Hybrids Delaying Other Technologies
02-12-08, 05:35 AM
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Hybrids Delaying Other Technologies
Hybrids Delaying Fuel Cells & Other Technologies
To most, hybrid vehicles like the Prius are a step in the right direction towards a future of ‘greener’ motoring but a new study has found that such cars are actually holding back other alternative powertrain technologies like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and all-electric cars. French researchers have found that a “misinformed craze” surrounding hybrids has delayed other technologies and is drawing a majority of research dollars.
Petrol-electric hybrids are not environmentally sustainable because they still rely on fossil fuels, however carmakers are still pouring millions of dollars into improving the technology instead of focusing on better alternatives. There’s also the fact that many modern diesel vehicles and even some petrol compact cars achieve much better mileage figures than hybrid halo cars like the Prius.
Consumers are convinced that hybrids are the solution, researchers Jean-Jacques Chanaron and Julius Teske claim in their paper Hybrid Vehicles: A Temporary Step.”There is a general convergence of strategies toward promoting hybrid vehicles as the mid-term solution to very low-emissions and high-mileage vehicles,” the researchers say. “But a convergence is based more on customer perception triggered by very clever marketing and communications campaigns than on pure rational scientific arguments and may result in the need for any manufacturer operating in the U.S. to have a hybrid electric vehicle in its model range in order to survive.”
Fortunately, there are carmakers out there pushing for alternatives. We’ve already seen Tesla’s all-electric roadster and next month Pininfarina will unveil a 700hp fuel-cell concept so there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
To most, hybrid vehicles like the Prius are a step in the right direction towards a future of ‘greener’ motoring but a new study has found that such cars are actually holding back other alternative powertrain technologies like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and all-electric cars. French researchers have found that a “misinformed craze” surrounding hybrids has delayed other technologies and is drawing a majority of research dollars.
Petrol-electric hybrids are not environmentally sustainable because they still rely on fossil fuels, however carmakers are still pouring millions of dollars into improving the technology instead of focusing on better alternatives. There’s also the fact that many modern diesel vehicles and even some petrol compact cars achieve much better mileage figures than hybrid halo cars like the Prius.
Consumers are convinced that hybrids are the solution, researchers Jean-Jacques Chanaron and Julius Teske claim in their paper Hybrid Vehicles: A Temporary Step.”There is a general convergence of strategies toward promoting hybrid vehicles as the mid-term solution to very low-emissions and high-mileage vehicles,” the researchers say. “But a convergence is based more on customer perception triggered by very clever marketing and communications campaigns than on pure rational scientific arguments and may result in the need for any manufacturer operating in the U.S. to have a hybrid electric vehicle in its model range in order to survive.”
Fortunately, there are carmakers out there pushing for alternatives. We’ve already seen Tesla’s all-electric roadster and next month Pininfarina will unveil a 700hp fuel-cell concept so there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
02-12-08, 02:58 PM
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02-12-08, 03:24 PM
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yeah, i agree there are merits
technically, there are better technology to be further developed other than hybrid
but companies are paying so much attention in hybrids now because it racks in the most money and easiest to market
technically, there are better technology to be further developed other than hybrid
but companies are paying so much attention in hybrids now because it racks in the most money and easiest to market
02-12-08, 03:29 PM
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But seriously. The article has some merit. Imagine if all that money was put into developing all-electric cars. I can't wait for the day until i dont have to visit a gas station any more.
I drive about 20 miles to work and then 20 miles back, I simple electric car would be perfect for me.
02-12-08, 04:28 PM
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Personally I would prefer a hybrid over an electric vehicle simply for the thrill of driving. To me, a hybrid is like having a turbocharger on your car without sacraficing the sound and anticipation of an ICE. I'd be completely happy if Subaru offered a hybrid Impreza with their efficient 2.0L engine.
02-12-08, 04:43 PM
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Yep, hybrids even have use in electric cars if you think about it. Plus they are a no hassle, nothing to plug in, nothing to refill, etc.
Ah, but hybrids have lasting uses in say hydrogen cars according Toyota.
Personally I would prefer a hybrid over an electric vehicle simply for the thrill of driving. To me, a hybrid is like having a turbocharger on your car without sacraficing the sound and anticipation of an ICE. I'd be completely happy if Subaru offered a hybrid Impreza with their efficient 2.0L engine.
Personally I would prefer a hybrid over an electric vehicle simply for the thrill of driving. To me, a hybrid is like having a turbocharger on your car without sacraficing the sound and anticipation of an ICE. I'd be completely happy if Subaru offered a hybrid Impreza with their efficient 2.0L engine.
02-12-08, 05:25 PM
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Good to know fearmongering is alive and well. The adoption of any technology is always a crap shoot. There aren't too many engine only solutions to higher mileage out there at present. For whatever reason, the hybrid has gained market traction. Is it the best technology? Probably not. But because it has gained market acceptance there are now people who get to jump on the bandwagon. And yes, at any given point in time, the technology that has gained market share will drive development dollars away from competing products. Sometimes it is only in the short run, sometimes in the long run. To put it another way, is everybody happy with Windows? Or maybe that should be is anybody happy with Windows?
02-12-08, 05:27 PM
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