Prepare to Plug in for 100-mpg Hybrids

[Ban Hammer 13,336]

A new strain of gas/electric hybrid vehicles called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, represent the latest wave of fuel-efficiency-boosting technology being explored by carmakers and third-party firms. They promise to boost gas mileage to 100 mpg and beyond by running only on rechargeable electric batteries for limited distances. As the name suggests, they can be plugged in to recharge.

Unlike gas/electric hybrids on the market now, which can't be plugged in, PHEVs require more batteries in order to run on electric power alone. So part of the process of converting an existing hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius, into a PHEV is to add more batteries, particularly newfangled ones like lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter and hold a charge longer than lead-acid or nickel metal hydride batteries.

No PHEVs are currently sold by major auto manufacturers, but Toyota recently pledged to pursue the technology and independent companies are working to convert existing hybrids into plug-ins. A small Southern California company called EnergyCS hopes to offer kits to convert 2004 and newer Toyota Priuses to PHEVs by the end of the year for a target cost of $12,000 per conversion, including installation.

But execs at big car manufacturers, such as Toyota and Ford, have said that PHEVs are still a long way off. And with some evidence that consumer interest in hybrid vehicles is beginning to wane (see Hybrid Downturn? section), PHEVs could face even greater challenges than simply developing reliable technology at a reasonable cost.

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[AnaAndDaniel 0]

interesting. i like this kind of stuff.

'cept i don't like to pay to be bleeding edge. i will be in the market for a new vehicle in a couple of years. hybrid technology should be enhanced by then.

Daniel

:energetic:

[mawilson 2,133]

Interesting but somehow I don't see the name P-HEV catching on.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

It's really not 100 mpg. They aren't factoring in the cost of the electric you use to charge it. If I put a car on a trailer and tow it around does the car get infinite MPGs?

Stock Honda Accord diesel gets 92 mpg in mixed driving

"People want economy and they will pay any price to get it."

-Lee Iacocca

[Saddle Bronc 124]

It's really not 100 mpg. They aren't factoring in the cost of the electric you use to charge it. If I put a car on a trailer and tow it around does the car get infinite MPGs?

Stock Honda Accord diesel gets 92 mpg in mixed driving

"People want economy and they will pay any price to get it."

-Lee Iacocca

Also, what about the costs of battery disposal (NO battery can be recharged infinitely many times)?

With improved diesel, at least one can use biofuel (used fry grease--of which US has AMPLE supplies, with no decline in sight).

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

It's really not 100 mpg. They aren't factoring in the cost of the electric you use to charge it. If I put a car on a trailer and tow it around does the car get infinite MPGs?

Stock Honda Accord diesel gets 92 mpg in mixed driving

"People want economy and they will pay any price to get it."

-Lee Iacocca

Also, what about the costs of battery disposal (NO battery can be recharged infinitely many times)?

With improved diesel, at least one can use biofuel (used fry grease--of which US has AMPLE supplies, with no decline in sight).

you have a very good point there. i would love to see that happen. The big BUT would be capturing and distribution of that fuel to stations.

92mpg? man, that would be awesome.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Saddle Bronc 124]

It's really not 100 mpg. They aren't factoring in the cost of the electric you use to charge it. If I put a car on a trailer and tow it around does the car get infinite MPGs?

Stock Honda Accord diesel gets 92 mpg in mixed driving

"People want economy and they will pay any price to get it."

-Lee Iacocca

Also, what about the costs of battery disposal (NO battery can be recharged infinitely many times)?

With improved diesel, at least one can use biofuel (used fry grease--of which US has AMPLE supplies, with no decline in sight).

you have a very good point there. i would love to see that happen. The big BUT would be capturing and distribution of that fuel to stations.

92mpg? man, that would be awesome.

Daniel

:energetic:

Wouldn't a filler-hose outside every Mickey-D, BK, Wendy's and Arby's eliminate the need for distributing it to stations?

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

It's really not 100 mpg. They aren't factoring in the cost of the electric you use to charge it. If I put a car on a trailer and tow it around does the car get infinite MPGs?

Stock Honda Accord diesel gets 92 mpg in mixed driving

"People want economy and they will pay any price to get it."

-Lee Iacocca

Also, what about the costs of battery disposal (NO battery can be recharged infinitely many times)?

With improved diesel, at least one can use biofuel (used fry grease--of which US has AMPLE supplies, with no decline in sight).

you have a very good point there. i would love to see that happen. The big BUT would be capturing and distribution of that fuel to stations.

92mpg? man, that would be awesome.

Daniel

:energetic:

Wouldn't a filler-hose outside every Mickey-D, BK, Wendy's and Arby's eliminate the need for distributing it to stations?

man, you are brilliant! filler up while you eat! man, significant upside for these companies. better patent that idea pronto!

Daniel

:energetic:

[mawilson 2,133]

Also, what about the costs of battery disposal (NO battery can be recharged infinitely many times)?

Zero -- dump it in a landfill and forget about it.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Also, what about the costs of battery disposal (NO battery can be recharged infinitely many times)?

Zero -- dump it in a landfill and forget about it.

Already, this has become an issue with household batteries, so can't use it.

On the other hand, no problem in doing this with surplus (of course, given US consumption patterns, highly hypothetical) biofuel as that is at least biodegradable.