Hybrid Vehicles For Tomorrow

By: Andy Hodges
08/19/2009 12:50 PM ET

Ever wondered why hybrid vehicles took so long to become popular? One of the reasons is the cost for fuel. These new cars were not in popular demand until gas prices soared to record levels in 2008. Until that time, consumers had no worries of paying $2 to $3 at the pump. However, in 2008, the price of gas skyrocketed to $5 per gallon in most areas in the United States.

This was also the time when we were in a serious global economic recession. Raising the price of gas didn’t help and consumers began to learn more about hybrid automobiles. It isn’t true that all fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids, will get better mileage than their conventional counterparts. For example, some of the new sport utility vehicles have a lower mile per gallon rating than small compact cars.

However, this is changing quickly as the auto industry reinvents itself using advanced battery technologies. There are two popular known that include the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), Lithium-ion and the Lithium—Polymer. All of these batteries can deliver enough power to a hybrid car under speeds of 40 to 50 mph.

Automakers are working with these, and newer versions, to develop and invent more stored electricity. Just imagine how transportation will be like in 10 years from now. This theory of using a standard home electrical outlet to fuel your car is already taking place today. The electric and power utility companies are already building new grids in local neighborhoods to prepare for the energy increase.

There will come a time, soon in the future, where gas pumps will be a thing of the past. A new generation of pumps will provide different mixtures of fuel. However, it is unlikely that service stations we know today will be the same for tomorrow. You will be able to tell your children and grand kids that you used to stop at a convenience store and buy milk and gas for the car. They will be similar stories we hear today from our parents and grandparents on how there were service stations that used to gas your car while cleaning your windshield.

For example, it only takes a few minutes to fill your gas tank at a pump. However, batteries used to power hybrids can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the vehicle and battery. The solution is to set up electric service outlets near parking spaces across your local town. If you think that this is just my imagination, think again. The McDonalds Corporation is already installing battery charge stations in their parking lots.

Electric and hybrid automobiles can use these charging stations to refuel. You could be eating at your favorite restaurant, or shopping for groceries, while your car is being refueled. This network of advanced electrical grids is growing and the utility companies are working with automakers and technology companies to complete this project.

There was a recent study conducted by the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures that nearly 12 million alternative fuel vehicles are on the road today in the United States. The number of hybrid cars is also growing. Depending on where you live, you probably have seen some of these new automobiles zooming up and down your local streets.

In addition, these cars are better for the environment and can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases. Foreign oil prices are getting ready to skyrocket again, as most financial analysts have already predicted, but these new hybrids can help reduce that dependency and send the savings down to the consumer. Hybrid vehicles are rapidly advancing, and they are a smart choice for consumers and business.