42 - Friday, July 9, 1993 - North Shore News

Heavy engines limit size of hybrid cars

From page 41

has the equivalent of 75 horse- power, and can match gasoline- fuelled cars in stop-and-go accel- eration from 0 to 50 km/h (30 mph),

However, the EcoStar has a norma! driving range of just 160 kilometres (100 miles), equivalent to about 15 litres (3.3 gallons) of gasoline. Turn on the air condi- tioner, and range shrinks vy 20%,

With a maximum speed of 110 km/h (68 mph), the EcoStar is not well suited to freeway driving.

And recharging times are tengthy. Using normal {15 volt house current, it takes 20 hours to recharge its batteries. Using 220 Volt, it takes four hours.

_At the moment, the EcoStar can be leased for three years at a cost of $100,000. Assuming it is mass-produced, this price may be reduced, but will it be affordable?

The bottom line is that if California consumers don't buy enough electric cars in 1998, the

88 FORA RANGER trans, V6, long-box

“a 20 FORD 3/4 TON

‘88 (BB GMC ‘GETAWAY VAN

vaN $13,988 *83 "83 FORD 5.W.8. AUTO Full sta van.....

"92 CHEV 4-D00R SLAZER 4X4 ‘Leather, V/5 Votec engine, Tahoe model ......

'B9 TOYOTA TERCEL 4 DOOR Hatchback, zuto..

‘92 METRO G.S.1. COUPE

‘S speed, Canary yellow.

CT ee Ta DOOR wise. 244, 988

government can neither force con- sumers to buy them, nor force manufacturers to continue selling them ata loss.

It is more likely that the gov- ernment will relax their rules enough to allow hybrid electric cars, a much more practical alter- native.

Hybrids have small internal combustion engines which operate only at freeway speeds, or to recharge the batteries when they run tow.

However, even hybrids have their problems, The combined weight of the engine, fuel and batteries makes hybrids very heavy, limiting their size to small commuter cars.

Whatever the eventual solution to urban pollution is, it will re- quire a sincere commitment on the part of motorists, manufacturers, and governments.

Legislating pie-in-the-sky solu- tions to a very complicated prob- jem is not likely to work.

§§988 $13,988

$3988

322,988 $6498 $8888

Community bulletin board

BIG TREE TREK... The Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) is offering the oppor- tunity for you to join naturalists in exploring the giant tree coun- try in Capilano River Regional Park, tomorrow, Saturday, July 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 aii, Participants will visit-an ancient Pacific Yew, and Grandpa Capilano, an enormous Douglas Fir. Make bark rub- bings, learn tree lore, and start a family tree book. The program fee is $4 per person: all ages are welcome, Advance registration is required, To register with Visa/Mastercard phone GVRD Parks at 432-6359.

HOLLYBURN HERITAGE HIKES,,. Friends of Cypress Provincial Park are sponsoring Holiyburn Heritage Hikes to help the public become more

"90 FORD AEROSTAR

5-pass. Xt model...

ray GHEY ASTRO, VAN EXTENDED sg) 983 B8.Gmc sis PICKUP EXTRA CAB + 0,995

'90 TROOPER 4X4 5 speed, VA, Cloan Tuk...

All units plus Tax & License

BS CHEV S10 PICKUP

‘a1 TOYOTA SAS COUPE Sunrool, 5 speed, hard to find...

os SUNBIRD 4 DOOR AUTOMATIC

One owner, like

"92 CAVALIER 4 UOOR 5S speed, red in cofor. Low mileage, GM warranty...

familiar with some of the park's hiking trails and natural features. The hikes go every Sunday, from July 18 to Sept. 5, All hikes begin at 1} a.m., ex- cept for the two to Hollyburn Peak (Aug. 8 & 29), which begin at 10am. There is no charge for the hikes, and no pre-registra- tion is required. Participants are advised Jo wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes and bring protective clothing for changing mountain weather; also, bring a lunch and sufficient drinking water, Call 922-7949 for more details.

WEST VANCOUVER SENIORS’ CENTRE... Who can resist an outdoor garden party? The West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre is hosting a garden party tomorrow, Satur- day, duly 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. All proceeds from the par- ty go towards fundraising efforts

to raise money for a planned expansion of the centre. A number of displays will feature popular gardening subjects (or- chids, rases, bonsai, composting, flower arranging, ete.), and Master gardeners and community merchants wili share their exper- tise on how to add life to your garden. Afterwards, a gourmet tuncheon from the Bread Garden will be served, and activities in- cluding croquet and tive enter- tainment will take place after lunch. Tickets are $12, and limited. For more information call Ginny at 926-4375

If your community group has an upcoming event, send a_ press release to Community Bulletin Board, c/o North Shore News, 139 Lousdale Ave,, North Van- couver, V7M 2H4, or fax 985- 3227,

Ww

INFINITI

Created Ly Nissan

$599 LEASE/MONTH*

The beauty of the Infiniti J30 is not the exclusive province of high-minded aesthetics. Its attractions also extend to the bottom line. —

All because of a very affordable lease rate

now being offered.

The Infiniti J30. It’s one luxury car able to

All units plus Tax & License

AUTO LOAN CREDIT

We have special in-house bank or GMAC financing on all automobiles at financing to fit your needs.

"93 CHEV LUMINA 4 DOOR $ Alga windows, whe new car waranty, tow in ,..now only 1G), OBB

A TREPIRD V8, fow mileage..... ae Oy 545 6995 ite tor at fp tw car varanty.*49, 888 "90 PONTIAC 6000 WAGON Automate, ait, split seats, nice family wagon *90 OLDS CUTLASS S/L. COUPE

Full load, one owne!

*86 BUICK SKYHAWK 4 DOOR 4 cyl., auto, sharp wheels,

88 BO pe eR ELIANT AGO HT one ont, 588

preserve a very precious resource. Your money. To find out more, visit our showroom soon.

‘88 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD SEDAN Fully equipyed, silver, grey interior, mint condition ...

'89 OLDS CicAA 4 DOOR Fully equipped, clean far.....

543,988 #471, 888

$10,988 86 PONTIAC $000 L. LE. 4 oor

Air, windows, driven oftly 59,1000 kit, 06 GWCE nce seen

‘99 CHEY CORSICA 4t DOOR ‘V6, auto, rata, nice transportation

"90 CHEV CAPRICE, 4 DOOR

Maroon in colet, auto, air, rear whedl drive...

‘85 BUICK SOMERSET L.T.D. COUPE Ait, windoxs, sporty car, 2 lone dive. entnsne anata

42,988

REGENCY INFINITI (NORTHSHORE)

1148 Marine Dr., North Vancouver D6127A

985-0339

Smart people ai aiva ays read the fine print. And they always wear their seitt- belts. Lease the J30 for *48 months with $4000 down, cash or trade. First month lease payment and security deposit required O.A.C. All applicable” / taxes, and license extra. Buyback of $16,500 optienal. -

All units plus Tax & License