The current assumption is that even in the long run current hybrid buyers may expect to break even, not save a bundle on the purchase, meaning in the short-term the cost could be prohibitive but in the long-term its about the same with the environmental issue being the deal breaker most frequently. (Bartell, 2007, Carseek
Many families have the capacity to buy only one vehicle per worker in the family, therefore the ability to buy a hybrid that can be used with lower cost and environmental effect as the car that does the family work, which includes frequent trips to school, activities and other places as well as to be used to commute, is of great intrinsic value to this consumer. (Carr-Ruffino & Acheson, 2007, p
Sales have climbed from less than 10,000 vehicles between 1999 and 2001 to 250,000, sold in 2005, statistics for year end in 2007 will likely see a dramatic increase as more and more models are introduced to the market. (Dooley, 2005, p
So much so that the hybrid cars in the first wave of consumer availability continue to generate waiting lists for new models, as they hit the market, the goals of marketing teams having been met, when demand outstrips supply by large numbers. (Krol & Orrick, 2006, p
"While the United States is the most motorized nation on earth, automobiles are on the rise nearly everywhere, even in places where public policies aim to limit their use (Committee for an International Comparison of National Policies and Expectations Affecting Public Transit, 2001)." (Taylor, 2006, p
And the guy said, every time we show them an ad like this, they say no, just say it's electric, shrink the car as small as you can, and that's it." (Eaves All About EV article online) Those who have risen to the top by exploiting antiquated technology that hurts the environment, our current elected president included, would like to remain there and utilize corporate social responsibility as a talking point with an empty content section
In viewing the fantastic documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? one sees the hypocrisy inherent in the system as many individuals blame industry greed for the virtual death of a very practical solution to fossil fuel dependence and pollution. Why the consumer asks was this vehicle that had been so frequently promised as the solution to all the problems that plague the modern world discarded like so much trash? (Paine Who Killed the Electric Car? 2006) Was it market demand? Was it marketing failure on the part of the producer and of coarse lastly was it an intentional conspiracy to retain the potential future profit that is available to the motor industry and the fuel industry, at the expense of the environment and human civilization in general? Motavalli 36) This work will address this question by first seeking answers to the most important question, if these technologies are available why are they being subverted? The work will then analyze the current research in alternative fuel vehicles, specifically addressing three types of vehicles, the electric car, the hybrid/electric/combustion car and lastly the combustion engine car
Most drivers drive at a variety of speeds. So, during in-town driving or rush hour traffic, electric mowers are more efficient, but gas motors function better at highway driving (Dunn 2006)
When gas prices begin to spike in 2008, hybrids became trendy and waiting lists were necessary to obtain the vehicles. Many celebrities were seen driving hybrids, as a way of signaling their concern about the environment (Weismann 2008)
S.-based and having intellectual property exclusivity on their technology" (Kanter 2009)
Toyota sold 429,740 hybrid vehicles last year, including 285,675 Prius cars, the world's bestselling hybrid. More than 37,000 non-hybrid Auris cars -- built in the UK and Turkey -- have been sold in Europe since the model's introduction in spring 2007" (McCurry 2009)
. And the German companies are strongest in the diesel and clean diesel space" and German-made cars remain some of the most popular vehicles in Europe (Smart 2009)
Besides, the hybrid car doesn't bring any benefits when driven at a constant speed. A four-wheeled drive adds weight to the vehicle, making it consumes more fuel" (Willborn 2009)