The new hybrid Tahoe - by chevy ---?

Question

Hi everybody in Environment --i am a newbie here -- but i am a new friend with Permaculture byderule (sorry to namedrop -- hehehe). I live where PG&E does not reach - so we make our own power with a generator and are in the process of solar and battery back up system.

We have a business - (one of a few) but our main one is my husband is a Landscape Architect and Contractor (Arcadian Gardens) -- we try to bring environments - that self sustain, progress, and bring beauty and tranquility to each client, from small levels - to larger ones too. -- so you can see why I wanted to learn from Pculture byderule --and his posse -- so i am in here absorbing the wisdom. There is so much swirling in my mind right now - about our biz, how to leave our clients a little more environmentally wise, w/ a great landscape- while becoming a little more environmentally friendly - on any level - and i am excited!

Now that i got lost in all that - first ? - need a new car - any ideas re: chevy tahoe

Answer 1

The problem with the Tahoe hybrid is that the Chevy Tahoe is a massive SUV.  Supposedly the hybrid version only gets 25% better mileage than the regular Tahoe which only averages about 18 mpg, meaning that the hybrid version will get you a whopping 22 mpg.

Obviously your car choice depends on your needs.  If you just need a car for driving around, then the Prius is the best choice

http://www.reuters.com/article/environme...

But if you need to haul some heavy stuff around and need a truck or SUV, then your best bet is the '07 Ford Escape hybrid, which gets about 33 mpg and is actually ranked #5 in Yahoo Auto's top 100 green cars.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-top1...

Answer 2

Hi, big question with an involved answer. Get something nice and caffeinated and get comfy...

as Dana says, you need to evaluate what you want a vehicle to do. Sit down and draw a line down a sheet of paper. On the left write what you need your next vehicle to do, on the right, write what you want your vehicle to have. Put this sheet aside for a few days and then come back to it and reevaluate.

Then take a look at the types of vehicles that will fit what you need first, want second. That is the most economical and intelligent way to make an investment in a vehicle. You may decide a barebones truck fills your needs and promotes the environmental aspect of your company in the way you want your clients to think of you. After all, as you know, your appearance is sometimes just as important as what people don't see. In that vein, you may decide a Chevy Tahoe is the best choice for what your customer base expects you to drive.

But that is not the best choice environmentally. With the dual mode partial hybrid system GM is using for the Tahoe, it theorectically will run on electric for part of the time and will deactivate four cylinders when the vehicle is not accelerating. It also can burn E85.

There are real, practical downsides to each of these that you should be aware of before you purchase a vehicle like this and then are dissapointed with the mileage it will get in the real world. I am not going to tell you not to buy the Tahoe, on the contrary, it may be the best choice for you. But you do need to know the limitations.

And the mileage for the standard Tahoe in 4X4 trim is 15 city and 21 highway. GM says the 25% gain for the hybrid trim is an approximation. The web site is http://www.chevrolet.com/hybrid/ if you'd like to see.

First, with a true, full hybrid, it can run using electric only power and the gas engine turns on and off as needed. This system works fine as long as you do not press the accelerator beyond a certain threshold or the vehicle does not need additional power beyond the electric threshold for accelerating up a hill, for example, or accelerating to keep up with traffic.

Second, with the cylinder deactivation systems available from multiple manufacturers, they are dependent on you not accelerating at all. In other words, the cylinders will shut off, but only when the vehicle is going down hill or on a perfectly level surface with a tailwind. These are the real world conditions that are needed for cylinders to not turn on to provide power for a two and a half ton vehicle to move forward. Honda has a cylinder deactiviation system on it's minivan and in independent testing from Consumer Reports, they found the cylinder deactivation was used so little in real world driving, the Odyssey got one mile per gallon less than the Toyota Sienna, which does not use cylinder deactivation and essentially the same size engine.

As far as E85, an ethanol blend, goes, ethanol lowers your mileage because it does not contain the same energy density and energy potential as gasoline does. You will get lower mileage using E10 - E85 than you will using pure gasoline. Sometimes you are not able to get pure gas at all, or very easily, in your area so you may not have any choice. But if you can, do not put E85 in if you are trying to get the same miles per gallon, you will not.

Now, as far as what types of hybrid vehicles would be best for hauling at least six people, towing at least 3500 pounds, possess four wheel drive, give multiple levels of comfort features, have extensive safety features, and are rated the best in their class, that limits the field quite a bit.

The only vehicles of that type are the Toyota Highlander and the upcoming Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. The Tahoe/Yukon are only available in a limited basis, so check GM's websites.

The Ford/Mercury twins only hold five people, are not able to tow at least 3500 pounds, and do not have advanced safety systems like stability control. Ford's website is http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escapeh...

The Highlander currently tows 3500 pounds and that will likely go up to 5000 pounds with the hybrid due out next month (the standard new Highlander tows 5000), holds six people, has an intelligent fourwheel drive system incorporating traction control and stability control, side seat and side curtain airbags standard, and is rated a top pick by Consumer Reports. Toyota's website is http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2008/high...

This is not meant as a sales job on Toyotas, I don't sell them. But you should be aware of what is out there and get the specs on each vehicle to make sure it will do what you need and want it to do. Good luck with your choice.