|
0
Nerd-Its
|
|
current event
by One of the leading problems with hydrogen as an alternative fuel for automobiles is a delivery and storage system. Israeli company Engineuity has developed a technique for generating hydrogen on board while producing zero emissions. The process takes a metal coil immersed in superheated water whereupon the atoms separate, oxygen bonding with metal and hydrogen freed for fueling the engine. The resultant metal oxide is harvested at fueling stations for recycling while a new coil is put into the car. A development of this nature could accelerate the application of alternative fuels, as revamping America's distribution system is one of the larger hurdles to overcome.
Now what I don't understand about hybrids, alternative fuel and other eco vehicles is why they are designed with such horrid aesthetics. Unfortunately, the pictured Engineuity vehicle was only a stock photo and not the actual car. Some of the newer hybrids are looking more like "normal" cars, however, many are not living up to expectation. Before America weans itself from the combustion engine, it will take real world performance on vehicles consumers are not embarrassed to drive.
Add a Comment (5)
Email This
Message Author
Some of the newer hybrids are looking more like "normal" cars, however, many are not living up to expectation.
I was actually test driving cars last night. I swung by the Honda dealership to see what all the hype was about with the new Accords. This was the breakdown:
- Accord V4: $21,000, 34 MPG Highway / 25 MPG City
- Accord V6: $27,000, 29 MPG Highway / 20 MPG City
- Accord V6 Hybrid: $32,000, 34 MPG Highway / 25 MPG City
So what is the benefit of a hybrid again? It looks to me that you just pay $11K more and get the word "hybrid" slapped on your car. The only real benefit is that you get V6 power at V4 gas milage. But even then, the horsepower differences were small enough that unless you're Mario Andretti, you're probably not going to notice the difference.
I wasn't sold on the idea. I know there are tax benefits and you're saving the environment (sort of), but at the cost of $11K I don't think it's going to be the popular vehicle option for a few years.
Correct me if I wrong, but the Hybrid Accord was built for increased preformance and fuel economy. the V4 Accord gets around 166 horsepower and the hybrid gets 244 horsepower. That is a very noticable difference. The Hybrid Accord is the top of the line now in the Accord class. But in my opinion it defeats the purpose of fuel consumption. Honda obviously feels they can better market hybrid technology, and in the future switch completely to it, by marketing faster cars with better gas consumption, not eco-cars. A small step in the right direction possibly, or maybe a step backwards.
the V4 Accord gets around 166 horsepower and the hybrid gets 244 horsepower. That is a very noticable difference.
Yes, the raw numbers are different, but having driven a 4-cylinder 1985 Oldsmobile Firenza for two years (similar size/class), horsepower doesn't mean a whole lot given the light weight of the car. It's not until it's loaded down with passengers or until you try to pass every car on the road that you're really going to notice the power difference. So, yes, if you need the power you'll notice it, but if you're a moderate driver and just use the car mainly to go to and from work, I really don't think you will. It's like the argument for a 2 Ghz vs. a 3 Ghz processor on your computer. Unless you're playing crazy games, you won't notice the difference as your email and Internet will go just as fast as they always have.
But all that aside, I agree that Honda has it backwards. I looked at the hybrids with no prior knowledge of their intent, assuming they would be more economical. Instead all I found was that the top of the line powerhouse had a hybrid system so that it doesn't burn as much fuel as it did before. It's not what I'm looking for, and I don't think it's what many other people are looking for either, but I could be wrong. I'm sure their marketing team has put more effort into this than I have.
RSS
Aesthetics by Bortnyk :: NR6 :: on 25 October 2005
Alternative fuel cars will not really take off in America until either a. price per gallon of fuel exceeds 5$ or b. an alternative fuel SUV and pick up truck is developed.
RE: Aesthetics by romanizzo :: NR6 :: on 26 October 2005
Well, you could always take a poke at the hybrid Silverado for starters. Realistically, I don't care what makes it go, as long as it goes, and I can throw a dead deer in the back. If hydrogen is cheaper, I'll take hydrogen. If I can affordably buy a hybrid pickup for hauling scuba gear, that'll work too.
I don't think that anyone is going to hang on to a pure IC engine just for the sake of Henry Ford's legacy. When it becomes economically impractical, I will switch to something new. (Which I really already have, my truck barely leaves the garage anymore.) But for most Americans to make the move its going to have to be comfy, shiny, and fast.