http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18800305/from/RS.5/

I've seen a few Ford Escape hybrids in the city but most are still Crown Vics.

This should be a good chance to see how durable hybrid powertrains really are. NYC cabs take a lot of abuse and probably drive more than any car on the planet. I swear it seams like at least 50% of the cars in Manhattan are taxis.

 

i agree, and those cabbies arent easy on them either! MASH the accelerator, crush the break peddle over and over and over again!

 

I saw that on the news earlier today. I wonder how many other big cities are going to run with this idea also. Here in Chicago the cabbies are wanting an extra dollar mandatory charge to help with the escalating fuel costs.

 

interesting... i think i'll be resorting to their subway/metro

 

Similar to the "brake pedal", I suppose?

This rush to hybrids in NYC, while a blatantly political move, will help prove durability and real-world mileage of the things.

 

oh no! you got me!

 

No offense meant. It's a common mistake hereabouts. A lot of guys mix up lose and loose. "You can lose a part that gets loose and falls off".

 

Boy are they gonna be pissed when they have to spend the price of a new car buying 3 battery packs over the course of 300,000 miles.

Seems like a waste of money to me.

 

Just more politicians showing they're idiots.

 

They have been using Hybrid Ford Escapes for over 2 years now. This cab owner says they save him $5000 a year.

Here is another article http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070522/cltu102.html?.v=29

How do you figure? Over 100,000 miles the Escape Hybrid will conserve approximately 1,666 gallons of gas over a traditional cab. Less pollution and they are cheaper to operate. Plus it is a good way for Ford to test the durability of the Escape hybrid since they will be running 24/7 in NYC

 

At that point is about when the batteries will need to be changed. We will defentily learn how cost efficent hybirds can be by doing this.

 

Great news but I see the Chevrolet Volt becoming the #1 choice for many cities before 2015.

 

That makes Taxis the perfect vehicle to use electric motors. An electric motor makes all its torque instantly and regenerative braking can keep help increase the mileage.

 

I have a feeling we're going to be laughing at these hybrids by 2012. Well, maybe a few years later than that. It just seems so primitive to put both a motor and an engine in a car to increase fuel economy. Go all elecric or go home lol

 

I'll save my laugh until the electric car that can get 300 miles on a 3 min. charge comes out. I'll probably be waiting a lot longer than 2012.