Albertans not keen on hybrids

[grainfedprairieboy]

Forget small cars — Albertans are still in love with their pickup trucks.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmo.../12681121.html

I don't know if the statistic is accurate but I'd heard that Alberta has 10% of Canada's population but purchases more then 50% of all trucks.

I can certainly tell that compared to other provinces, Alberta roads are dominated by large 4x4s or large cars. Since the fuel prices are not that much lower here, and accounting for the farms and oil patch, a significant number of urban dwellers still opt for large trucks over cars.

I wonder if it is possible to change the driving habits of urbanites here of if the cultural leaning towards anything big (homes, acreages, vehicles etc) is too powerful and ingrained as a status?

[eh1eh]

I drive a pick up for the fact that it weighs 5300 lbs and gives a beautiful ride because of it. That and the fact that it is the most versatile vehicle out there. I can haul a trailer up to 7500 lbs, fill the box with equipment or whatever and take my family along at the same time.

As far as status goes, I don't know. Maybe that is a factor in Alberta. Here in the evil east a Lexus or Beemer is as much of a status symbol and most don't get much better mileage than a pick up or the SUV crossover types so people who like those can be equally as smug that they are not saving fuel.

[mikezila]

Forget small cars — Albertans are still in love with their pickup trucks.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmo.../12681121.html

I don't know if the statistic is accurate but I'd heard that Alberta has 10% of Canada's population but purchases more then 50% of all trucks.

I can certainly tell that compared to other provinces, Alberta roads are dominated by large 4x4s or large cars. Since the fuel prices are not that much lower here, and accounting for the farms and oil patch, a significant number of urban dwellers still opt for large trucks over cars.

I wonder if it is possible to change the driving habits of urbanites here of if the cultural leaning towards anything big (homes, acreages, vehicles etc) is too powerful and ingrained as a status?

why would they be? a hybrid only saves money in city driving (under 35mph)...and on to that, being crammed into a cheese wedge for long drives, it just has little appeal for long drives.

[eh1eh]

why would they be? a hybrid only saves money in city driving (under 35mph)...and on to that, being crammed into a cheese wedge for long drives, it just has little appeal for long drives.

No fucking kidding. Prius 17.2 mpg. BMW M3 19.4 mpg

Note: The mileages quoted in this video are 'miles per imperial gallon' which is 4.54 liters. An American gallon is 3.77 liters.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn8NM48GOPQ[/media]

[mikezila]

No fucking kidding. Prius 17.2 mpg. BMW M3 19.4 mpg

Note: The mileages quoted in this video are 'miles per imperial gallon' which is 4.54 liters. An American gallon is 3.77 liters.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn8NM48GOPQ[/media]

then wouldn't they get crappier mileage off an 'Murican gallon?:unknw:

i get 20+ out of the Exploder on the highway. :thumbsup:

[Owl]

I'll stick with my Diesel Truck I get 23 miles/imperial Gallon on the highway but in the winter with the start....drive a few miles then park......I barely get 10 M/G :thumbsdown:

[mikezila]

I'll stick with my Diesel Truck I get 23 miles/imperial Gallon on the highway but in the winter with the start....drive a few miles then park......I barely get 10 M/G :thumbsdown:

do you have a friend with a lot of used fryer oil?

[JoeSchmoe]

I'm a greenie and I don't like hybrids. I think that they are a load of bullshit. Massive batteries... not "green". Having to haul them around, especially if it isn't city driving - not "green". Having to replace (and dispose of) a bunch of batteries - not "green".

The Jetta diesel gets better fuel mileage than a hybrid. And hybrids are "green"? BS.

There is great potential in non-emissions vehicles (see: Tesla Roadster), but hybrids are all hype.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...s/1215782.html

[karrie]

I finally was able to move down to a Mazda 3. Before this, I've driven a handful of mini vans and 3/4 ton pickups. Living where I've lived, I never. ever. ever. would have driven less than a minivan due to the fact that I had to small kids, and couldn't risk being stuck in the middle bumtussle Alberta in a snow storm with them. Plus, nowadays, kids come with too much gear.

Now, at 8 and nearly 10, I can trust them to fend for themselves a bit better if I was to get stuck, and most importantly, I don't have to travel back roads in the winter.

But, for so many Albertans, back roads and snow drifts are still something that HAVE to contend with. Trucks make sense.

[Owl]

I'm a greenie and I don't like hybrids. I think that they are a load of bullshit. Massive batteries... not "green". Having to haul them around, especially if it isn't city driving - not "green". Having to replace (and dispose of) a bunch of batteries - not "green".

The Jetta diesel gets better fuel mileage than a hybrid. And hybrids are "green"? BS.

There is great potential in non-emissions vehicles (see: Tesla Roadster), but hybrids are all hype.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...s/1215782.html

My brother had a Jetta diesel...a six foot guy had no trouble getting in and out ....and only another Jetta owner would believe the mileage he was getting.