Production and Use of Hybrid Cars - Case Study Example

Exploratory Essay: Hybrid Cars Introduction Cars are among the most important commodities in the world today as they increase the capabilities of human individuals to transfer from one place to another, a basic need that is being considered truthfully essential for the human society today. Understandably, the importance of cars has also reached a lot of developments that creates a better sense of transportation that is highly needed by the modern society at present. One of the most important developments that there has been is that of the creation of hybrid cars. The need for better cars has naturally created a more important development as to how cars are produced for public appreciation and use. For this reason, I particularly chose to write about hybrid cars and how they directly affect the lives of the people living in the human society of modern developments and innovation. This particular issue interests me because of the fact that these hybrid cars are now considered as commodities that are best used for the sake of the betterment of the transport activities of the ones using then. Likely, I am also interested in the idea that hybrid cars are continuously produced besides the economic downfall experienced by the worldwide economy today. The reasons behind these particular truths directly affects me as a person well knowledgeable about the major facts concerning transportation issues, making it much easier for me to be motivated enough to research about the issues concerned herein. Basically, I do expect that through discussing much about the said issue could give me a better sense of understanding with regards the said development therefore allowing my readers the clarifications that they need to know with regards the existence of hybrid cars and the continuous production of such transport machines. Understanding the Truth behind Hybrid Cars The hybrid car was an idea very slow in catching on but it has gained increasing popularity in recent years, particularly following the election of Obama and a general trend toward personal responsibility. Although the very first hybrid vehicle was actually developed more than 100 years ago, Americans, the dominant economic leader at the time, demanded more speed, power and production and thus favored the oil-powered vehicle and left the older electric vehicle in the dust. While the reasons remain unclear, it has become undeniable that the environment is warming up and that the chemicals released from these oil-powered cars are contributing to human problems of resources and health. This has only encouraged the popular demand for a healthier, cheaper, equally viable alternative. Electric vehicles may provide this alternative, but there are numerous concerns with power and distance that remain unanswered. To help bridge the gap between the humans' current knowledge and our current need, car manufacturers are offering the plug-in hybrid. As technology improves and newer designs are introduced, it seems the gas-electric hybrid is the only true long-distance economical option available today. In its most basic understanding, the term hybrid vehicle can be applied to any means of transportation that can utilize more than one energy source for its locomotion. "Any vehicle that combines two or more sources of power that can directly or indirectly provide propulsion power is a hybrid. For example, a moped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal power of its rider" (Layton & Nice 2006). Although the greater portion of the population may not realize it, they likely have had experience with hybrid engines long before now. In most cases, the engine on a diesel locomotive is a hybrid engine, funneling the energy produced by the big diesel engine through a small electric motor to drive the powerful wheels. This same type of combination is found in many forms of mass transit, such as the diesel electric buses that can pull power from an electric wire strung over the track or run on diesel fuel when they must traverse areas where wires are not available. "Submarines are also hybrid vehicles. Some are nuclear-electric and some are diesel-electric" ("What Makes it a Hybrid'" 2006). Most hybrid cars available on the road today are of the gasoline-electric variety. Hybrid cars now are seen as not only a viable alternative but a better choice than gas-only cars. On top of that, people now have a choice of several types of cars including sedans, SUVs and pickups. "And more hybrids are on the way. Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., said recently that Toyota alone plans to introduce 10 new hybrid models over the next five years" (Mello 2005). These cars are projected to be produced in great numbers. "Press said that the company expects hybrids will represent 25 percent of its U.S. sales by the end of the decade. At its current rate of sales, that's about 600,000 new hybrids annually, just from Toyota" (Mello 2005). The hybrid engine currently sold in the Honda Civic Hybrid gets 10 to 15 miles more miles per gallon than a regular gas engine in the same car. The hybrid engine of the Prius, made by Toyota, produces 90 percent fewer harmful emissions than a comparable gasoline engine. No doubt about it, these cars are good for the environment. "'People are buying hybrids because of mileage benefits and environmental concerns,' said Lonnie Miller, director of Polk's analytical solutions unit.' Since 2000, hybrid sales in the United States have grown at an average annual rate of 88.6 percent, Polk said, but they account for only a fraction of total vehicles sold" ("We Know" 2006). "Hybrid vehicle sales increased from just 9,350 vehicles in 2000 to expected sales of about 200,000 for the 2005 calendar year. Full-year U.S. sales for 2003 were 16.7 million" (Porretto 2004). Toyota produces more than 100,000 Prius models each year, about half of the total number of hybrids sold in 2005, easily the biggest selling of any of the hybrids currently on the market. It has evolved from an odd-shaped electric-looking car to a more traditional styling. "Improved performance and soaring fuel prices have led to hybrids' popularity soaring" (Mello 2005). No one argues that a hybrid/electric engine gets considerably improved gas mileage, uses less gas and produces less pollution than a typical gas engine. "While hybrids will remain somewhat marginal sellers, industry executives see them as an important piece in the marketing puzzle despite the fact that Congress appears unwilling to boost requirements for improved fuel economy" (Williamson 2003). For many, the effort to improve fuel economy and thereby decrease the dependence on foreign oil, helping the environment and save people money is a noble pursuit. Stylish, comfortable and effective hybrid cars are indeed the wave of the future and will continue on this upward path as the price declines to something more in line with their conventional counterparts. However, some serious attention will need to be given in the areas of maintenance and safety features before the cars will really be able to make significant progress in replacing the gasoline-only cars of the past. Conclusion Basically, the modern need for improved transport systems today has moved many car producers to create more than what is usual. Truthfully, many producers grabbed the opportunity to make the best out of what they have already created before. Likely, the idea is not only to improve the aesthetic design of cars but also to improve the functions of the cars altogether. The idea is to make a huge matter of consolation on the part of already created cars and even improve the way that they complete their function through the help of the functions of other cars made in the same form or at least in the same functional missions of the said produced cars. Believably, the entire process of creating hybrid cars has opened doors for transport improvement and major changes on the function of cars from plain luxury products to main essential matters that is needed by everyone who aims to embrace development and social change for future progress, a matter that is most important to the human society at present. Annotated Bibliography Center for a New American Dream [with National Association of Counties]. "Harnessing the Power of Advanced Fleet Vehicles." New American Dream. (February 2004). This article claims a more important explanation as to how vehicles ought to be developed to be tailored to the needs of the people and to give them a better chance to realizing the satisfaction that they need to receive from the usage of such products. DeCicco, J, Kliesch J & Tomas, M. ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks. Washington D.C., 2000.The issues on transport developments and the major effects they have on the environment is further insisted on this particular reading, giving a clearer view on the things that must be basically considered when undergoing the innovative options of producing cars. Layton, J. & Nice, Karim. "How Hybrid Cars Work." How Stuff Works. (2006). June 15, 2009 . An explanation on the basic things that the hybrid cars have is the major focus of this particular reading, a mandated consideration on the major developments and the ways by which they changed the views of the human society with regards cars is basically shown through this material. United States. "Annual Energy Outlook 2005." Energy Information Association. Washington, D.C.: GPO, 2005. The efficient use of energy on the part of the hybrid cars is outlined through this article, showing the major implicative improvements in the systems of transportation through the existence of hybrid cars is properly discussed. Williamson, R. "How Hybrid Cars Work." Desert News Business. May 15, 2003. The importance on understanding the process by which hybrid cars work is identified as a major feature in this article. A careful discussion on the said matter is rather laid out considerably to help readers find a better sense of control in the knowledge that they have about this particular innovation in cars at present. Read More