Batter technology has been improved "to the point where the concept of a plug-in hybrid -- one that can be charged from the grid and/or use an onboard electrical power source (a gasoline or diesel engine or even a fuel cell) -- becomes a practical reality. GM's Chevrolet Volt concept, which debuted at the Detroit auto show, is the leading example of this effort. Much further down the road but still the focus of extensive engineering effort by most of the world's top automakers is the hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle. To speed up the move to hydrogen, some automakers, notably Ford, are working on vehicles with internal combustion engines designed to use the fuel. On top of all these technologies, there are several intermediate developments, including use of ethanol derived from corn or cellulosic material, meaning agricultural waste." (McCormick, 2007)
McCormick states of 'Hybrids vs. diesel models' that: the consumer's point-of-view makes the hybrid and diesel vehicles the best answers for the short-term. While arguments exist supporting both the diesel and the hybrid, the hybrid models: "...are already on the market and growing in number. The number of advanced diesel models coming to U.S. showrooms is set to climb." (McCormick, 2007) the work of Christopher D. Amos entitled: "Are Hybrid-Electric Vehicles a Good Buy for Fleet?" examines the long-term cost effectiveness through a lifecycle cost-analysis for use of hybrid vehicles for fleet. Amos states that: "The decade-old controversy over the inaccuracy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel-efficiency rating hit the proverbial fan when consumers buying or leasing hybrids specifically to get fuel savings learned the hard way that 'your mileage will vary'. (McCormick, 2007)
In terms of acquisition: "Most hybrids are currently so popular in the retail sales market that they more often sell at or near MSRP." (Amos, 2006) in terms of operating costs for hybrid vehicles the "operating costs for the hybrid SUV are considerably less than the convention SUV due to much better fuel efficiency even when using the Consumer Reports combined mileage rating rather than EPA's inflated values." (Amos, 2006) Amos states that the 'pros' of hybrid use include the fact that fuel-efficiency improvement reduces fuel costs and emissions. Reducing fuel burned is the surest way to reduce CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gas emissions. There may be a significant public relations benefits to organizations that choose environmentally friendly vehicles." (Amos, 2006) Secondly, "hybrids have been in such great demand that they hold value well in the resale market. With depreciation the highest single cost of vehicle ownership, above-average resale values help offset higher purchase prices." (Amos, 2006) Amos states third that "A hybrid's 'coolness factor' may positively impact employee morale and retention and organizational image." (2006) Lastly stated by Amos is that attractive tax incentives are available for most hybrids." (2006) the 'cons' for owning hybrids are listed by Amos as follows:
Light-duty hybrids typically cost $2,500 to $5,000 more than comparable convention vehicles. This creates a risk that the vehicle may be lost in a crash before the added incremental cost is paid back;
Hybrids are advanced technology vehicles, but not alternative fuel vehicles because they run predominantly on petroleum-based fuel;
Hybrids are generally only available in higher-end option packages;
There are long waiting lists for some hybrid vehicle models;
Current data is insufficient regarding maintenance and repair costs;
Hybrids have relatively high voltage and amperage electrical systems compared to other vehicles. This may present a hazard to both maintenance personnel and rescuers at the scene of a crash. Widespread safety training is needed on this issue;
Concern exists for the pedestrians who may accidentally stray into the path of a hybrid vehicle that is running on low battery power and is practically silent; and the HOV lane use by single-occupancy hybrids stands in competition with and is likely to discourage use of carpools or mass transit. (Amos, 2006)
Amos concludes by relating that hybrid vehicles appear to be a good choice in fleet acquisition for urban travel. Amos states that: "Two-mode, full-hybrid technology available in the 2007 model year promises to provide fuel savings at all speeds and assist with towing power in light trucks. Increased availability of hybrid medium- and heavy-work trucks can eliminate much of the fuel wasted idling to operate the power take-off should be a real boon to government and utility fleets -...
Hybrid Cars From an individualistic perspective, hybrid cars may not make a great difference for consumers wishing to buy them to save money on gas. However, collectively hybrid cars can help reduce environmental problems. Government must take steps to incentivize the buying of hybrid cars to make them 'worth it' to consumers. What are hybrid cars? Hybrid cars are called 'hybrids' because they contain two engines. A hybrid car "features a small fuel-efficient
Hybrid Cars -- Persuasive Speech What do you think of living in a planet that has little pollution? How about the idea of passing on a green planet to your kids and grand kids? Sounds impossible? Well, its not if each of us start making a small contribution towards reducing the emission of green house gases to make our planet a safer and greener place to live. One of the ways to
16) Broader estimates, including all companies are more conservative, yet it is clear that the target market potential is exponential, and marketing will likely broaden its scope to other target markets in the near future. Possible risks to the industry are limited by quality and potential market saturation, when demand levels off with supply, as it will likely in the near future. As has been stated previously, it seems the
Cons of Owning Hybrid Cars: There are several cons to owning a hybrid car and they include the following: Lack of freeway cruising speeds in the majority of the hybrid models. The engines are not designed for consistently high speeds over 80 mph or above for example. The best selling hybrids have on average $5,000 prices above their invoices due to their high levels of popularity. With this significantly higher price, the savings
Works Cited Europe's hybrid and electric passenger vehicles. (2009, July 27). The Auto Channel. Retrieved August 5, 2009 at http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/07/28/472014.html Honda's cumulative world-wide hybrid sales pass 300,000 in January 2009. (2009, February 19). Green Car Congress. Retrieved August 5, 2009 at http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/02/hondas-cumulati.html Kanter, James. (2009, March 26) Coke Tests a Hybrid Truck in Europe. Retrieved August 5, 2009 at http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/coke-tests-a-hybrid-truck-in-europe/ McCurry, Justin. (2009, July 19). Toyota picks UK to make new Auris hybrid car. The Guardian. Retrieved August
Bias Critique Thackery, John. "Hybrid autos REV up: but will SUV-addicted buyers opt for an environmentally friendly car that saves on gas but commands a premium price?" Electronic Business: Automotive Electronics. Oct 2002 v28 i10 pp. 64(5) Even before reading the article, "Hybrid autos REV up" an informed consumer of the media should know that quite often automobile and electronics magazines are highly favorable of the industries they chronicle. The industry
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