Does the Toyota Prius really benefit the environment?
As well as boosting the economy, the government’s new car scrappage scheme was introduced with the aim of reducing on the number of old and polluting vehicles on the country’s roads.
However, it has been claimed in the past that ‘green’ hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius may not be as environmentally-friendly as we think.
A controversial article published by Central Connecticut State University’s Recorder newspaper in 2007 claimed that the Prius is, in fact, bad for the environment and the source of "some of the worst pollution" in North America.
The publication claimed the Prius is only capable of achieving 45 miles per gallon – bringing it "within spitting distance" of the much cheaper Chevy Aveo.
It went on to suggest that building and running a typical Prius is more destructive to the environment that a Hummer.
Partly fuelled by a battery, the Prius reportedly contains nickel that is mined at a plant in Sudbury, Ontario.
"This plant has caused so much environmental damage to the surrounding environment that Nasa, has used the ‘dead zone’ around the plant to test moon rovers. The area around the plant is devoid of any life for miles," the publication noted.
According to the Recorder, the nickel is then shipped across to Europe and from there on to China and Japan, before the completed batteries are returned to the US.
However, the claims have been disputed, with Dr Peter H Gleick of the Pacific Institute suggesting that comparisons between the Prius and Hummer are "distorted" and make "untenable assumptions".
In related news, the Association of British Drivers claimed earlier this month that there are few advantages associated with electric vehicles.
Hugh Bladon, a spokesperson for the organisation said that producing such cars produces "a massive amount of environmental damage" and insisted that such vehicles are nothing more than a "modern fad".
I would have to argue that the prius did take a step in the right direction – but right now, there are TONNES of cars that are more effectient and leave a smaller carbon footprint. The prius is a bit of a token purchase now.
Whatever the facts, the Prius being environmentally friendly has certainly worked for Toyota as a marketting tool. I’d be very surprised if it was more of a pollutant than the Hummer.
The Prius is certainly a “cleaner” car. If only it was more affordable and more people could own one.. if Toyota could meet the demand that is!