Future for Hybrid Cars?

Question

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Is there a solid, consistent future for hybrid cars in the U.S?

If car companies compete with hybrid models, then won't that translate into lower hybrid car prices, even though the demand may/may not be high?

How advanced is the current hybrid technology?

Do you honestly see yourself purchasing and owning a hybrid car? Why?
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Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I think they're here to stay. For one thing, they make perfect sense. There has a been a GREAT attempt in the enthusiast press to make them seem illogical. It's all fake. The arguments are just stupid. If gas is $10 a gallon, you'll want one.

Hybrid technology is just barely advanced enough to do regenerative braking. That's the point where you start getting something for nothing. You'll note that only 2 or 3 (depending how you count) manufacturers are building a real parallel hybrid. Everybody else just has this half hybrid, or lame scheme using a belt-driven motor/generator. The technology has not gotten to the point where all the manufacturers can use the rudiments of it.

It is true that economy cars 20 years ago got better mileage, but we can't go back. Consumerists and other foolproofing advocates won't let us go back. I wish we could.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

great comments from everyone

Answer 2

pretty friggin advanced..... and its only getting better, SUPERCPACITORS!!! HERE WE COME!!!!

Answer 3

I own a hybrid!
So yes I honestly see myself having one.
The future is bright!!!!

Answer 4

It's the price that keeps the demand low.It takes years to make up the price difference buying a hybrid over a regular model. Once the price comes down demand will go up. But as long as the oil companies run the government they won't let that happen.

Answer 5

Volkswagen expects to begin limited production by 2010 of a 1-litre car, also know as the 1L. It is a two-person car designed to travel 235 miles per US gallon. To achieve such economy, it is made from lightweight materials; the body is streamlined; and the engine and transmission are designed and tuned for economy.

Source(s):

http://www.nextenergynews.com/news1/next…

Answer 6

There's no way to know, of course, but it strikes me as being as either a transitional technology or a dead end. My guess is that improved engine controls and mechanical transmissions will out-compete hybrids in cost and efficiency. The old Geo Metro has actual mileage that rivals that of most hybrids: my '96 Metro got 45.8 mpg on the last tank, which is fairly typical.

Answer 7

There WAS an alternative, the electric car. So I guess the hybrid is the next best thing. Yeah there is a future, if people decide to let go of their "bigger, faster, heaver" philosophy in return for, "lighter, smarter, faster". Thats why I prefer Lotus. Hybrids have a long way to go. And I don't see myself buying one. I just love a petrol engine, and small light car... Like the Shelby AC Cobra!

Answer 8

1st off the current batteries are lousy. there is a new technology called carbon nano tubes, they never wear out, charge in mere seconds, and can provide massive power output on heavy demand without substantial heating,
using a dynamo breaking system to recharge batteries will eliminate the need for a helper motor to keep batteries at max charge. solar cells on body panels would also keep system at full charge.
only problem would be on long night driving.
I do not see myself purchacing a hybrid in the next 15 years until the technology improves to my expectation.