Gas prices are rising, averaging over $3.20 per gallon. The expensive stuff is breaking the $4 barrier. And I say it's about time. Automakers now have an incentive to make fuel efficient cars. Hybrids are growing in popularity - demand will only get higher. More expensive gas makes up for the extra cost with buying a hybrid. When gas costs less, it takes you longer to make up the extra cost of the hybrid. In the long run, the longer we keep developing hybrid tech, it will also get cheaper to produce, and the cost of a hybrid car will ultimately go down, as well. (well, hopefully).
This would apply to any alternative fuel vehicles. I'm especially interested in Honda's hydrogen car. Unfortunately, it will be lease only (grrr, I hate leases. But that's for another day...)
Automakers (I'm looking primarily at you, American automakers) aren't innovating enough. Honda and Toyota are making the best cars on the market today, and they keep pushing technology with hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
What did GM do? They killed the EV1, claiming no one wanted it. I remember writing about the EV1 back in my Car Book days. I thought it was the first step to new technology for the auto industry, new innovations. NOT.
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On the other hand, GM is charging full steam ahead with the Volt concept, and plan to bring hybrid and fuel cell versions to market by 2010. The hybrid will use a gasoline engine ONLY to charge the batteries; all motive power will come from the electric motors.
All of this is very nice. Also, 4$ p/gallon is not much... At least when compared with european prices. 4$ p/gallon scores around 1$05c p/liter. In Portugal here, we have 1,35€ p/liter, which scores around 1$80c p/liter, which would score around 6%80c p/gallon... Not very cheap huh? Considering minimum wage here in portugal is around 400€ or 540§ :P
I don't pity you XD But seeing this is very nice. I love the new honda (or is it acura?) design. I have a hybrid myself ^^ Well... my father, really :P
The Volt concept does look interesting. Of course, by the time it comes to market, Toyota and Honda will already be several generations ahead with their alternative fuel vehicles.
Do some research you will find the fuelcell concept is a feel good idea. Why? you may ask. Hydrogen is the most aboundent element in the universe. Ironicly it's one of the hardeat element to isolate economicaly. Whereis all the H2 you see all the politicans driving comes from???? Oil!!! That's right, back to the devil himself. Why??? It's the cheapest way to get H2. So we pollute now so some of us can feel better later. No free lunch. No matter why you feel we need new energey, Global worming or energy independent. We need a project Appollo for the fuel. No politics or BS. Just the facts.
I'm waiting for the Tesla Roadster... well maybe when they come out with a coupe version that doesn't cost $90K. But it IS an entirely electric car with amazing range and sports-car performance.
http://www.teslamotors.com/index.php
Prices will no doubt come down if/when they ramp up production...
Factoid: If ever household in the USA change just ONE lightbulb to CF, that will be the same a removing 700,000 cars emmission per year. Part of this energy solution has to be the energy diet. It will be a hard sell. That's why we keep seeing all you can eat/eat like a man diet infomercial. People want there cake and eat it too. We want a electric car that goes 300 mile/ charge, goes 0-60 in 6 sec, take pennys to charge. Forget about it. MIT has announce they are getting out of battery research because the fuel cells is getting all the money. MIT also says the fuel cells is a fad sience. Dudes, do what your Dad been telling you all your life. Turn off the light. Wash your dishes by hand, hang you lundry dry, and wipe you a## with 1 sheet of paper like Crow want you to do. Oh Yeah, I can see it now, energy life style change.
Try the Prius... the most under-rated car of the decade and offers real energy efficiency today.
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