Dangers and Benefits of Hybrid Cars - Literature review Example

Hybrid Cars Introduction The hybrid car is an idea very slow in catching on but has gained increasing popularity in recent years. The first hybrid appeared over 100 years ago but the demand for rapid transportation, the need for speed, kept the concept mainly on the drawing board until lately. Concerns regarding the environment, the availability of oil and ever-rising gasoline prices have popularized these alternative fuel vehicles. This discussion will review many aspects of the hybrid car including an explanation of what a hybrid car is and how they save fuel thereby emitting fewer pollutants. It will then discuss why hybrids have gained popularity and why they are not more so, then review a subject rarely mentioned in a hybrid discussion, the dangers to mechanics and rescue workers. What is a Hybrid? The definition of a hybrid is fairly general: “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). The vast majority of hybrid cars that are being driven and requested by the public today are the gasoline-electric hybrid cars, but most people have been exposed to hybrid vehicles possibly without knowing it. The engine on a locomotive is generally a diesel-electric hybrid. This example, if no other, confirms the viability and durability of this type of engine as this hybrid pulls many tons of freight many miles a day. Some U.S. cities, Seattle for instance, operate a diesel-electric public transportation system. These buses can pull electric power from overhead wires or operate on diesel fuel when they are outside of the city’s wire configuration. “Submarines are also hybrid vehicles. Some are nuclear-electric and some are diesel-electric” (“What Makes it a Hybrid?” 2006). Typically, the gasoline-electric hybrid car is what the term implies, a balanced mixture of a gasoline and electric powered car. “A gas-powered car has a fuel tank, which supplies gasoline to the engine. The engine then turns a transmission, which turns the wheels. An electric car has a set of batteries that provides electricity to an electric motor. The motor turns a transmission, and the transmission turns the wheels” (Welch & Kerwin 2003). The hybrid is a combination of these two concepts. There are many motivations to utilize and advance the development of hybrids including their ability to increase gas mileage significantly and reduce the emissions of fossil fuels while overcoming the shortcomings of an electric car. “Most electric cars cannot go faster than 50-60 mph, and need to be recharged every 50-100 miles. Hybrids bridge the gap between electric and gasoline-powered cars by traveling further and driving faster” (Care 2 Staff 2006). The hybrid combines both gasoline and electric energy sources through three processes – regenerative braking, electric drive assist and automatic shutoff. When a person uses the brakes in their hybrid, “the electric motor applies resistance to the drive-train causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor” (U.S. Department of Energy 2006). This process of capturing the energy of braking is what is meant by the term regenerative braking. The electric motor, in turn “provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing.” Because of this, a smaller, more efficient gas engine can be used. In some vehicles, such as the Honda Civic, the electricity alone provides power in a city driving setting. This gives the hybrid a lower gas mileage rating in a situation where, by contrast, gas-only cars burn more fuel per gallon. Automatic shutoff refers to a method whereby the engine shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop then revives again when a person presses the accelerator pedal. “This prevents wasted energy from idling” (U.S. Department of Energy 2006). For a car to be considered effective transportation and thus viable to produce and sell, it must meet some basic requirements of the marketplace. It should be able to travel at least 300 miles between re-fueling, have means to be conveniently refueled and has to compete with the speed of other cars. While a gasoline-only car meets the requirements of speed and convenient refueling locations, it produces a reasonably sizeable quantity of poisonous fumes and normally experiences low gas mileage. “An electric car, however, produces almost no pollution, but it can only go 50 to 100 miles between charges. And the problem has been that the electric car is very slow and inconvenient to recharge” (Layton & Nice 2006). The higher efficiency of hybrid cars allows them to have the best of both worlds, attaining higher fuel economy and lower emissions. For example, “the hybrid Honda Insight is rated at 61 miles per gallon (mpg) city, and 70 mpg highway. A gasoline-fueled Insight achieves only 32 mpg city and 37 mpg highway” (DeCico, Kliesch & Tomas 2000). “Overall hybrids can achieve fuel economy gains of 40 percent compared to their conventional