Technology Trends
Hybrid cars are becoming the smarter choice for drivers who want the benefits of better fuel efficiency. Experts feel that hybrid batteries would undergo further innovation. At present, hybrid vehicles use NiMH technology, but auto experts are betting on lithium-ion batteries which may dominate the market. Looking at the hybrid technology trends, automakers may be able to deliver a hybrid battery with half the present size and cost.
Diesel hybrids have lots of potential as diesel offers more fuel economy than gasoline. Outside of the United States, diesel hybrids would be more fuel-efficient than gasoline hybrids, experts opined.
Look at the auto giants, which are sprucing up their technology in order to cope up with the customer demands. Ford is planning to launch Flex-Fuel Ford Escape hybrid. Flex-fuel may get more attention. Ethanol and other bio-fuels, which have gained national attention, offer the ability to use home-grown fuel, rather than foreign oil. Besides, flex-fuel creates competition between fuel choices.
Plug-in hybrids have already faced criticism from consumers and innovations are currently on to bridge the gap. Along with flex-fuel capabilities, flex-fuel plug-in hybrids could completely change the face of the automobile world. Companies like Ford and Toyota are working on hydrogen hybrids, which are considered as a platform for fuel cell hybrids because they could start laying the foundation for hydrogen fueling stations.
Efficiency matters wherever one goes. Automobile giant Volvo has announced a new hybrid concept named I-SAM for heavy vehicles in order to have fuel savings of up to 35%. Besides fuel efficiency, maintenance costs for vehicles can also be reduced through reduced wear on the braking system. The I-SAM hybrid concept is designed for fuel-saving effects on routes with frequent braking and accelerations.
Three major automakers – General Motors Corporation (GM), DaimlerChrysler, and the BMW Group – are planning to produce a new hybrid drivetrain next year and provided a preview of the technology in late April. The new hybrid system combines two small electric motors into a four-speed transmission, creating a compact package. The hybrid system that is comparatively easier to incorporate into the existing models will initially be employed in front-engine, rear- and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Hybrids, the only alternative vehicle of choice for most consumers around the globe, are going to see more and more investments in the coming years. Ford and its Volvo subsidiary will invest over a billion dollars in a new center to develop new hybrid systems worldwide.
Technologies are made for innovation. Hybrid cars are no exception. Automakers are restless with several trying for third generation hybrid vehicles though they are yet to complete their run for the second-generation vehicles. Ford is already on the third generation hybrid vehicles. And, more pure-technology companies may join the bandwagon to produce and come out with more innovation at the earliest.
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