15-10-2019, 01:35 PM
Hybrids are loved by many as they provide a reasonably economical "automatic" (i.e. gears) solution for the driver. But they are still inefficient and complex as they link heavy, resource-hungry battery production with the additional old-style gearbox technology which are not necessary with modern electrics.
I've also found that one of my bug-bears in staying efficient is precisely that a manual gearbox, if you don't change down and spill speed, allows you to efficient use of fuel - thus cars slowing unduly, or traffic management inclusions, may increase pedestrian safety but they rely on cars running in generally lower gears for a given speed.
We need to get used to simpler, lighter cars (I used a newish 3-pot sub-1 litre petrol with wind-up windows this morning and returned nearly 75mpg on a shortish run) and be taxed severely for luxury things which go beyond "basic transport". But vote with your anticonsumist purse and just keep a reasonably-efficient old one running for as long as possible, while you can?
I've also found that one of my bug-bears in staying efficient is precisely that a manual gearbox, if you don't change down and spill speed, allows you to efficient use of fuel - thus cars slowing unduly, or traffic management inclusions, may increase pedestrian safety but they rely on cars running in generally lower gears for a given speed.
We need to get used to simpler, lighter cars (I used a newish 3-pot sub-1 litre petrol with wind-up windows this morning and returned nearly 75mpg on a shortish run) and be taxed severely for luxury things which go beyond "basic transport". But vote with your anticonsumist purse and just keep a reasonably-efficient old one running for as long as possible, while you can?