E
flex System versus Hybrid Synergy Drive: First Thoughts
Thursday,
January 11, 2007
(Cont.
from Page 1)
While some critics have griped that the Volt was a
publicity stunt that couldn't conceivably hit showrooms
for at least 5 years, possibly even 10, all I saw was
flexibility, adaptability and an endpoint, a fuel
cell-electric Volt.
Soon GM will launch the Yukon
hybrid, the Australopithecus of GM's evolutionary path
to fuel cell vehicles. Eventually, the dual mode hybrid
powertrain driving the Yukon hybrid will evolve into the
plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Saturn Vue hybrid.
In order to make a quality plug-in
hybrid, GM and all other automakers will have to
further develop lithium-ion batteries - the foundation of
the first series of Volt electric vehicles. The first Volt
will probably be an electric flex-fuel plug-in hybrid
vehicle, or maybe just an electric diesel plug-in hybrid.
Then, as fuel cells develop and become cost effective, the
Volt will become a fuel cell electric vehicle.
Evolution: GM versus
Toyota
The E-flex System and the Hybrid Synergy Drive are
different, yet similar. Both are flexible, adaptable,
evolutionary paths to the fuel cell vehicle.
Yes, Toyota is a huge step in front of GM, having sold
several hundred thousand hybrids. GM still has yet to sell
one single full hybrid passenger vehicle, but there are
still a number of steps and adaptations to be taken
between now and the full fuel cell vehicle. Now at least,
GM has a legitimate game plan to challenge Toyota.
Now it's just time for GM to produce as many dual mode
hybrids as possible and start stepping into the future.
Then the E-flex System will become as believable as the
Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The E-flex System versus the Hybrid Synergy Drive: It's
all about evolution.
Comments
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Hybrids are nice and all but they really don’t solve the problem, all they are doing is postponing it. If the reason for purchasing a hybrid is greenhouse gas reduction and the dependency of foreign, how it is that burning something that consumes a little less gas is going to solve that. It seems like everyone is jumping on this hybrid bandwagon, including you, when in reality not that much is changing.
It helps invest in the type of technology that can end foreign oil dependency and end CO2 emissions. Investing in today's hybrids is an investment in tomorrow's fuel cell vehicles.
For the record, if everyone drove a Prius America could easily end foreign oil dependency. Yet, the potential of hybrid technology is only just emerging - the best is yet to come.
Nothing is going to happen overnight.
Besides, what is your solution, complaining that things aren't happening fast enough? Or, is it why do anything since it doesn't help much?
New Year all the best and forget its past troubles. www.qweas.com
The Chevy Volt E-Flex propulsion System represents a major shift in how American Auto manufacturers go to market. For once they are thinking long-term sustainability and seeing the virtues of a green way of life. Unfortunately, until they roll this technology out to serve the SUV market, Americans will still be paying a premium at the pump due to those who feel the need to drive an Excursion solo 40 miles to and from work. In order to make this technology thrive, there needs to be more options, less trade-offs and a greater level of consumer interest/adoption.
Chevy Volt Pictures, news, videos, photos and more http://www.chevy-volt.net