Could Hybrid Cars Drive Coast To Coast?

By: John Lester
Staff Writer
Published: Oct 20, 2009

Articles - Hybrid Innovations Reduce Gas Consumption For Cars

There are many benefits that Hybrid cars provide including better gas mileage and a cleaner environment. Most of the hybrids today offer daily commuters 40 miles on electric battery. Future plug in hybrids could soon deliver 100 miles on a single battery charge. However, we're not quite there yet.

However, what if a Hybrid or plug in electric car could travel from Los Angeles to New York City? Moreover, a vehicle that could travel the distance without using a drop of gasoline? Well, it's already possible if you want a plug-in vehicle that is powered by a battery and electric motor. However, you will have to make multiple stops along the way.

A new rumor is surfacing. We normally don't report on information based only on rumors, but our inside sources tell us that a new hybrid car could be on the way. Not just any hybrid, but one that could drive coast to coast with fewer stops for recharging.

The government might already know about this, and perhaps they are encouraging it with a new energy bill. Also, there has to be a reason why the hybrid car tax incentives are slowly fading away.

There is also the mystery on why metropolitan cities are in a hurry to work with local utility companies to increase our national electric infrastructure. Local towns are already building larger power grids for neighborhoods because they know something is coming. In other words, your local utility company is getting ready.

Retail corporations such as Walmart and McDonalds are working with utility companies to install a recharging infrastructure for their parking lots. The lots will be equipped with recharging stations ready to refuel hybrids, or all-electric vehicles. We have entered a new era in climate awareness, but the government might be helping with this effort to help reduce our foreign oil dependency.

Gas prices are going to rise again, it's a guarantee. As the dollar grows weaker, OPEC and other countries are planning to use a different currency for trading oil. The price of oil also rises when the dollar is worth less. Also, OPEC believes that they can sell oil at a higher price while reducing their output. This means fewer barrels produced for double the profits.

Vehicles that run on electricity can already drive at speeds between 40 mph to 80 mph. Yes, I said that right. You can drive an electric vehicle at 60 or 70 mph if you want. It surprised me that most people I've spoken with didn't already know this. They had this idea that you needed the gas engine to drive at higher speeds. Well, part of this is true, because the faster you go, the more energy you use from the battery.

For example, the upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in will be a new all-electric automobile. You will be able to drive at speeds of 60 mph, or more, but you will deplete the battery charge sooner. In addition, you have to recharge the battery after 12 miles.

GM claims that the electric Chevy Volt can drive up to 40 miles on a single battery charge. Ford is also getting into the act by deploying a fleet of vehicles that are powered by batteries. The Ford Focus is one of those cars that will be released within the next 18 months. Get ready for the next-generation of hybrids, they are coming.