Hybrid
Vehicles: Neither an interim technology, nor a bridge to
the future
Updated: April 8, 2012
The time for the
hybrid car revolution is now
Editors Note - This page is going to be updated soon, but the evidence that hybrid cars are an integral part of the future is becoming abundant. Not a forecast exists that suggests plug-ins will overtake hybrids this decade, nor probably the next. It's time to focus on reality, rather than hype.
I regularly note that one of
the best things about hybrid
cars is the potential of hybrid technology. For
example, the second generation Toyota
Prius hybrid made great gains in efficiency and
performance compared to the first generation Prius.
Ultimately, hybrids are an emerging technology and the
best is yet to come.
Ironically, earlier today I noted that GM regularly tries to downplay hybrids,
yet also admits that its fuel cell vehicles will be fuel
cell hybrid vehicles. So, is this just deceptive
marketing by GM, or don't they really believe in the
future of fuel cells?
Inevitably, I don't care. The future will emerge - with or
without GM.
In reality, the many benefits of hybrid technology have
yet to be explored and/or developed. While today's hybrids
are fueled by gasoline, tomorrow's hybrids could be fueled
by diesel, biodiesel, ethanol or even electricity, but
that is really just the beginning.
Since the 'Hydrogen Revolution' and fuel cell vehicles
will require hydrogen 'gas' stations, one of the biggest
impediments to fuel cell vehicles is limited filling
stations. Yet again, hybrids offer a solution.
Energy
Conversion Devices, for example, has developed working
hydrogen hybrids and believes such vehicles will be fleet
ready in just a couple of years. While the vehicles are
not necessarily more fuel efficient than a gasoline hybrid
vehicle, they would help usher in the development of the
hydrogen fuel network - a critical key to fuel cell
vehicles.
Ultimately, hybrid technology isn't an interim solution,
nor a bridge, to fuel cell vehicles. Hybrid technology is
an essential piece of fuel cell vehicles. Consequently,
buying hybrids today makes the realization of a cleaner,
more fuel efficient fuel cell future that much more of a
reality by investing in some of the critical components of
that future.
Oh yeah, and in the interim buying hybrids today
significantly contributes to cleaning the planet and
reducing foreign oil dependency - issues that should be
addressed TODAY, not in the far off, mythical future of
too many automakers.
Demand more of your favorite automaker! Join the hybrid
car revolution.
posted by Dahcredyns at 9:41
AM
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