Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars – All They’re Cracked Up To Be
The last few years have seen lots of development in hybrid vehicles, the addition of electric vehicles, and combinations of these different technologies. All this technology, though, comes at a cost, so in shopping for hybrid electric vehicles, you’re going to notice they run more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts. For example, the Ford Fusion Hybrid runs about $7,000 more than the Ford Fusion I4 S, the Lexus LS 600h L about $37,000 more than the Lexus LS 460 L. Let us have a look at some of the other top disadvantages of hybrid cars.
High technology also is more expensive to replace if parts are damaged or worn out. In some cases, something like a battery pack might cost more than half the value of the vehicle itself. Battery technology has been improving and have an impressive enough lifespan that manufacturers are offering warranties as long as 8 years or 100,000 miles, but should your vehicle be involved in an accident and require any major hybrid components, then the repairs could be prohibitively expensive.
Hybrid electric vehicles boast some pretty impressive fuel economy, but drivers have to realize how those numbers work. Hybrid vehicles really shine when it comes to city driving, typically short commutes and stop-and-go traffic. Taking advantage of the electric motor in those situations means that the gasoline motor doesn’t have to run as often. Unfortunately, on the highway, those benefits simply cease to exist. The engine needs to run constantly on the highway not only to keep the battery charged, but also propel the vehicle.
One common misconception about hybrid cars is that they can be driven without gasoline. It’s true that the hybrid system relies on a battery to drive the electric motor, but it’s not designed to propel the vehicle more than a few miles at most. If you run out of fuel, then engine can’t run to keep the battery pack charged, and some models might just shut down the hybrid system altogether, leaving you stranded. Plug-in hybrids promise more battery-only range, up to 50 miles in some models, but require recharging or gasoline to avoid being stranded. Another unfortunate issue might come up if the hybrid battery pack is fully discharged, in the case of one model, there are only two chargers in the country that can recharge it.
Performance might be an issue for some hybrid electric vehicles. After all, inherent to the design is fuel economy, which requires smooth acceleration and easy handling. To make the most of the power in a hybrid system without being too wasteful, hybrid electric vehicles typically don’t accelerate very hard or handle like sports cars, which they’re not. True, some newer hybrids are coming on the market that have excellent handling and strong acceleration, but they do so at the expense of overall fuel economy.
Are hybrid cars all they promise to be? Consider your own driving habits and your needs regarding a vehicle. If you have a long commute, perhaps a fuel efficient compact or sedan will serve your needs better. If you are a harder driver than most, perhaps a hybrid vehicle won’t handle as well as a small sportier model. Hybrid vehicles may not be for everyone.
Though there are a few disadvantages of hybrid cars, the advantages are far many and one could just embrace this technology more and more. The prices for this car might be a major issue but with advancement of technology and more sales, it might come down further in the near future.
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2014 BMW i8 Coupe
Introduction
The 2014 BMW i8 coupe will spearhead the “I” namesake of BMW which will combine power with a plug-in hybrid capability that will help save gas. While no changes are going to be in the 2014 BMW i8 coupe, as it is a brand new vehicle, a number of different factors, both inside, outside, and under the hood of the i8 make it a beautiful and fun to drive vehicle that can also be considered practical to the right person.
Exterior
The outside of the 2014 BMW i8 coupe is absolutely beautiful and definitely does not display the boring exterior which is commonly associated with hybrid vehicles. One of the only confirmed things present on the outside of the 2014 BMW i8 is the gull-wing style doors as well as a c-pillar which extends over the rear of the vehicle. The BMW i8 has also been confirmed by BMW designers to be primarily composed of aluminum and carbon fiber materials to cut down on weight.
Interior
Nothing has been confirmed about the interior of the 2014 BMW i8, although judging by its two-door styling and concept photos, there will be no back seat and relatively little room in the front two bucket seats.
