Hybrid-electric cars and our current alternatives to fossil fuels
Published: 12/16/2009 by Matthew Talbot
Despite the stagnant economy and a shrinking North American vehicle market, demand for hybrids continues to grow. The hybrid-car market is even expected to defy the downward trend of 2009's recession.
The first two hybrids to hit the North American market were the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius in early 2000. Nine years later, these two hybrid titans will once again dominate.
The new Toyota Prius was unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January 2009. The third generation Prius is bigger and more powerful with a boost in horsepower from 110 to 160 and a body that is three to four inches longer and about an inch wider. The Prius boasts fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Its range is also expected to be extended.
In the spring, Honda began shipping its revitalized Honda Insight – billed as the most affordable hybrid on the market.
The new Honda Insight has an expanded interior with room for five passengers. The aerodynamic design borrows elements from Honda’s own fuel cell vehicle. Honda has plans to introduce other hybrids to the market.
Ford offers a hybrid model for its Fusion and its Escape SUV, Chevrolet offers a hybrid model for its Malibu, and Mercedes, BMW and Lexus are branching into the hybrid market.
Hybrid vehicle emissions today are getting close to or even lower than the recommended level set by the United States’ EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
The recommended levels for a typical passenger vehicle should be equated to 5.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The Honda Civic, Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrids set the standards even higher by producing 4.1, 3.5, and 3.5 tons of CO2.
Hybrid technology is even being adapted for aircrafts in 2010, which will see some planes ceasing to use their main engines for anything but take-off and flight, leaving the hybrid to take care of taxiing and other plane functions.
