Hyrbid Auto Technology & Fuel Prices

[EvilCabbage]

I have just read an article on the new Honda Hyrbid Civic. While the car itself is nice, Im not convinced that hybrid engineering is going to solve all our problems.

While the idea is excellent, in concept, and practice, if we all drove hybrid cars, requiring less fuel, what is to say the cost of fuel, could double (or more) to compensate for a slump in sales? Come on, we've all seen it in the IT industry. The bubble bursts, companies lose the plot trying to continue turning over a profit.

While these cars use less fuel, therefore logically producing slightly less emissions per mile travelled, is the environment, or the dollar more important to corporate America?

Answers on a postcard, to the usual address.

[NooNoo]

I'd say the oil industry spotted that a long time ago as a potential profit leak.

[Draggar]

[quote]Originally posted by NooNoo:
<strong>I'd say the oil industry spotted that a long time ago as a potential profit leak.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Concidering that Mobil, Exxon (when they were seperate) and a few other big gas companies paid Chrystler (or was it Ford?) over $100Mil for not releasing a very high mileage (100MpG) car, I think that was a hint.

I'd say look into fuel cels...

[MacGyver]

The oil companies buying out the auto industry to prevent a highly fuel efficient vehicle from coming to market is another urban legend. I really believe the only way to go in the future is hydrogen. Solar powered plants by a large body of water, produces hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, totally renewable.

[EvilCabbage]

I know the australian auto industry isnt interested at all. The aussies are too fond of brute force, to sacrifice their V8's, and Turbo'd cars.

Interesting thing would be to see some performance oriented Electric cars. Seeing as an electric motor can produce torque instantly, it could be pretty potent.

I do remember reading an article of a test with a car like this (done in silicon valley, no less). The car chopped up a few porsches, by a long, long way, and was apparently one hell of a drive. Only draw back?.. could only run it for around an hour, before needing to recharge for several hours.

But, the technology is coming along, and one day.. one day my friends...

[Draggar]

[quote]Originally posted by EvilCabbage:
<strong>Interesting thing would be to see some performance oriented Electric cars. Seeing as an electric motor can produce torque instantly, it could be pretty potent.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

I've read some reports / reviews on the hybrid engine and most of them stated that the cars ran very well, got up to speeds over 80MpH, handled very well (I know, mostly has nothing to do with the engine) the only drawback was the pickup / power. It just wasn't there. My Neon probably could go 0-60MpH in less time...

Not bad for whats out now..

[Kymera]

[quote]Originally posted by MacGyver:
<strong>Solar powered plants by a large body of water, produces hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, totally renewable.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I wasn't aware that you could produce oxygen and hydrogen through hair removal. That's an amazing technology. I think I need to invest in that.

[MacGyver]

LOL

<a href="http://www.chem.uiuc.edu/demos/elec.html" target="_blank">http://www.chem.uiuc.edu/demos/elec.html</a>

[geeksRus]

why are all these new 'hybrid' autos so friggin ugly? won't the components work in a 'normal' looking body design? i wouldnt be caught dead in these monstrosities...no wonder no one buys them.

[NooNoo]

GeeksRus!

[paraflyer]

Originally posted by MacGyver
The oil companies buying out the auto industry to prevent a highly fuel efficient vehicle from coming to market is another urban legend. I really believe the only way to go in the future is hydrogen. Solar powered plants by a large body of water, produces hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, totally renewable.

Problem is, the power consumption required to break down water into it's component atoms is far in excess of what potential power is released in a hydrogen-fuelled cell. So hydrogen would still be prohibitivly expensive to the consumer.

Likewise, current semiconductor solar cells only convert approximately 10-10% of the sun's energy into electricity, so in order to get any appreciable power you'd need a HUGE solar panel....just look at all the "concept cars" that have been tested with that approach...looks like a bicycle under an awning, or a funny car covered with cells.

Hydrogen power is a LOOOOOONG way off.

[geeksRus]

well, Noo, i thot it was only 3 days old...i guess it was a YEAR and 3 days...sorry. BTW, that is one of my favorite movies.