Understanding Hybrid Technology
As described in “Hybrid Cars: All About Hybrids,” hybrid cars use an electric motor (sometimes two), working in conjunction with a gasoline engine. Sometimes the hybrid car runs on electricity alone. Most of the time, it’s powered by the gasoline engine, or a combination of the two.
As the second decade of the 21st century gets rolling, the alternative-fuel models that get the most attention are pure electrics like Nissan’s Leaf-cars that run solely on electricity. Also getting the full publicity treatment are extended-range electric cars, mainly Chevrolet’s Volt, which use a gasoline engine to charge the battery while underway, but not to actually propel the car. Plug-in hybrid models-which operate like regular hybrids but can connect to an AC electrical outlet for charging-also are beginning to vie for attention, and will likely become serious contenders before long.
The Electric Car: A History of Innovation
All-electric operation is hardly a new idea. In fact, electric cars date back to the dawn of the automobile age, when such battery-powered makes as Detroit and Baker appeared ready to overtake the internal-combustion gasoline engine as the primary power source for American vehicles. By the time Henry Ford launched his Model T in 1908, electrics were on the way out, though a few hung on into the 1930s.
Electric cars had a mild resurgence in the 1970s, when a scattering of small manufacturers turned out small, limited-production models that ran on batteries. Some, like the angular wedge-shaped CitiCar and its Comuta-Car successor, were “dedicated” electrics-specially built for that purpose-and sold in respectable numbers. Other companies converted existing conventional cars to battery power. Either way, every company faded away after a few years.
Early in the 1990s, General Motors began to lease its EV1 electric car to several thousand eager customers. Most EV1 lessees loved their electrics. Many were aghast when GM elected to take them all back, rather than let their owners buy or re-lease them for longer periods.
Several major makes offered electric offshoots of conventional models in the 1990s, including Toyota’s RAV4 EV in the 1990s and Ford’s Ranger EV pickup. Honda launched a purpose-built EV Plus model in 1997, but only about 300 were sold. At that time, “the world was not ready for the electric world,” said Honda executive vice-president John Mendel at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Range Challenge: Then and Now
Limited range has always been an electric-car obstacle. The mid-1970s CitiCar promised a 50-mile range, and GM’s EV1 of the 1990s claimed 100 miles. Lead-acid batteries, used in 20th-century electrics, were heavy, thus impeding performance. Nickel metal hydride batteries proved more efficient, and today’s lithium-ion battery packs promise even greater efficiency. Yet, range is still a major concern. A century ago, however, the Detroit Electric claimed an 80-mile range, and in a special test, one car is said to have gone 211 miles before running out of electricity.
Pure Electric Cars and Trucks
Driving just about any electric car is a snap. Just move the selector into Drive, and push on the accelerator pedal. There are no gears to change, because electrics normally use single-speed transmissions. Naturally, they’re almost totally quiet-too quiet to suit the National Federation for the Blind. That organization spearheaded passage of a bill through Congress late in 2010, mandating installation of “noisemaker” devices to warn blind (and other) pedestrians that an automobile is nearby.
Many drivers are wary of electrics, worrying most about range limitations. Most current and coming-soon electrics are limited to less than 100 miles on a charge. Some can go farther under ideal conditions, but not by much. Even if the owner only drives, say, 50 miles per day while commuting, what happens if, for some reason, a longer trip suddenly becomes necessary? Not many charging stations exist as yet, though the number is growing quickly, especially in California. Charge times (especially at ordinary 110-volt outlets) can run 10 hours or more. Quicker-charging installations run at 220 volts, and experiments are underway with even higher voltages.
Several current electrics, including the Mini E and smart EV, are battery-powered offshoots of existing models. Others were developed strictly for battery operation. In a few cases (notably Mini and smart, again), passenger space is reduced to just two, to accommodate the battery pack. Battery life is another concern, but electric cars include an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Electric cars earn a $7,500 tax credit from the federal government (until 200,000 examples of that model are sold). Certain states may offer additional credits. As of late 2010, five vehicles (Leaf, Volt, CODA, Tesla, Wheego) were listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as qualifying for the $7,500 credit.
Electric Vehicles Available Now (as of 2010/2011)
| Model | Key Features | Starting Price | Claimed Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf | Family-size, 5-passenger, 90-kW motor | $32,780 | 73 miles (EPA) |
| smart EV | 2-passenger, smooth acceleration | N/A (Lease) | 83 miles |
| Mini E | 2-passenger, sporty handling | $600/month lease | ~100 miles |
| Tesla Roadster 2.5 | High-performance sports car | $101,500 (after credit) | 245 miles |
| CODA Sedan | 4-door, 5-passenger sedan | $37,400 (after credit) | 90-120 miles |
| Wheego LiFe EV | 2-passenger subcompact | $32,995 | 100 miles |
Coming Soon – Or Later
Several manufacturers have announced upcoming electric models:
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV: Planned for U.S. arrival in fall 2011, wider-bodied version of Japanese model
- Ford Focus Electric: Expected late 2011, liquid-cooled battery pack
- Ford Transit Connect EV: Battery-powered commercial van for fleets
- Honda Fit Electric: Concept shown, possible near-future production
- Toyota RAV4 Electric: Next-generation electric SUV developed with Tesla
Extended-Range and Plug-in Hybrids
One way to give an electric car a longer range is to install a gasoline engine, but use it only for charging the battery while in motion-when you’re away from a plug-in outlet. Unlike a hybrid, an extended-range electric vehicle normally does not use the gasoline engine to propel the vehicle.
Chevrolet Volt: The Extended-Range Pioneer
As 2011 gets underway, Chevrolet’s Volt is the best-known extended-range electric car by far. The roomy four-passenger Volt will run for about 40 miles using electric power alone. When the battery becomes discharged, a small gasoline engine fires up to serve as a generator. Total range is limited only by the gasoline that’s in the tank. After first denying that the gasoline engine ever propels the car, GM now admits that it does provide auxiliary energy at times, boosting efficiency by 10 to 15 percent.
Purchasing a Volt takes $41,000, or it can be leased for $250 per month. Charging takes 10 hours at 110 volts, or 4 hours at 240 volts.
10 Points to Consider Before You Go Electric
- Be sure you’ll be satisfied with the car’s range, and aware that a pure electric isn’t the prudent choice for a long trip.
- Pay attention to how the car behaves. Most electrics feel almost like a gasoline-engine car, except for lack of gears, near-silence, and brisk initial takeoff.
- Don’t expect to recoup all of the additional cost of an electric car compared to a regular model that consumes gasoline.
- Unless your taxable income exceeds the tax credit figure, you’ll get only a portion of that credit.
- Evaluate the cost and difficulty of setting up a charging station at home and/or your workplace.
- Ponder the estimated charge times at 110 and 220 volts.
- “Green” credentials may be compromised if you need an additional car for longer trips.
- If you live in a region with frigid winter weather, think twice. Batteries are less efficient at cold temperatures.
- Consider the unresolved issues about battery safety.
- Consider alternative methods to achieve high mileage, including diesel power or a fuel-efficient smaller car.
Alternative Fuel-Efficiency Solutions
Beyond Electric: Other Efficient Options
When evaluating your next vehicle purchase, it’s worth considering all available technologies. While this guide focuses on hybrids and electrics, other paths to efficiency exist:
- High-efficiency gasoline cars: Some conventional models already approach hybrid efficiency through advanced engine technology and weight reduction.
- Diesels: Modern clean diesels offer impressive fuel economy and abundant low-end torque, though public perception remains a challenge.
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Offered in the Honda Civic GX, though limited to specific regions.
- Fuel Cells: Still primarily experimental, with Honda’s FCX Clarity available to selected customers in California.
To make the most informed decision, compare how these alternatives stack up against hybrids and traditional gasoline vehicles in our comprehensive guide: Electric vs Gasoline vs Hybrid Cars.
The future of transportation is clearly moving toward greater electrification, but the path is neither straight nor simple. From the early electric cars of the 1900s to today’s advanced hybrids and pure electrics, the journey has been marked by both breakthroughs and setbacks. What’s clear is that no single solution will work for everyone—your driving patterns, location, budget, and personal preferences will determine which technology makes the most sense for you.
As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, electric vehicles will become practical for more drivers. Until then, hybrids offer a compelling bridge technology, while efficient gasoline and diesel vehicles remain strong contenders. The key is to look beyond the hype and choose the vehicle that truly fits your lifestyle and needs.
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💬 Perspective from an Automotive Historian
“Reading this guide feels like watching history repeat itself—but this time, electricity might actually win.”
What’s fascinating about today’s EV revolution is how it mirrors the early 1900s. Back then, electric cars like the Detroit Electric were actually preferred by wealthy urbanites—especially women—because they were clean, quiet, and easy to start (no hand-cranking!). They lost out not because of technology, but because of infrastructure: gasoline stations spread faster than charging points.
The parallel today is striking:
• Range anxiety in 1910: “Will I make it to the next charging station?”
• Range anxiety in 2020s: “Will I find a fast charger on this road trip?”
• Breakthrough then: Mass production of the Model T
• Breakthrough now: Mass production of affordable EVs like the Leaf
This time, the infrastructure race is different. With home charging, smartphone apps to locate stations, and government mandates, electricity has a fighting chance that it didn’t have a century ago. The real question isn’t whether EVs will succeed—it’s whether we’ll solve the infrastructure puzzle before impatience sets in.
#EVHistory #InfrastructureMatters #TransportationRevolution