Road tests of hybrid cars show inflated MPG ratings

Posted by ryan at 10:21 PM in technology .

There are quite a few reports surfacing regarding the true milage gains achieved by hybrid vehicles. I find this terribly dissapointing considering my recent excitement over Toyota's hybrid technology.

"Data from independent product-testing organization Consumer Reports indicates that hybrid cars get less than 60 percent of EPA estimates while navigating city streets. In Consumer Reports' real-world driving test, the Civic Hybrid averaged 26 mpg in the city, while the Toyota Prius averaged 35 mpg, much less than their respective EPA estimates of 47 and 60 mpg."