Just now getting the chance to report on my trip to Columbus, OH for GIScience 2012 two weeks ago. It was a very busy event, as I was a part of three papers scheduled on the program. It was also nice visiting Columbus after having lived there about 10 years ago, and seeing how much it had changed. Overall, a great conference (e.g., we were well fed!) and looking forward to future meetings.
The new hybrid
We’ve been driving a hybrid vehicle since the end of May 2012, . So far, we’ve been averaging anywhere from 42-45 miles per gallon (MPG), with the official EPA estimate at 44. Given so much of the driving we do is in stop and go traffic, this is where the hybrid really shines. If there are any downsides thus far, this car is not going to win any drag races, and moreover, the little green ‘econ’ button just begs for you to keep it engaged all the time (the econ button seems to cut the gas engine response a bit to wring out a few more MPG). Also, it is currently summer, so we are wondering if MPG and/or performance might change a bit when temps drop in the fall. We’ll report back again soon with updates.
Surprising article about hybrid purchases
I was a bit surprised by this article which shows a clear majority of hybrid owners do not purchase another hybrid vehicle following their first. As one would expect, repurchase rates track fuel prices, and interestingly many conventional gas models now approach hybrids in terms of economy.