Power and Performance
One of the most touted aspects of the future BMW i8 is the fact that the vehicle combines its impressive fuel efficiency rating (80 mpg) with speed. As of right now, the 2014 BMW i8 is set to have the electric motor push the front wheels while a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine hooks up to the rear. There are also rumors present of an optional four-cylinder for more power to the rear wheels. The BMW i8 is slated to make 0-60 time in 4.6 seconds. Much of the power in the 2014 BMW i8 is enhanced by the lack of heavy materials in favor of aluminum and carbon fiber.
Suspension and Handling
There have been no official reports on what kind of features will be included to help handle the BMW i8, but one can expect some more lightweight materials. Also, with a horsepower rating of 346 horsepower, the 2014 BMW i8 would do well to have ventilated performance brakes, so one can expect to find some colored calipers on the 2014 BMW i8.
Conclusion
The 2014 BMW i8 is absolutely perfect for the eco-friendly driver who also wants to drive with speed and can afford a $150,000 price tag. With the gas motor and electric motor, the 80 mpg fuel efficiency rating definitely cuts down on the carbon footprint left by the BMW i8 and saves the driver some cash to boot (although at the price of this car, this is probably a less important factor). Looking at the car, one would expect the gull-wing doors and 4.6 second 0-60 rating, but it definitely does not have the look of a traditional hybrid vehicle.
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2014 SRT Viper Roadster
Introduction
One of the most beautiful and recognizable supercars on the road today is the ever popular Dodge Viper. While there have been many variants of the ever popular supercar, the 2014 SRT Viper Roadster will be one that will entice any person who can afford the expected price tag. With new additions made to the interior, exterior, and power train, the newest Dodge Viper is going to be an even more amazing car for supercar owners.
Exterior
Some cosmetic additions have been made to the outside of the SRT Viper Roadster which differentiate the supercar from past Viper Models. Of course, being a roadster, the 2014 SRT Viper Roadster is confirmed to have a convertible top. Also included with the newest Viper roadster are front and rear LED lights as well as slightly smaller side exhaust ports (which are still considerably large). The convertible top is expected to be a power cloth top which will be utilized to reduce weight as the cloth top is much lighter than a folding hard top.
Interior
Very few details have been released on what will be found inside the 2014 SRT Viper Roadster. It is confirmed that the interior will be made with much more quality built materials than previous models. Also included with the Viper are cup holders (a very new occurrence for Vipers) and possibly adjustable peddles for the shorter (or taller) drivers of the SRT supercar. Other details of the newest SRT have yet to be released, but they can be expected at the next showing of the SRT.
Power and Performance
The 2014 SRT Viper Roadster will include power capabilities that one would expect out of such a high priced and beautiful car. While the only ratings available are for the coupe SRT, the roadster is expected to perform about the same. With its 8.4-liter ten cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, the roadster is expected to acquire about 640 horsepower at its max. With this power under the hood, the SRT Viper is capable of breaking the 200 mile per hour mark.
Suspension and Handling
To handle the speed and horsepower which the SRT is capable of reaching, advanced suspension and handling components are present on the SRT Viper. The weight of the SRT Viper has been cut down to 3300 pounds. Of course, being a convertible, the future SRT Viper Roadster is bottom heavy, but said weight is also nearly 50/50for the front and the rear.
Conclusion
The 2014 SRT Viper Roadster is not only a beautiful new version of the classic super car, but it is also extremely fast. With its 640 horsepower capability, this Viper is able to absolutely fly while also looking great doing so. If one can afford the price of this super car, they will not be disappointed with their investment.
What is a Hybrid Vehicle
The internal combustion engine has been around for over 100 years. Over that time they have become more powerful and more fuel efficient. There are many types of vehicles on the road today, from scooters to tractor-trailers, totaling nearly 250 million vehicles in the United States. They are powered mostly by internal combustion engines burning gasoline and diesel fuels ranging in size and efficiency depending on the type of vehicle.
