Headline News ran a short segment over the weekend about the Toyota Prius and potential problems with emissions testing in the state of Georgia. Apparently, many Prius owners are running headlong into an issue likely to be more and more common as vehicles evolve from purely petroleum based propulsion.
According to the piece, many Prius owners are failing what should be a tailpipe's "breeze" of an emissions test, not because the vehicles produce too much unwanted pollution, but because the equipment traditionally used to administer the test is unfamiliar with the unique operation of some hybrid vehicles.
More specifically, the test computer would essentially show a fault when the cars continue to move the dyno but on electric power. As if the Prius owner doesn't already have enough to worry about.
First of all, these people already have to suffer the guilt of not buying their cars when the tax breaks were at there highest. On top of that, they must carry the burden of being the equivalent of automotive martyrs, shunning the "no replacement for displacement ideal" in the name of environmental and socio-political concerns. Now, they have to endure the humility of a failed emissions test and then jumping through some hoops like a sideshow dog to receive a waiver.
Now, some more capable testers have apparently been able to work around the issue be getting the car to keep the motor (gasoline) running throughout the test by turning on the A/C for example, but the larger issue at hand is whether or not the whole practice of emission testing is keeping up with the auto industry and environmental conscious in general.
With all of the talk, emphasis and concern for global warming, greenhouse gases, and the auto industry, one would think that a national emission testing protocol would be a sensible place to start. In reality, this is a state-run and enforced campaign with considerable difference even from one county to the next. It isn't just the hardware used and training involved that is inconsistent.
Some states have "selective" emissions meaning they only test in certain areas. Nevada, for example, only tests in the counties holding the population centers of Vegas and Reno. Anywhere else, and you can run a vehicle straight out of a Mad Max movie without any repercussion. (Alien craft around Area 51 in NM have a separate exemption)
The problem is that not all people are environmentally minded enough to follow the rules. Not to be burdened with the shame of a test, an owner in Nevada can simply get a post office box outside of Vegas or Reno and drive their Prius, tail-muck and all.
There was time when I took an active interest in the oil price. I made the classical economic assumption that the price was predominantly set by the ironclad laws of Supply & Demand. Not anymore. I can go for weeks now without knowing what the price is. But my curiosity was renewed yesterday when I noticed that a barrel of oil
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Something must be done about this. Oil is getting scarce each day we consume it.
Posted by: CGS Motorsports | October 19, 2011 at 04:28 AM
I hope it is possible to have fuel economy improvement while at the same time reducing vehicle emissions.
Posted by: NRG Steering Wheels | December 05, 2011 at 08:19 AM
I have notice that oil company nowadays are continuing to open new branches. That means that they improving. We should notice and be aware of this.
Posted by: NRG Quick Release | December 16, 2011 at 02:11 PM
I really enjoyed reading this blog. Oil is one of the most consumed on our economy and the price is getting higher every year.
Posted by: NRG Hubs | December 22, 2011 at 04:15 AM
Thanks for sharing this article and I really appreciate it. I agree that some people now are not environment minded and they just want to enjoy things they want without thinking of its risk.
Posted by: CGS Performance Air Intake | December 25, 2011 at 06:18 AM
Technical, automotive, and other production ventures are always at war with the environment. We would know by clearly evaluating the results brought about by wastes produced by manufacturers. The only thing that would help us yield positive results would be lessening our car usage and walking on short distances instead, planting trees, and being resourceful. Cliche, but it really helps in an exponential way.
Posted by: NRG Quick Release Adapters | December 30, 2011 at 04:02 AM
This is a great article. I am really concerned with the condition of our environment right now. I am glad that there are ways that we can help to reduce it.
Posted by: CGS Performance Air Intake | January 07, 2012 at 09:47 AM
People should really be aware of what and how was the condition of our environment is going nowadays.
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