The hybrids are coming!

GrandMasterTerwynn · Post by **GrandMasterTerwynn** » 2004-03-09 12:07pm

Ford licenses hybrid technology from Toyota.

That's the gist of it folks. Ford has agreed to license Toyota's hybrid vehicle technology (found in the Prius vehicles, and to be introduced in next year's Highlander SUV.) Ford will use it in a hybrid version of their Escape SUV. Toyota will also license the technology to anybody who's interested. So it could be argued that we're getting to the point where there's no more real excuse for American car companies to continue dragging their feet on offering hybrid vehicles. Though I suppose the American consumer will wait until they start offering hybrid vehicles in the midsize to large segment of the market.

TrailerParkJawa · Post by **TrailerParkJawa** » 2004-03-14 08:55pm

The problem with hybrids right now is that they are about 5 grand more than the the same model with a regular engine. At they rate I burn gas in my Civic EX it would take me something like 5-7 years to recoup the cost. Its just not worth it yet.

Don't get me wrong, I think hybrids are a great idea. Its going to be some time before they are the norm.

Tsyroc · Post by **Tsyroc** » 2004-03-14 09:16pm

One nice thing about hybrids is how quiet they are when running on only the electric motor.

I'm really looking forward to when (hopefully) electricity storage and electric cars are good and cheap enough to replace fuel burning vehicles.

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2004-03-14 09:57pm

Tsyroc wrote:I'm really looking forward to when (hopefully) electricity storage and electric cars are good and cheap enough to replace fuel burning vehicles.

Unfortunately that electricity has to come from somewhere, and in most cases it will probably come from fossil fuel burning power plants. So unless we start investing in more renewable energy and nuclear means of power production, buying an electric car is just passing the buck.

Tsyroc · Post by **Tsyroc** » 2004-03-14 10:29pm

Wicked Pilot wrote: Unfortunately that electricity has to come from somewhere, and in most cases it will probably come from fossil fuel burning power plants. So unless we start investing in more renewable energy and nuclear means of power production, buying an electric car is just passing the buck.

Sure, but right now I'm just looking forward to a nice quite stomp and go overpowered golfcart.

I've had my current pickup since 1989 and unless something spectacular comes out or it dies I don't plan on getting another automobile for a long time. It's just not worth the hassle or the cost. As long as it's reliable and safe I'm sticking with it until I have a good reason to get rid of it.

Heck, I'd probably pay to convert it to some other type of fuel/power if that ends up being cheaper than buying another vehicle sometime in the future. I really should have got in on that Arizona legislation that actually ened up paying for people's new vehicles as long as they converted them to CPG, Propane or something else that is less poluting that gasoline & diesel. Unfortunately that loophole has been closed.

TrailerParkJawa · Post by **TrailerParkJawa** » 2004-03-14 11:28pm

Tsyroc wrote:
I've had my current pickup since 1989 and unless something spectacular comes out or it dies I don't plan on getting another automobile for a long time. It's just not worth the hassle or the cost. As long as it's reliable and safe I'm sticking with it until I have a good reason to get rid of it.

I'd really like to replace my Civic. It's a little small for my current tastes and too expensive to insure for what it is worth. But I'm not ready for car payments again.

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2004-03-15 01:21am

I w onder if manufacturing the batteries produce more pollution than the produced during lifetime of the car?

Comosicus · Post by **Comosicus** » 2004-03-15 04:29am

It's a small step, but I think it's in the right direction.

Post by **Colonel Olrik** » 2004-03-15 07:35am

Wicked Pilot wrote: Unfortunately that electricity has to come from somewhere, and in most cases it will probably come from fossil fuel burning power plants. So unless we start investing in more renewable energy and nuclear means of power production, buying an electric car is just passing the buck.

1) electrical power plants are more efficient than an internal combustion engine.

2) They are located outside the main city centres, so you don't have to suck up directly to your lungs the pollution they produce.

So, even if by some absurd reason we kept on producing electricity only from fossil fuel, it still would be advantageous to switch to electrical powered cars.

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2004-03-15 09:36pm

Colonel Olrik wrote:So, even if by some absurd reason we kept on producing electricity only from fossil fuel, it still would be advantageous to switch to electrical powered cars.

Very true. I should have specified that while it is not a perfect technology, it is definately a better one.

KrauserKrauser · Post by **KrauserKrauser** » 2004-03-15 10:43pm

When can I have my hydrogen fuel cell car dammit, no more nukes!

Tsyroc · Post by **Tsyroc** » 2004-03-16 02:29am

I keep waiting for my neutrino powered car like in Masters of the Universe. That little dwarf guy was able to convert an old American car to run off of neutrions.

Tsyroc · Post by **Tsyroc** » 2004-03-16 02:30am

that should be "run off of neutrinos".