Loss and Waste
Internal combustion engines are not thermodynamically efficient. In simple terms, the amount of energy available to move the vehicle is significantly less than the energy in the fuel itself, meaning more than 50% is wasted. Much of the energy is wasted just running the engine, as well as to heat and to friction in the drive-train. Energy is also wasted when slowing down and coming to a stop, because the engine stays running. If you are using the air-conditioning or power steering, these also rob energy from the engine.
When considering that an internal combustion engine is only at it’s peak efficiency in a narrow band of RPM and load, it can be seen that outside of that band, such as at idle or hard acceleration, energy is being wasted. Advances in technology have helped to reclaim some of that energy, utilizing direct fuel injection, or multi-speed transmissions, to keep the engine in it’s most efficient range, but what is the next step?
Combining Forces
Hybrid Electric Vehicles [HEV] and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles [PHEV] do this by coupling an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, which complement each other very well. Internal combustion engines and electric motors have opposite strengths and weaknesses, both in terms of power and efficiency. Electric motors exhibit their best torque characteristics at 0 RPM, resulting in better acceleration, while internal combustion engines exhibit their best efficiency at a higher RPM, resulting in good highway speed. Hybrid vehicles really shine when it comes to stop-and-go city traffic, and are usually rated higher city MPG than country.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle drive-trains are typically configured so that the internal combustion engine and electric motor drive a constant variable transmission, so depending on the demand, one or both can apply power to the wheels. On normal acceleration, the internal combustion engine might not run, taking advantage of the electric motor’s higher starting torque. On harder acceleration, the engine will run to add it’s torque to the transmission. At higher speeds, the internal combustion engine and electric motor work together to drive the vehicle and keep the battery pack charged. The internal combustion engine in an HEV is tuned to run only within it’s narrow band of peak efficiency, maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle [PHEV] drive-trains are configured so that only the electric motor drives the wheels through a single-speed planetary gear set or through a constant variable transmission. The internal combustion engine is attached to a generator, which only charges the battery pack, making the PHEV essentially an electric vehicle with an on-board gasoline-powered generator. PHEVs will use only the electric motor until the battery pack is depleted, at which point the internal combustion engine will run to recharge the battery pack, or you can plug in to a recharging station at home or on the road. If you stay within the battery pack’s range, you might never burn a drop of gasoline.
Reclaiming Wasted Energy
In a standard vehicle, the braking system transfers the force of your foot on the brake pedal to the brakes at each wheel through hydraulic or electrical systems, which applies friction to the wheels, slowing the vehicle. Energy is a constant in any system, it can only be changed, not lost, but it can be wasted. In a standard vehicle, the forward energy of your vehicle is wasted as heat when you apply the brakes.
A significant advantage of Hybrid Vehicles is their hybrid braking systems. Hybrid vehicles aim to reclaim some of that wasted energy through regenerative braking. When using the brakes in an HV, sensors detect the force and speed of your foot on the brake pedal, and calculating how much stopping force you desire, changes the function of the electric motor into an electric generator, changing the forward energy of your vehicle into electricity to charge the battery pack. Under normal use, the friction brakes, powered by a hydraulic or electric systems, don’t actually engage until the last few seconds of braking to a stop.
Conclusions
Hybrid Vehicles are the best of both worlds. They take advantage of the strengths and weaknesses of both electric motors and internal combustion engines, combining them into a package that increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Spend less money on fuel and generate less pollution at the same time.
References -
“Fuel Economy Guide – Model Year 2012. – http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/guides/FEG2012.pdf
“Understanding D.C. Motor Characteristics.” – http://lancet.mit.edu/motors/motors3.html#tscurve
Davis, Stacy C. Transportation Energy Data Book 30th Edition 2010
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2016 Volkswagen Golf
Introduction
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf will be the model that beats all other models. With both cosmetic and performance upgrades, the Volkswagen Golf will have no trouble keeping up with the other low end cars on the road. Everything on the newest Golf will have some kind of addition or change which makes it more accessible and functional. One can expect the 2016 four-door Golf to be an absolute gem, especially when put next to other, more boring, cars.
Exterior of 2016 VW Golf
Outside of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is an extravagant look which still continues the Volkswagen tradition of a practical car. One of the most mentionable features is the laser sensor in the front of the Golf which assists in accident prevention, making the act of driving much more electrical and automatic than ever before. On the exterior, an owner will find a car made of natural and composite materials as well as some aluminum to help cut down on weight.
Interior
Of course, to compliment the classy exterior of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, the inside of the car is quite a dream when it comes to both looks and functionality. With a four-door five-seat setup, the Golf presents a sedan style for those who need a little bit of extra room. Also, one will find a 4g internet connection available in the Golf which will allow for car-to-car communications and car park reservations. To further help in safety and driver monitor system is also included with the Golf to prevent sleeping behind the wheel.
Power and Performance
While the Golf is not known for power, this Golf definitely takes a step in the opposite direct for quelling this commonly associated factor with Volkswagen. The 0.8-liter two-cylinder diesel engine is obviously quite small, although very conservative on gas. As expected, this engine is also lightweight to continue to cut down on weight, making the fuel efficiency rating for the Golf that much better.
Suspension and Handling
As expected, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is designed more for comfort than anything, and the suspension system follows this precedent. All of the suspension parts are forged, making the suspension of the system that much more efficient. Of course, lightweight materials were also used in the suspension to cut down on weight.
Conclusion
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf is definitely going to be a car for the most practical driver out there. With its small engine and lightweight chassis, the Golf is capable of attaining a very high fuel efficiency rating, although not as high as some other Volkswagen models. Of course, the Golf is also quite feature heavy on the inside as it comes with internet, navigation, and a climate sensor system for keeping the temperature of the Golf at an optimum selection.
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2015 Acura NSX
Introduction
The next super car from Acura, the 2015 Acura NSX, is sure to be quite competitive in the market of cars that go way to fast. With a number of new changes and additions, the newest is sure to entice any person who can afford the extravagant price tag (base of $110,000) which will definitely be found on the Honda subsidiary fast ride. Just like past iterations, the Japanese made NSX is almost guaranteed to not disappoint any person who drives the super car.
Exterior
While most of the changes to the Acura NSX can be seen under the hood, a number of differences can found on the outside of the super car. To ensure top power and speed capability, the 2015 Acura NSX is made primarily with aluminum to cut down on weight, saving both gas and power in the process. Of course, being a super car, the two-door NSX sits relatively low and measures in at about .3 inches smaller than past NSX models
Interior
To go along with the lack of confirmed knowledge for the outside of the 2015 Acura NSX is even less information about the inside of said super car. While the NSX is primarily designed for power, it will most likely have the following features inside which are commonplace nowadays. Some specs include lack of cup holders and an interior battery, taking up even more room which is already not available in the NSX.
Power and Performance
While there are no official numbers on the performance of the 2015 Acura NSX, the car is far from being weak. With a mid-mounted direct-injected six-cylinder engine and two electric motors (one for the rear wheels and one for the front wheels), the NSX is going to breaking some speed limits all over the country. This engine will go along with a paddle shifted automatic transmission so it truly feels like the driver has total control of the NSX power.
Suspension and Handling
The 2015 Acura NSX may be well known for being fast, but no one is totally sure or speculative on the suspension and handling capabilities of the car. Of course, performance brakes and a tight ride will be achieved one way or another to make sure minimal power is lost due to rocking of the car or other undesirable movement.
Conclusion
As a super car, the 2015 Acura NSX will be known for being able to stand up next to Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris. With the all-wheel drive system of the NSX being power by two electric motors coupled with the gas motor, efficiency and torque are definitely not lacking here. As the world is going electric, it will not be uncommon for super cars to start cutting down on gas usage, and the NSX is proof of this fact.
