September 1, 2008
First let me say that knowing what I know today, I would not buy a Hummer again. In fact, I plan to buy a Volt or a similar 100% electric vehicle that runs on a better and more sustainable technology than today’s hybrids.
When Hagadone Printing started its transformation into a sustainable business I was driving the original, diesel-guzzling Hummer. Soon after, I replaced it with the H2 model I currently drive. The H2 gets 13 miles per gallon, which is better than some of the other less publicized trucks, cars and SUVs.
Why not trade in the Hummer for a hybrid? Because I do not think that hybrids are the way to go. I will not buy a hybrid to “fit in” with the pseudo environmentalists who mistakenly assume that their trendy vehicles are better for the environment. Am I crazy to suggest that hybrids are not better than ordinary vehicles, especially a Hummer? I think not. Let me explain. |
|
Hybrids use a nickel cadmium battery. The mining of nickel devastates vast areas of land and it requires large machinery and a lot of energy to extract. Once the nickel is mined, it is usually shipped a long distance, often from Australia to China where more energy is used to create the cells necessary to build batteries. The batteries are then shipped to the U.S. or Japan where the manufacturers install the battery, the electric motor AND a combustion engine into a finished product.
The entire process creates a huge cumulative carbon footprint that uses more energy and emits more CO2 than it takes to build and operate a Hummer for 15 years.
It’s true that the hybrid costs fewer dollars and, once built, uses less fuel. But I have to ask myself, “Am I willing to go with the trendy, cheaper vehicle or the one that is less harmful to the environment?”
You won’t pry me away from my Hummer with a Prius, but someday I will surrender the H2 for a superior, sustainable vehicle with an all-electric hum.
Erwin Hudelist
President
 |
