Posts Tagged ‘Hybrid Cars’

A lot of people that using alternative sources of fuel is just fulfilling your environmental duties. Others use such fuel sources to assuage their own conscience. While using alternative fuel sources can definitely fulfil the above two roles, it is just plain good sense and planning to not depend on the rapidly depleting and environmentally degrading fossil fuels that form the backbone of our economy, and our transport system.

You can start off your use of alternative fuels in your daily commute. If you use your feet to commute, either through walking or cycling, you are at a great disadvantage with the rest of the American populace. Not only will you be healthier and fitter, you will also save thousands of dollars on ever increasing fuel costs, while cutting down on your carbon footprint.

Of course, you cannot depend on walking or cycles to take you everywhere. You will require a motorized mode of transport sooner or later. If you can afford one, a hybrid car would be a great investment. Not only are hybrid cars more economical, they are also low polluting. You will also be at a distinct advantage with the rest of the population as fuel prices keep on increasing, and as the country makes the inevitable switch to cars powered by alternative sources of fuel.

Try to use public means of transport as much as you can, especially the local metro which runs on electric power, and thus, gives off zero emissions. Not only is public transport a cost effective means of travel, it is also a great way to do your little bit for the environment and keep at least one car off the already congested roads and highways.

It makes sense to switch over the alternative fuel sources sooner than later. We will all have to switch to greener energy sources one day, so why not today rather than tomorrow?

About the Author

John has been writing online for several years. His late blog is about picture scanners, and how you should go about buying a picture scanner

A plug-in Prius at HybridFest

Since 2006, in the US, Japan, and Europe, Toyota has been quietly testing 126 lithium-powered Prius hybrid cars. In fact, there was a time when a few top Toyota executives announced that lithium would power the third generation Toyota Prius.

Then a few cell phone and laptop batteries exploded. Soon after, Toyota announced that lithium would not power the third generation Prius.

So, is lithium unsafe?

According to Toyota senior staff engineer for batteries, Kazuo Tojima, Toyota’s tests demonstrated that lithium’s “durability, stability and safety are assured.”

Unfortunately, while lithium also provided “small” fuel-economy gains, the costs of lithium still out-weighed the benefits.

Besides, is there any reason for Toyota to rush into lithium? On the other hand, isn’t there every reason for US automakers to rush into lithium?

All about the dead Presidents?

Several months ago, a JD Power survey found that, despite declining gas prices, more than 70 percent of Americans were interested in buying hybrid cars. More than 40 percent of that 70 percent indicated they would pay as much as $5000.00 more for a hybrid.

At the time, however, hybrid sales were declining, as hybrid market share fell below 3 percent. Apparently, it’s not easy to put your money where your mouth is.

Can we change this disconnect? Finish: Time to get real about hybrids and plug-ins

What would it take to dethrone the king?

The Toyota Camry is far more popular than the Toyota Prius, yet the Camry hybrid has never come close to matching Prius sales. Why (and it’s not just a supply issue)?

Is it simply the unique design of the Prius? The cheaper price? The greater fuel efficiency? All of the above?

Are small cars the only cost-effective platform for successful hybrid cars? For instance, could a unique hybrid truck or crossover compete? What about a unique Camry-sized hybrid?

What would it take to surpass the Prius?

A Prius before plug-in conversion

Just build plug-in hybrids and they will come?

Not so according to another poll. Survey data by Pike Research finds that only 48 percent of Americans are willing to consider a plug-in hybrid vehicle that can achieve 40 miles of pure electric range.

However, 83 percent of those interested in buying such a plug-n hybrid would only be willing to buy a plug-in hybrid if it cost no more than 10 percent, or less, of the cost of a conventional gas powered vehicle. Unfortunately, many hybrid cars can’t even come close to those economics, let alone far more expensive plug-in vehicles.

I guess Bob Lutz knows exactly what he’s talking about when he claims that only 5 percent of US auto consumers are willing to buy plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt.