A hybrid plug-in hybrid vehicle?
A conventional hybrid vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicleI just finished reading an inspiring MotorTrend article about the Challenge X - a competition to find the next generation of hybrid vehicles. Of course diesel hybrids and other biofueled hybrids, in addition to fuel cell hybrids, were developed by various universities to compete in this competition. However, one of the most interesting hybrids came from UC-Davis. Finish....
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
11:32 AM
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I just finished reading an inspiring MotorTrend article about the Challenge X - a competition to find the next generation of hybrid vehicles. Of course diesel hybrids and other biofueled hybrids, in addition to fuel cell hybrids, were developed by various universities to compete in this competition. However, one of the most interesting hybrids came from UC-Davis.
The UC-Davis entry is a hybrid vehicle that can act much like any of the conventional hybrid cars on the road today, such as the Toyota Prius, but it can also act like a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
To me, it just seems blatantly obvious that the best hybrid vehicle would be a hybrid that offers plug-in capabilities, but that does not require owners to plug-in. I've been arguing over the last few days that it is possible, that in many driving situations, lithium powered hybrids with capacitors might be more efficient and green than plug-in hybrids obtaining their electricity from coal-powered utilities.
Besides, while an electric vehicle might seem a perfect fit for the congestion of a city of Los Angeles, most Angelenos do not own homes. Plugging in at work - during peak electricity use - is not an option. So, will these hybrid drivers plug-in their hybrid with an extension cord hanging out their apartment windows, stretched across the sidewalk and road to their car?
Even though I own a home, my car is always parked at the curb. Plugging my car in at night is, literally, almost impossible, as it is for a significant percent of Los Angeles commuters, and I imagine many other urban commuters face this same situation.
The beauty of hybrids is their ability to use different power sources and their adaptability - let's keep it that way. Kudos UC-Davis!
YAY HYBRID CARDS!
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