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Hybrid Vehicles Were hybrids ever the silver bullet?
46 messages, Last post on Mar 14, 2009 at 6:32 PM
You are in the Hybrid Vehicles Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
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http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=973967482&play=1 Interesting discussion on CNBC asking if hybrids are dead because of the complexity and expense involved. If Toyota can't isn't making any money on the Prius, then is it just possible that something other than hybrid technology is the short term solution? Interesting to hear an auto analyst say, "hybrids actually are not a very good way to improve fuel efficiency" |
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Hybrids are merely a stepping stone to better technologies involving batteries used in mass-market vehicles. Without the last 15 years of Toyota technology being proven in the market, there would be no Volt, no Tesla, no MiEV, nothing. Someone had to pave the way and show that it was marketable and technologically possible. Thanks Toyota !!!! |
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There's a difference between marketable and profitable... something that GM may discover with the Volt. I agree that the current crop of hybrids is a stepping stone. What's really holding things up is advances in battery tech.
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Replying to: pf_flyer (Dec 24, 2008 12:24 pm) Of course my contention has always been and even more so now that the hybrid technology is too complex for those of US that do not have long commutes. Longevity will be the killer for all battery powered vehicles. Facing a $10k to $15k replacement battery in a Plug-in or EV will not be something many will opt for. I would be more likely to buy a short range EV with lead acid or NiMH battery. Unless someone comes up with a better battery.
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Replying to: gagrice (Dec 25, 2008 9:43 am) That would seem to be the key. And I'm with the analyst in that I think we can do a LOT better on mileage performance without having to resort to the complexity of a hybrid. For more than a few years now I've been wondering what has happened to the mileage we used to get out of small cars. My 81 Versa got over 50mpg on the highway, but by '96 my Sentra was down to just over 40 on the highway, a 20% decrease. But back on point, I think that right now the increased cost of hybrids vs conventional really weighs against them. And no, I'm not talking about "what you get for your money" kind of arguements, I'm talking about raw dollars. If I can spend $15K and get a new vehicle or $30K, guess which one I'm going to lean at right now. |
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Is it any wonder that Hybrids have become rock solid leaders when the price of gas went thru the roof. Those that took the plunge realized the value in short order. Is there anyone who doubts that the price of gas will not escalate in the very near future? Funny how we adjust to the prices in time. I remember when $1.60 was high not too long ago. Sometimes science & technology need a kick in the pants to get the ball rolling (like $5.00 gas). With nearly 100 K miles on my Prius of 6 yrs I must say that when fuel was absorbitently high, it didn't seem to be nearly as painful as it was for others. Silver bullitt ? Yes but more than that it was bold of hybrids to attain the level of problems solved that they have. Well, some problems solved and with the pathway broken more to come.
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Replying to: railroadjames (Dec 27, 2008 3:41 pm) Whether some folks love the technology or not is irrelevant if it's going to run companies into the ground. |
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Replying to: pf_flyer (Dec 27, 2008 5:26 pm) It was an experiment that paid off for Toyota. It may help Ford with the Fusion. I would not look for Toyota to add any more hybrids to their lineup.
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Replying to: gagrice (Dec 27, 2008 5:37 pm)
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Replying to: pf_flyer (Dec 28, 2008 5:26 am) |
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