The Future of Hybrid Technology

1335 messages, Last post on Oct 07, 2009 at 4:45 AM

You are in the Hybrid Vehicles Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Hybrid Cars

What does the future hold? What breakthroughs are just around the corner? The current hybrids are just the starting point. Let's hear your thoughts on what automotive power is going to look like in the years to come!

Outline

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#1296 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [tpe] by daysailer Nov 08, 2006 (5:11 am)
Replying to: tpe (Nov 08, 2006 4:41 am) CU has long favored mediocrity in automobiles and even criticized superior performance. They once rated the Fiat X1/9 unacceptable because it handled too well! I have since taken their automotive conclusions with a grain of salt. R&T, C&D and the like are much more credible, IMO. Anyone may unexpectedly find themselves operating at or near a vehicle's (or their own) limits when a child, animal or another vehicle darts into their path. That's not the time to begin to consider handling. Replies to this message: tpe (Nov 08, 2006 6:02 am) daysailer (Nov 08, 2006 7:30 am)
#1297 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [daysailer] by tpe Nov 08, 2006 (6:02 am)
Replying to: daysailer (Nov 08, 2006 5:11 am) R&T, C&D and the like are much more credible, IMO. What exactly makes them more credible? The fact that they are supported by advertising dollars received largely from the manufacturers of the vehicles they are testing? Anyone may unexpectedly find themselves operating at or near a vehicle's (or their own) limits when a child, animal or another vehicle darts into their path. That's not the time to begin to consider handling. Defensive, responsible driving habits can significantly reduce the need to make any kind of emergency manuever. Regardless, is the Prius less capable of avoiding an accident than most SUVs or trucks? Replies to this message: daysailer (Nov 08, 2006 7:30 am)
#1298 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [daysailer] by terry92270 Nov 08, 2006 (6:25 am)
Replying to: daysailer (Nov 08, 2006 3:51 am) So, the Prius joins the ranks of vehicles, like the Ford Taurus, with mediocre steering and handling.
#1299 of 1335 Re: We can only hope ........................... [terry92270] by gagrice Nov 08, 2006 (6:45 am)
Replying to: terry92270 (Nov 07, 2006 9:09 pm) Well I just fall in the middle of you two, where most users are, I guess What would you consider the middle? I don't think the hybrids have hit the middle of the road buyer. The TCH is close and larsb seems happy in that car. Still a little pricey for the average Camry buyer. That being the LE model 4 cylinder. They are selling for about $21k on average. Replies to this message: terry92270 (Nov 08, 2006 12:28 pm)
#1300 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [tpe] by daysailer Nov 08, 2006 (7:30 am)
Replying to: tpe (Nov 08, 2006 6:02 am) They are more credible, IMO, because I've not read in those sources such absurd conclusions as I have in CU, such as the example that I mentioned.
#1301 of 1335 Re: We can only hope ........................... [gagrice] by terry92270 Nov 08, 2006 (12:28 pm)
Replying to: gagrice (Nov 08, 2006 6:45 am) Nothing will will convince you as to what the "average" automobile buyer purchases, spends. Personally, I think you confuse your opinions (common sense) of what value is, with what people actually spend. And that's okay, many of us differ with you there, just as we differ with the electric cart crowd on what is viable, commercially, to sell. What is interesting, or will be, is to see what direction the manufacturers go in. If history is an indicator, it will be several directions at once, without anyone being totally happy. Personally I think the oil straw is going to have to be nearly empty before the financially strapped domestic industry changes. Foreign-owned companies have a huge market in the third-world that is attractive to them, and we will benefit from the "spillage".
#1302 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [daysailer] by kdhspyder Nov 12, 2006 (7:27 am)
Replying to: daysailer (Nov 08, 2006 3:51 am) As noted by tpe handling is the least important criteria in buying a vehicle for my needs. My driving is in two straight lines one 73 mi North then one 73 miles South both at 62 mph max ( 7 mi over the limit ). Handling is of no concern whatsoever. Fuel economy is the primary concern. Replies to this message: gagrice (Nov 12, 2006 9:11 pm) tpe (Nov 17, 2006 5:19 am) gagrice (Nov 17, 2006 7:32 pm) and 4 more...
#1303 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [kdhspyder] by gagrice Nov 12, 2006 (9:11 pm)
Replying to: kdhspyder (Nov 12, 2006 7:27 am) You never see any deer on the road or drive in snowy or icy conditions? There are more good reasons to have a good handling and braking vehicle than a fuel efficient one when out on the highways of this country. IMO! Replies to this message: tpe (Nov 17, 2006 5:19 am) gagrice (Nov 17, 2006 7:32 pm) daysailer (Nov 20, 2006 4:07 am) larsb (Nov 20, 2006 5:48 am) and 2 more...
#1304 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [gagrice] by tpe Nov 17, 2006 (5:19 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Nov 12, 2006 9:11 pm) There are more good reasons to have a good handling and braking vehicle than a fuel efficient one when out on the highways of this country. IMO! There are a lot of deer where I live and the most popular vehicles are full sized trucks. These typically have poor braking and handling characteristics. So I guess a lot of people feel that they can forego handling if they have a vehicle that can smash whatever it runs into. Replies to this message: gagrice (Nov 17, 2006 7:32 pm) daysailer (Nov 20, 2006 4:07 am) larsb (Nov 20, 2006 5:48 am) pf_flyer (Nov 20, 2006 8:50 am) and 1 more...
#1305 of 1335 Re: My comment was actually a serious one.............. [tpe] by gagrice Nov 17, 2006 (7:32 pm)
Replying to: tpe (Nov 17, 2006 5:19 am) A PU would be my first choice in deer country for sure. Though a good handling vehicle may help you avoid hitting a deer. That still leaves the Prius out in deer country. No big bumper or turn on a dime handling, add to that less than great brakes. Replies to this message: daysailer (Nov 20, 2006 4:07 am) larsb (Nov 20, 2006 5:48 am) pf_flyer (Nov 20, 2006 8:50 am) terry92270 (Nov 20, 2006 2:57 pm)