Hybrid haters are losers
Please tell me how gas guzzling makes America stronger
I understand hybrid and plug-in vehicle hate. First, many hybrid and plug-in buyers are elitist, condescending a-holes. Second, and even far worse, hybrids and plug-ins are still just a distraction from reality – a marketing ploy by mainstream automakers to continue their gas-guzzling driven profits as long as possible.
Well, F them too.
Nevertheless, despite the condescension, most hybrid and plug-in buyers have noble intentions. What do the haters have?
Believe me. I know something about yuppie hybrid and EV loving hate. Despite the fact I drive a hybrid, even I hate hybrid and plug-in vehicles to some extent, even though my next auto purchase will be a plug-in vehicle – a pure plug-in electric no less, despite the fact I believe plug-in hybrids are a better interim technology. Inevitably, range will matter for average consumers for many years, maybe even decades. Of course, along those lines, I believe conventional hybrid cars are an even better deal than any plug-in and more consumer friendly.
But I already own a hybrid. I just need a cheap plug-in electric vehicle to handle my shorter commutes.
Unfortunately, that’s another reason why plug-in vehicles bug me a little these days.
Plug-in vehicles are WAY too expensive compared to conventional technologies considering their limited range. Even worse, plug-in vehicles have become an excuse NOT to do more today to fight foreign oil dependence for the average major automaker.
And I’m not gonna be anyone’s bitch, even though I believe in plug-ins. Build’em for reals, not for PR.
Nevertheless, plug-in vehicles offer individuals the ability to achieve their personal foreign oil independence. That’s why I’ll buy a plug-in and why many others will as well, even if they are elitist, condescending a-holes. Crap. Maybe I’m an elitist, condescending a-hole.
I don’t care. Since 9/11 I’ve become acutely aware of my foreign oil dependence. In fact, I’ve cut my dependence significantly. I’ve done something.
For years after 9/11, I didn’t even drive. AT ALL. Of course, I was lucky. A few stores and restaurants were within walking distance, and LA’s Metro Goldline provided even greater flexibility. Most; however, don’t have such options, so I understand I can’t be too judgmental, especially since in recent years, my foreign oil fighting strength has weakened.
Sometimes I drive when I could take the train, and in this capacity a plug-in would be perfect. If only they were cheaper. Unfortunately, for the overall mileage I need, the upfront price of a plug-in vehicle is simply astronomically ridiculous and I’ve already paid too much for a hybrid based on my needs. It’d be cheaper for me to use a taxi since we’re only talking a few thousand miles per year of needed mileage. Consequently, I’ve been thinking about a plug-in car share instead.
But that’s not the point.
The point is that while hybrid and plug-in buyers might not be perfect – they might even be elitist, condescending a-holes – at least they’re trying to do something to affect what might be the greatest issue facing our generation. Foreign oil dependence is a killer. That’s undeniable.
So, what are you doing about it, punk?