Comments on: Prius Gets Optional Sound Enhancer to Protect Pedestrians

By: gang green

gang green — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:59:20 +0000

This is completely backwards thinking. One of the BIGGEST perks of an EV (or hybrid) – both for the driver and those outside the car – is that it does NOT make a lot of noise. The only reason that EVs are considered so horribly quiet is that you cannot hear them over gasoline and deisel engines. If/when all vehicles are EVs, you would be able to hear them – and those gas engines will seem ridiculously loud. Our grandchildren will think we were idiots!
This probably is just a legal move to reduce Toyota’s liability, anyway – no one will buy it.

By: jeanX

jeanX — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:58:06 +0000

I think it’s a good idea and not just for the blind,
but for everyone.

By: Peugeot 2008 Hybrid4: The world's first diesel-fueled hybrid vehicle | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:49:19 +0000

[...] most hybrids, such as the Prius, use a petrol-powered engine, the Peugeot 3008 boasts a 163bhp 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit, that [...]

By: morleypattullo

morleypattullo — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:33:06 +0000

This is ridiculous! We should be thankful that these hybrid vehicles are producing less noise pollution in heavy traffic areas. Why waste money and resources on something that is unnecessary and impractical. Is this safety concern not the reason we have the horn?

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:39:40 +0000

As a city cycler I can attest that the Prius is the ghost-shark of our roadways — silent, deadly, and prone to unprovoked strikes.