Buckle Up: The Hybrids are Coming

Buckle Up: The Hybrids are Coming - February 13, 2006

In spite of development euphoria, we need to be realistic about hybrids.

The EPA test estimates of miles per gallon vastly overestimates the hybrid economy. Do hybrids offered today REALLY save gasoline?
Often, hybrid vehicles (Honda, Toyota) feature a very aerodynamic body shape. If I powered these same car bodies (less batteries, generator) with a gasoline engine, what is my fuel consumption? This represents the actual level playing field for comparison.
The "promise" of lighter, higher energy, lower cost batteries is a constant horizon problem. The promise land was only a few years off when GM introduced the electric car, but it remains elusive today. Show us a plot of battery energy storage, battery weight, battery cost against year - is the industry making headway?
Batteries add cost - initial cost, replacement cost, and recycling/disposal cost. What is the REAL lifetime and real cost?

As a benchmark, what is the fuel efficiency of developing engines? Electronic and computer technology enabled better conventional engine operation ever since the mid to late 70's. Direct fuel injection, variations of the diesel cycle, and lightweight engines offer higher miles per gallon. Use these advanced vehicles as a benchmark for hybrids.

The IC engine powered vehicles since vehicle inception - for good reason. The IC engine is a good match for the variety of demands on the power plant. I suspect continued engine improvement will keep some form of IC engine in vehicles. Special cases of city vehicles use in densely populated regions may go electric, but most of us will continue to stop at the gasoline pump.

Bruce Gerhold Ph.D. PE
Bartlesville, OK

An "efficiency improvement"? How so? If a coal plant, the primary source of electricity, is 33% efficient, and you add in the inefficiencies of the car's electric system, is it really any more efficient than a gasoline or diesel engine?

How will the public know which is more cost effective? That is, what will be the comparison standard between a regular gasoline engine and a hybrid or all electric car? Or what does one compare mpg with when electric rates around the country are so wildly different?

Charles B.Mierek, P.E.
The Clifton Corporation

For far more extensive news on the energy/power visit: http://www.energycentral.com .