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2014 Jaguar XE
Introduction
The 2014 Jaguar XE is being touted as the Jaguar competitor to the Porsche 911. With a few different engine options, as well as other functions, the 2014 Jaguar XE definitely lives up to its namesake, and price point, as a sporty convertible. While the future car is built on the XK platform, it contains a number of specs which differentiate it from its more established counterpart.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2014 Jaguar XE presents a sleek and stylish counterpart to the XK upon which the sport convertible is built. The most mentionable aspect of the outside of the newest Jaguar XE is that it is exceptionally small, even for a two-seater convertible. Of course, a convertible top is present as well as a smaller wheel base which only furthers the fact that the car will not be able to compliment the tall drivers.
Interior
The interior of the 2014 Jaguar XE is expected to follow suit with the rest of the vehicle in that it is absolutely the definition of small. With very little leg room and headroom which is only sufficient when the top is down, the 2014 Jaguar XE leaves much “room” to be desired.
Power and Performance
As expected, the 2014 Jaguar XE is not going to require a huge engine to move its relatively lightweight chassis. The two primary options for power train are expected to be a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine and a supercharged six-cylinder, allowing for 275 horsepower and 350 horsepower respectively. To assist in safety, an aluminum matrix is expected to go into as reinforcement composite. Also, a small electric motor may be included as a “push to pass” feature that can be found in some current Jaguar models.
Suspension and Handling
While no official suspension and handling features have been released, the prototype of the vehicle was lacking in performance brakes, possibly due to the light weight not needing much stopping power. The convertible top requires some extra weight in the bottom of the 2014 Jaguar XE though, so expect a tight chassis coupled with the short wheelbase.
Conclusion
The 2014 Jaguar XE will be a great option when put up against a Porsche 911. While it is exceptionally small, this factor has come to be expected out of sports convertibles in the class of the 911. With the convertible top, the car provides a fun riding experience, but alas, a bumpy as the suspension has to be made tighter to compensate for the low weight up top. With the expected six-cylinder engine, the Jaguar XE will also be commendable, if not slightly low, when it comes to being fast.
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2014 Dodge Dart SRT4
Introduction
While nothing official has been released for the 2014 Dodge Dart SRT4, there are a number of features expected for the newest Dart SRT4 based on its platform and recent specs found on other Dodge vehicles. While the 2014 Dart SRT4 is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform, it is expected to include a number of features which are sure to make the power and functionality comparable to older Darts and the Giulietta itself.
Exterior
Many of the expected changes to the exterior of the 2014 Dodge Dart SRT4 are designed with performance in mind. Just some of the features include functional scoops/vents, larger wheels, and a spoiler on the rear of the vehicle. Not too many cosmetic changes have been made to the Dodge Dart SRT4 over older models.
Interior
The only factor known to be on the interior of the car is a series of cluster displays which make the gauges an absolute thrill to look at. With a relatively big eight inch screen, even the blindest driver will have no issue seeing their desired information (although, if the display is a problem, one should rethink their ability to drive).
Power and Performance
The 2014 Dodge Dart SRT4 continues to up the horsepower relative to older models. A number of engines could be used. One possibility is the 300 horsepower four-cylinder which Alfa Romeo is going to place in some of its smaller vehicles, but the other possibility is an enhanced version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found other Dodge Darts.
Suspension and Handling
A number of suspension and handling features have been added onto the future car to help handle the relatively high amount of power output. The new Dart comes with both stiffer springs and dampers to help cut down in the transfer of vibration from the road to the cabin. Also, with bigger wheels come bigger brakes and rotors to help in stopping, and with the more powerful model, ventilated brakes are a definite possibility. All of these features were previously seen on the other Dodge vehicles including the Charger, Avenger, and Challenger.
Conclusion
With the new Dart SRT4 come a number of upgrades which hearken back to the old days of semi-powerful engines coupled with stylish looks. The newest version of the Dodge Dart SRT4 features stiffer suspension for an easily handled ride, and the possibility of performance brakes to assist in stopping the 300 horsepower engine found under the hood of the car. Of course, how Dodge is going to attain this 300 horsepower is up to a debate about whether the relatively expensive Alfa Romeo engine will be used, or a variant of the 2.0-liter Dodge engine. Only time will tell in the case of the 2014 Dodge Dart SRT4.
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