Hybrid Cars, Trucks & SUVs

Hybrid Cars, Trucks, & SUVs

Future of Hybrids In the near future hybrid batteries are going to be one of the biggest areas of hybrid vehicle development. Currently, hybrid vehicles utilize NiMH battery technology, but it appears that the future will almost certainly be dominated by Lithium-ion batteries. In a decade or less, it isn't inconceivable to imagine hybrid batteries that are two or three times as efficient as today's batteries, but half as heavy and half as expensive. All future hybrids will benefit significantly from these developments in hybrid battery technology, but especially full hybrids, such as those from Toyota and Ford. While there was some speculation that Toyota would utilize lithium-ion batteries in the third generation Prius, recent rumors indicate that isn't going to happen. Hybrid Technology Trends Diesel hybrids In the short term, there is a lot of potential for diesel hybrids, especially outside of the United States. Since diesel offers better fuel economy than gasoline, diesel hybrids would be more fuel efficient than gasoline hybrids. Already Ford has shown off the Reflex Diesel hybrid, and even small manufacturers have put together offerings, such as the Engima diesel hybrid. Flex-fuel Hybrids Ford is also rolling out their Flex-Fuel Ford Escape hybrid. Since ethanol and other bio-fuels have gained national attention, these hybrids offer the ability to use home grown fuel, rather than foreign oil. Additionally, flex-fuel creates competition between fuel choices. Plug-in Hybrids Plug-in hybrids have faced the greatest misunderstanding and criticism from even hybrid fans. Most don't understand why you would want to 'plug-in' your hybrid. Nonetheless, scientific studies have demonstrated that -ALL THINGS CONSIDERED - electricity is cleaner than gasoline, and it is cheaper.  Additionally, many fans of plug-in hybrids seek to utilize home generated solar and wind power in which to 'plug-in' their hybrids.  Moreover, current technology couldalready convert hybrids to 100+ mpg vehicles. If investment into this segment is increased, cheaper and greater fuel efficient hybrid batteries are inevitable. Combined with flex-fuel capabilities,flex-fuel plug-in hybrids could completely change the automotive world. Hydrogen Hybrids Already Ford and Toyota have been working on hybrids that utilize hydrogen rather than gasoline. In fact several hydrogen hybrids are already on the road in California (more). These hydrogen hybrids are seen as a bridge to fuel cell hybrids because they could start laying the foundation for hydrogen fueling stations. Fuel Cell Hybrids While many see hydrogen hybrids as a 'bridge' to fuel cell vehicles, the truth is, most fuel cell vehicles will inevitably be fuel cell hybrid vehicles. Ultimately, hybrid vehicles aren't a bridge to fuel cell vehicles, they represent an integral piece of fuel cell vehicle technology. Soultek.com. HybridCarRevolution. Hybrid Cars, Trucks & SUVs. Retrived from: http://www.hybridcarrevolution.com/future_hybrids.htm