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In the near future hybrid batteries are going to be
one of the
biggest areas of hybrid vehicle development. Currently,
hybrid vehicles utilize NiMH battery technology, but it
appears that the future will almost certainly be dominated
by Lithium-ion batteries.
In a decade or less, it
isn't inconceivable to imagine hybrid batteries that are two
or three times as efficient as today's batteries, but half
as heavy and half as expensive.
All future hybrids will
benefit significantly from these developments in hybrid
battery technology, but especially full hybrids, such as
those from Toyota and Ford.
While there was some
speculation that Toyota would utilize lithium-ion batteries
in the third
generation Prius, recent rumors indicate that isn't
going to happen.
Hybrid Technology Trends
| Diesel hybrids |
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| In
the short term, there is a lot of potential for
diesel hybrids, especially outside of the United
States. Since diesel offers better fuel economy than
gasoline, diesel hybrids would be more fuel
efficient than gasoline hybrids.
Already Ford has
shown off the Reflex Diesel
hybrid, and even small
manufacturers have put together offerings, such as
the Engima diesel
hybrid. |
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Flex-fuel
Hybrids |
| Ford
is also rolling out their Flex-Fuel Ford Escape
hybrid. Since ethanol and other bio-fuels have
gained national attention, these hybrids offer the
ability to use home
grown fuel, rather than foreign oil. Additionally,
flex-fuel creates competition between fuel choices. |
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Plug-in
Hybrids |
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| Plug-in
hybrids have faced the greatest misunderstanding and
criticism from even hybrid fans. Most don't
understand why you would want to 'plug-in' your
hybrid. Nonetheless, scientific studies have
demonstrated that -ALL THINGS CONSIDERED -
electricity is cleaner than gasoline, and it is
cheaper.
Additionally, many
fans of plug-in hybrids seek to utilize home
generated solar and wind power in which to 'plug-in' their hybrids.
Moreover, current technology
could already convert hybrids to 100+ mpg vehicles.
If investment into this segment is increased,
cheaper and greater fuel efficient hybrid batteries
are inevitable.
Combined with flex-fuel capabilities,
flex-fuel
plug-in hybrids could completely change the
automotive world. |
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Hydrogen
Hybrids |
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Already Ford and Toyota have been
working on hybrids that utilize hydrogen rather than
gasoline. In fact several hydrogen hybrids are already on
the road in California (more).
These hydrogen hybrids are seen as a bridge to fuel cell
hybrids because they could start laying the foundation for
hydrogen fueling stations.
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Fuel
Cell Hybrids |
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| While
many see hydrogen hybrids as a 'bridge' to fuel cell
vehicles, the truth is, most fuel cell vehicles will
inevitably be fuel cell hybrid vehicles.
Ultimately, hybrid
vehicles aren't a bridge to fuel cell vehicles, they
represent an integral piece of fuel cell vehicle
technology.
Future
Hybrid Cars
2007
Model Hybrids
Chevrolet
Malibu
Chevrolet
Tahoe
GMC
Yukon
Lexus LS460
Mazda Tribute
Nissan
Altima
Saturn
Vue
Toyota
Camry
Toyota Tundra
And
Beyond
Cadillac
Escalade
Chevy Silverado
Ford Five Hundred
Ford Freestyle
Ford
Fusion
GMC Sierra
Kia
Rio
Hyundai
Accent
Lexus
GS 450h
Mercury Milano
Toyota
FCHV
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