Tow cars and trailers

Ramy wrote:
While we're on the subject, any comments on the Lexus RX hybrid as a
tow vehicle?

Don't be taken in by the hype. If you consider whole of life energy
costs then hybrids are not very green at all. See

http://cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy

and download the "Dust to Dust" report for details.

The problem is that, while hybrids may give better fuel economy, that's
easily outweighed by the extra energy costs in building and recycling
them. For example, the Ford Focus I drive has a lifetime energy cost of
under 25% that of a Prius despite a 1:1.6 ratio of gas burnt per mile.

On topic: my Focus, a 2 litre automatic estate, has shown itself to be a
good tow car for a Std Libelle in a closed trailer though mileage does
suffer while towing.



--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |