Detroit’s Big 3 have big plans for hybrid and electric vehicles. The Motor City was founded on the combustion engine and is striving to makes its return using exciting new battery, engine and powertrain technology.
As the world is becoming environmentally conscious, consumers are considering more than price and quality at the dealership lots. They are considering the environmental impact and financial energy efficiency of the car they take home. Sure Hybrid and EV cars are more expensive at the initial purchase, but with tax, rebate incentives and reducing or minimizing ever growing costs at the pump, Hybrid and EV cars will offer a return.
Ford Motor Company is bringing to market the Ford Focus plug in electric, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford C-Max Hybrid and the Transit Connect EV. This lineup of vehicles offers flexibility to the consumers depending on the needs. A local commuter, running around town in and out of an office, or a short 10-20 mile commute would run the Focus EV. The Focus EV is a battery electric car that offers projected 100 miles on a charge. This range would allow for daily travel and overnight charging. If the daily travels take you beyond the 100 mile mark the Hybrid options give you both battery and combustion engine power. Simply put, plug in and charge the battery at night, run around during the day. When the batteries run dry, the combustion engine kicks in power the vehicle while recharging the batteries.
General Motors has released the Chevy Volt, a 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year winner that offers the flexibility of a Plug in Hybrid vehicle. Charge the slightly smaller than mid-sized sedan in at night and run battery/gas all day long. The Chevy Volt runs on regenerative braking technology that assists in charging the batteries while you go about your business.
With availability, environmental awareness and potential financial return, the EV and Hybrid vehicles have the potential of taking over the car market in the United States.
Article by Mike LaJoice.
