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Comment by brucethemoose2 | Hacker News Reader

Theres a world of difference between "classic" hybrids (a whole ICE drivetrain with an electric motor slapped on it) and the Chevy Volt style hybrids (a full electric drivetrain with a gas generator slapped on it).

The later is far less polluting for many reasons, while also retaining some benefits of ICE (smaller batteries, lower vehicle mass/BOM, "infinite" range). TBH its probably more environmentally friendly than a Tesla style full electric car.

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I 100% agree with you, except I do BELIEVE hybrids are less polluting than both options. Reduce gas by 90% since most communites are around 25 miles. That means a battery that’s 1/10th size, which means mining is substantially lower. Toxic metals also need to be considered and often are not.

The problem I think other people forget is that we don’t actually need to end fossil fuels we just need to substantially reduce the amount we burn. So if vehicles were 90% more efficient then that’s basically all we need in that sector anyway.

Great comment Bruce! I’m glad I wasn’t the only one thinking like you.

I know other people see this too, but what really puzzles me is the market. Automakers seem to only want to produce:

- Full ICE vehicles or "budget" mild hybrids

- Heavy, luxurious, expensive full electric vehicles.

Its as if a tiny gas generator in the car would "taint" it, but hauling all that battery and luxury junk around does far more harm.

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