automotive futhure (hybrid, fuel, best, truck)

[lidiya]

Now it seems that the electric car is very popular and all over the wolrd are pay attention to it ,specially Toyota.I believe that all of us know what the traditional car will take what to us ,the envirement's problems arround us is so serouse.
I am also looking forward to the electric car for the gasoline cost keep on increasing these years.

[Drover]

I'm not sure what sci-fi world you live in that the electric car is "very popular." Best I can tell, electric cars make up about 0.0000000000001% of the world's automotive fleet.

Electric cars have severe limitations, notably battery capacity, range (closely related to battery capacity) and lengthy recharge times that severely impact the practicality of longer-range travel. Electric cars could prove to be a viable format in urban areas where commute distances are short, but anyone owning such a car would need a second, conventional-powered car for intermediate- and long-distance travel.

This is where I think GM is on the right track with the Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle that runs on conventional plug-in power for up to 40 miles and then switches to gasoline-powered electric generator to power the electric motors. (There's no reason why the generator can't run on diesel for even more fuel efficiency as far as I can see -- maybe someone better-versed in physics and engineering can answer that for me?) If you ask me, the Volt concept is the most sensible "hybrid" solution to date. Only time will tell, but it strikes me as the best approach to the electric-vehicle concept in the last century.

[Magnulus]

In parts of Orlando, Florida they use Neighborhood Electric Vehicles for short range deliveries, such as Baldwin Park or Celebration. Some people also use them for running errands inside the neighborhood. They are also popular in California. NEV's are little more than fast golf carts, topping out at about 30 mph, but they are road legal with seatbelts, etc. (I don't believe they actually have airbags).

[Magnum Mike]

I agree with Drover, we don't see too many completely electric cars on the streets, most of the automobiles that are powered by electricity are the hybrid type, and I think that's about as far as they're going to get. There are many disadvantages to automobiles that run completely on electricity, and they became apparent in the 1990's after GM produced the EV1 vehicle. The disadvantages are: You have to charge the batteries, and that will use up more power that will require more resources to generate. Another disadvantage is they are not very comfortable to drive in regions that require the use of A/C in the summer, so you'll definitely be limited on range in that regard. Plus, parking facilities will have to create parking spots where you can plug your car in to get the batteries recharged, if you're going to be driving such a vehicle to work everyday, which I'm sure there's a cost associated with that.

I see hydrogen-powered technology as the way of the future in automobiles. It's come a long way in the past few years, and it still has quite a ways to go before it can become mainstream. Some countries in Europe do have facilities sell hydrogen right now, and I think we'll see more of them as the technology advances and the production of hydrogen becomes very feasible for many companies.

[macroy]

I agree with mike - alternative fuel. Hybrids have a misnomer of being "green". While they use less fossile fuel, they make it up from its manufacturing process and the disposal of its batteries (something that will be an issue in the further I presume).

I remember seeing a picture of a plant that makes batteries for hybrids... the area around it looked like an alien planet because of the pollution it was spewing. The article even talked about how it was being used as a testing ground for space vehicles . Now - the article wasn't exactly written from an unbiased POV... but I guess you can still see the truth behind it.

From what I understand, there is no such thing as a "green" car. The greenest cars out there are used vehicles. Manufacturing new cars produces pollution... and old cars are being disposed of far before it needs to be. So for those that want to be environmentally conscious.... buying a new hybrid is not the way to go. Its not the product, its the cycle. This is also from a friend, not my opinion - but it makes sense to me. I personally love the new car smell .

[lidiya]

yep,
so good opinion of the e-car. I am not sure the e-car will be popular right now in a few years ,but in the long-run ,i think it is will be .such as the e-bus ,was used a lot and it has a rail of it in the city .and now the electric bicycle is also pupolar all over the world .when u go to work by your car the the cost sure much higher than by a e-bike and I know it is not fit for the long distance than 40miles ,but we not have long trip everyday, we can keep a car a family ,not everyone.That is the way.
E-car will fit for the bus or some facility in the park,park is so clean place ,e-bus is needed indeed.and some other clean place .I think if all of us can see this then fine.
As the rechare item I think it is convinient for there are many for the e-facility to recharge.The battery is on its way to better .I am looking forward to it.
THE GREEN DAY WILL COME..

[tallrick]

I think the greenest car is my old 1969 Dodge truck that runs on trash wood.

[motormaker]

Originally Posted by tallrick

I think the greenest car is my old 1969 Dodge truck that runs on trash wood.

Now that's funnie.