Here Come the Low-Mileage Hybrids

[jkash]

Equating a hybrid with a high-efficiency car was sufficient so long as a hybrid was a high-efficiency car. Enter the Ford Escape – it ain't no Prius.

The introduction by Ford this month of a hybrid SUV marks the end of the beginning of the long-evolving saga of the hybrid electric vehicle. After more than two decades of public and private initiatives, the hybrid is in the marketplace. And how. Since 2000 the demand for hybrids has grown by a remarkable 88 percent per year. Every American, German and Japanese car company will introduce at least one hybrid model in the next two years.

Equating a hybrid with a high-efficiency car was sufficient so long as a hybrid was a high-efficiency car. The hybrid Honda Civic and Toyota Prius met this standard. The Japanese companies transformed modestly efficient vehicles into outstandingly efficient ones.

But the introduction of the Ford Escape ushers in the era of low-mileage hybrids. The hybrid Escape's overall fuel economy is better than other vehicles in its class but is still only half that of the Prius or Civic. Chevrolet's new hybrid trucks, the Sierra and Silverado may get little more than 20 mpg.

Read entire article by clicking this link.

[TonyPSchaefer]

I argued some time back that the introduction of the Silverado was good because it got poeple in hybrids. I figured that was a start which would eventually lead to overall acceptance. But I'm really starting to rethink that stance.

To produce a vehicle that qualifies as a hybrid but achieves only 20 mph (and we all know how accurate the EPA estimates are) is no better than me buying new shoes and claiming that I'm deserve to be called a marathon runner. I fear that it's a slippery slope from here. Those who are truly interested in driving vehicles achieving outstanding milage will gravitate to those vehicles; those content with the illusion of caring, will buy the others. Again I refer to supply and demand: since the bulk of the American people probably couldn't care any less about milage, about the environment, about anything non-egocentric, the manufacturers will produce an overwhelming number of faux-hybrids.

Next will be the hybrid-Hummer achieving a whopping 13mpg. But it's okay: it's a hybrid!

[DaveinOlyWA]

Now that the new 2005's are starting to emerge along with a few new "hybrid" models, it seems certain that despite the big 3's best efforts to sully the hybrid name, it appears that the Prius is still the only true hybrid worth buying.

some things are simply to obvious to be ignored. the lack of advertising has not hurt the Prius as of yet and i think Toyota is laughing its ass off all the way to the bank.

[Gurmail]

Originally posted by TonyPSchaefer
I argued some time back that the introduction of the Silverado was good because it got poeple in hybrids.  I figured that was a start which would eventually lead to overall acceptance.  But I'm really starting to rethink that stance.

To produce a vehicle that qualifies as a hybrid but achieves only 20 mph (and we all know how accurate the EPA estimates are) is no better than me buying new shoes and claiming that I'm deserve to be called a marathon runner.  I fear that it's a slippery slope from here.  Those who are truly interested in driving vehicles achieving outstanding milage will gravitate to those vehicles; those content with the illusion of caring, will buy the others.  Again I refer to supply and demand: since the bulk of the American people probably couldn't care any less about milage, about the environment, about anything non-egocentric, the manufacturers will produce an overwhelming number of faux-hybrids.

Next will be the hybrid-Hummer achieving a whopping 13mpg.  But it's okay: it's a hybrid!

I agree. See my post: " Hybrid SUVs are actually a bad thing" under other cars and see how no one agreed with me.

[TimeFor]

How can every company introduce a hybrid in the next two years? If that’s true, when are the BMW and Benz Hybrids coming? 8)


I know I don't even have my Prius yet. But I'm getting that either way. I'm keeping my BMW 323i. But if BMW is planning on releasing a hybrid I'll be very interesting in getting one of those. Even if its a low efficient mileage... you can't beat the BMW handling.

[Wolfman]

Mercedes has a diesel hybrid coming. Of course, it'll be on their big bux car.

I don't know what BMW has in the wings, as I haven't heard a word on any upcoming products from them.

[richard schumacher]

Mercedes has a diesel hybrid coming. Of course, it'll be on their big bux car.

And unfortunately it has a pretty conventional transmission.

[Wolfman]

And unfortunately it has a pretty conventional transmission.

That's not anything bad. The insight can be had with a 5 speed manual, or a VanDoorne style cone and belt CVT tranny. The Civic has the same CVT.

Diesels already have a distinct fuel mileage advantage over gasoline engines. Added to their hybrid systems, DC is calling for an additional 25% improvement over a non hybrid diesel drivetrain.
a 40 mpg luxury vehicle is a welcome addition, regardless if it steps through fixed ratios or not. I say, bring 'em on!!!!

[skruse]

It is often overlooked, there are more benefits to hybrids than fuel economy. Fed Ex demonstrated diesel hybrids in California this year.

Any hybrid, following the Prius design, should not idle the ICE at slow speeds or when parked. This means a major savings in lack of particulate matter. Diesel exhaust is a carcinogen!

Reduce idling, you reduce particulate matter and increase visibility. Easier breathing for everyone.

[DaveinOlyWA]

isnt the new cleaner diesel that MIGHT be coming around soon be much better for us?

i heard that the Bush admin is favoring putting off the diesel a bit longer... i thought it was a done deal but apparently bush has the power to push back the deadline.