcycles on the road with varying degree of 'cabin' and 'trunk'. The K-car just bring motorcycle "organ donor" safety to an enclosed shell with more road stability than 2 and 3 wheel motorcycles.

    I once owned and commuted on a Yamaha 550cc, air cooled, parallel cylinder motorcycle. It is what I had when I first met my late wife, Holly. Everything was fine until one damp day when I crossed the grease spot and slid across the intersection. Had to buy new trousers before going back to work.

    Sad to say, I could not hide the road rash from Holly and she threatened to light the gas tank on fire. Ah the good old days when I was young and foolish. Now I'm old and still foolish.

    Bob Wilson
     
  13. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I saw the debate ant that is EXACTLY what he stated.
     
  14. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    https://www.susqford.net/all-you-need-to-know-about-carb-states/

    Does it matter? Of the 14 states that have adopted carb compliance? It comprises the lion's share of drivers. In addition - the more restrictive CARB smog rules are manufactured to (or 'for') - in all states, because manufacturers build for those - in the vast majority.
     
  15. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Then post the full video or transcript.
     
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  16. 97trophy

    97trophy Junior Member

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    From Grok

    October 22, 2020, when President Donald Trump asked if Biden would "close down the oil industry." Biden responded:
    "I would transition from the oil industry, yes... The oil industry pollutes significantly... It has to be replaced by renewable energy over time."

     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    he was so right. unfortunately, he had to balance his desire with economic reality because of covid
     
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  18. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Cutting and reducing subsidies is not eliminating oil.
     
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  19. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    As the above-linked video shows, your memory is faulty. Possibly overwritten by watching too many misrepresentations.
     
  20. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    ... and transitioning away from oil as the primary energy source, does not put the oil companies out of business. They have plenty of non-energy petrochemical business operations, which continue to grow rapidly.
     
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