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Hybrids -- pros and cons |
by Jerry Watson $3.00 a gallon for gasoline! Help! With fuel prices mounting daily, we are all giving more attention to hybrid cars. What are hybrid cars? How do hybrid cars work? Are hybrid cars really worth the cost? Are hybrid cars convenient?
Hybrid cars first came into being in Japan before the turn of the century. Honda with their Insight , then Toyota and their popular Prius, followed rapidly by a number of other car manufacturers who began focusing their energy and resources on hybrids for the consumer car market.
There are basically three different types of hybrid automobiles: Hev or hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles or fcv's.
How Do HEVS Work?
Hevs or hybrid electric vehicles utilize an electric motor and batteries with an ICE or internal combustion engine. These vehicles are made in two basic drivetrain configurations: Parallel design and series design. Each mode has its own advantages and drawbacks.
Parallel design vehicles use the ICE for primary power and the electric system as a backup for use during increased power demands like going up hill, or needing sudden acceleration.
Series design vehicles use the ICE or gas engine to turn a generator providing electricity to the electric motor and powering the wheels in turn. Some HEVs can also use the series and parallel designs to work together, one powering the vehicle at low speeds and the other kicking in at highway speeds.
Plug-in vehicles. These are electric hybrids. They operate with a battery pack and electric motor. There are a number of exciting innovations on the horizon for these particular vehicles. But for all practical purposes right now, their use is pretty much limited to use in towns and cities where driving is short term and light.
Fuel cell vehicles. Also known as FCVs, these are also an innovative technology that stands on the national horizon. Fuel cell technology is being used not just in the consumer car market, but also being applied to public transportation, heavy buses and trucks. For the present, the infrastructure needed to support this type of hybrid is, for the most part, not in place.
What are the Advantages of HEVs?
Lower emissions. One of the most notable advantages of hybrids is their contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
Favorable legislation. California is leading the way in legislation to promote the use of hybrid cars. They have passed laws allowing hybrid cars with a mileage rating of at least 45 mpg to enter car pool lanes with only one occupant. They also will allow hybrids with transponders to pass through toll booths free of charge.
Lower fuel costs. Higher fuel ratings translate into dollar savings at the pump. The EPA green vehicles guide shows the fuel economy rating for the top five hybrids for 2006 as well as their air pollution score, greenhouse gas score, and EPA Smartway rating.
They range from a low of 29 mpg highway to 60 mpg city for the Toyota Prius.
Size. Hybrid cars are lighter and roomier than standard automobiles. They have smaller, lighter engines and are built with lighter, stronger high technology materials.
Disadvantages. Hybrid cars contain high voltage that could pose an electrocution hazard to backyard mechanics, automotive workers, and emergency personnel after a crash.
Silence. While their quiet operation definitely contributes to a lessening of noise pollution, it can also be a hazard in certain situations when they can't be heard approaching or when the engine can't be heard running.
High purchase price. At present, hybrid cars may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 more than conventional automobiles, depending on the model comparison and purchase location. But those costs are coming down as more automobile manufacturers get on the bandwagon and technology advances.
High maintenance costs. A hybrid battery's typical life span is 6 to 10 years. Replacing it may cost several thousand dollars. Once again, this cost may come down considerably as battery technology advances.
Convenience? Maybe. Maybe not. Carefully weigh your own circumstances, finances and outlook. Hybrids may be the solution to your current concerns. Also hybrids may be inappropriate for your current financial picture, location, or physical needs. Take a look at their exciting new technologies and decide for yourself.
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