I don't worry too much about the toxic batteries, since there are lots of toxic elements in cars and manufacturing, I don't think it is any worse with the electric hybrids.

I do think, though, that people should understand the energy it takes to produce the car, and dispose of it, not just drive it. There are reports of the Accord hybrid having a lifetime energy consumption (from manufacturing, through shipping, fuel consumed by the owner, and then energy to dispose of the vehicle) significantly above the non-hybrid Accord. Same issues with the Pious. Consumers focusing only on their cost of filling the tank may be deluding themselves. Yes, the hybrid can be more fuel efficient than a larger vehicle, but the technology itself consumes a lot of energy.

Pretty much the same story with ethanol from corn. It may save the farmers, but it won't save the planet, if it takes more energy to produce that corn than is transferred over to the automotive fuels market.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue