Will The New Crop Of Hybrids Be A Genuine Advancement Of The Breed Or Just The Same Old Story?

A new generation of hybrid gas-electric and all-electric cars — including the 2011 Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf — has arrived, with much hype attending their launch.

There is the promise of dramatic increases in fuel economy — but less mention of real-world downsides, including high purchase price and total operating costs. Here’s a look at what’s on deck — including both the good and the bad:

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Though technically a hybrid because it has both a gasoline engine and a battery pack/electric motor, it differs from current hybrids in that its gas-burning engine does not directly propel the vehicle at any time. Instead, the gas engine functions as a portable, onboard generator — providing electricity to power the car’s electric motor when the batteries run low. The battery pack and electric motors are what actually move the car down the road. The Volt also has “plug-in” capability, meaning its batteries can be charged up via common 110 Volt household outlets when it is parked, such as while you are at work or overnight at your home.


 

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Joe_Limon - 10/4/2010 1:27:01 PM

-6 Boost

1. "lived life"
2. It's a midsize.
3. People are retarded with numbers. They will buy it fully thinking they are gonna save money.
4. It offers the ability to put out zero tailpipe emissions while providing the peace of mind that even if the battery gets weaker as it gets older, you'll never be stranded.
5. The UAW built cars still outnumber non uaw built cars in the states, sure there are lots of people who agree with your beliefs, but these people aren't the majority.

The volt will sell. It won't be their best seller, but it doesn't matter. Is the prius toyota's best seller?

uaw_lax - 10/5/2010 3:23:24 AM

-4 Boost

dose not matter if the UAW built it or not all of the other countries that build cars have unions also and descent wages like we do here. The people of the countries are also proud of their unions not jealous because unions fight to give all workers fair wages and a safe work place.

nguyenvuminh - 10/4/2010 9:59:32 PM

-4 Boost

009 you're still very very lame.