Future of the Automobile Part II
2012 Toyota
As mentioned in my previous post, nearly two-thirds of the world’s petroleum is used in the transportation sector alone and demand continues to expand. The argument that the supply will last forever, can not even pass the common sense test, as has been reported in various reserve studies throughout the world the supply will surely fall short of the demand sooner or later. Reducing or eliminating our dependency on petroleum not only cuts back on harmful emission to our environment, but such an action will also build a stronger world wide economy. Fueling our autos with 100% electricity instead of petroleum is perhaps one of the most realistically obtainable options available and can only by described as a sound financial action for reaching such goals? However as we’ve determined, not only is such an objective extremely difficult, such a lofty goal has been described by many as an idealistic folly.
With this in mind, perhaps until such time that battery development and research reaches a higher standard we should be concentrating our efforts on reducing the typical automobile’s dependence on oil, rather than eliminating that need completely. After all such technology has been available for several years now.
Believe if or not, the average Miles Per Gallon number for the typical American vehicle has creped its way up to 20 during the past few years, but the city MPG for the 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid is a bit more than double that at 41 in city driving, and the Toyota Prius V hybrid which is a midsized station wagon is describes as reaching 51 MPG in the city. Both are comparably priced to non-hybrid vehicles.
These well-equipped hybrids operate as an electric car for their first 35 or so miles after a full charge and then they use gasoline to extend their range. The hybrid burns no gasoline during the first 40+ miles after a charge. When the battery is depleted, a small engine kicks in to power a generator that sustains the battery charge enough to give the car another 250 miles of range or more.
Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to fuel the vehicle.
Perhaps research and development in the total electric automobile field may have a long difficult road ahead, but the era of the Hybrid Auto is here now, and vast improvements are sure to come. For example instead of the hybrid simply sustaining / preserving the battery with a generator so as to allow a complete electric charge at a latter date, why not have a generator on board that has the capability of recharging the battery or power source in-stead of requiring that we park the vehicle and in turn plug-in to an outside power source such as the electric grid.
The biggest problem I see with the electric and hybrid cars is the batteries. I looked into buying a Prius once upon a time, but could not justify the price. Comparing the difference between the gas costs for the Blazer I was driving and the Prius, it would take me at least 10 years at $4 per gallon to recoup the cost of the car, then the batteries probably won't last that long so they would have to be replaced. The cost to replace the batteries is more than the car itself, so it would be cheaper in the long run to just buy another car rather than replace the batteries. These cars are not cost effective. The all electric cars like the Leaf have a limited driving range, so they are not good for anything but driving around town.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about the battery shortfalls, I think the typical warranty is only 36 months ... But I think the price of the hybrid in more reasonable today, when compared to the asking price just a few years ago. I fear $10.00+ a gallon for gasoline is not that far away if current consumption levels continue, and unfortunately there's no reason to think that constant will change. This may not be the best option but then the alternative to petroleum base fuels are lacking in abundance as well. Regardless, my point is that we must do something different; the status quo is certainly unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteI agree that car companies should spend more time developing hybrids and all electric cars because the price of gas is only going to go up in the future. I will probably look at purchasing a hybrid car when I replace the one I drive now. It is 17 years old and will have to be replaced soon, but it gets 30 MPG highway and 25 MPG city, so I can't see trading it in just to get a little better gas mileage right now. Hopefully I can get 3 or 4 more years out of this one, and by that time, maybe the hybrid cars will be a much better option.
ReplyDeleteCareful, your intelligence is beginning to show!
ReplyDelete