counterparts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-50 percent” (Center for the New American Dream 2004). It has been estimated that with the massive quantity of gasoline consumed each year, “even a one percent improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency would save consumers about $2 billion annually” (United States 2005). There are two types of hybrids/electric cars widely manufactured. The most common is the parallel configuration. As in a conventional gas-only vehicle, this type makes a straight connection between the hybrid engine and the wheels and, in addition, has an electric motor that works with the engine to drive the wheels. For example, “a parallel vehicle could use the power created by an internal combustion engine for highway driving while using both the engine and electric motor power for accelerating” (U.S. Department of Energy 2005). The parallel configuration is popular with car makers and buyers because it needs only a small engine providing more efficient fuel economy without forfeiting acceleration power. Both the engine and the motor supply power at the same time providing the car with more power. Parallel configured vehicles do not need a separate generator as the motor regenerates the batteries. “Power does not need to be redirected through the batteries and can therefore be more efficient” (U.S. Department of Energy 2005). The series configuration is the other type of hybrid powered car. The gasoline engine turns a generator and “the generator either charges the batteries or powers the electric motor that is used to turn the transmission. In this type of car, the gasoline engine is not used to power the vehicle directly” (Penn State Staff 2006). The concept of the electric/gasoline powered cars is hardly new. It is about as old as the car itself, 1898 to be exact. Accepted as the first gas/electric hybrid, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche built a hybrid car using an “internal combustion engine to spin a generator that provided power to electric motors located in the wheel hubs. On battery alone, the car could travel nearly forty miles” This was Porsche’s second model; his first was an all-electric car that also had front-wheel drive (“History” 2006). How Hybrids Save Energy and Gasoline “Hybrid engines are much smaller than those on conventional cars. A hybrid car engine is built small to accommodate the 99 percent of driving time when a car is not going up hills or accelerating quickly. When extra acceleration power is needed, it relies on the battery to provide additional force” (Tahinci n.d.). As stated before, the hybrid gasoline motors are smaller by comparison and shut off when the car is motionless, say at a stoplight. The car is lighter and the tires create half the air drag of conventional cars as they are generally more aerodynamic, reducing wind resistance. Instead of relying on gasoline power alone, hybrid-electric vehicles use regenerative braking technology to reduce fuel usage (Tahinci n.d.). This reduction of fuel usage results in the release of fewer pollutants. “Hybrid cars are good for the environment. They can reduce smog by 90 percent and they use far less gasoline than conventional cars” (Care 2 2006b). Hybrid Popularity Recently, hybrid/electric cars are quickly becoming more popular but they are not built in great enough quantities for a potential buyer to get one in immediately as they would be able to get a conventional gasoline powered car. “A check with several dealers suggests theres at least a four-month wait for a Prius, with one dealer saying eight months. For the Lexus RX 400h, a 2006 model, one dealer said hes already taking deposits for the 2007s” (Smith 2005). Executives at Ford Motor Company claim that the demand for its Escape Hybrid, an SUV, is five times greater than its supply. “Today’s hybrids are far more sophisticated and user-friendly than the ones sold just a few years ago," said Buzz Rodland, Chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association in a press release quoted by Singleton (2004). No longer do car buyers have to make a choice between fuel efficiency and practicality. Hybrids today are practical enough for everyday use and provide power necessary for highway driving. Hybrids are expanding their popularity base because they offer gas-saving efficiency with power, room and stylish amenities. “In the five years that hybrids have been on the market, weve seen an increase from two vehicles – a two-seater and a compact sedan – to 11 vehicles that come in almost every body style” (Mello 2005). 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, thats 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 Polks 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). Comparison Of 2006 hybrid cars, the Honda Insight, to this point, is the most fuel efficient available obtaining a combined (Highway/City) 63 miles-per-gallon (mpg). The Toyota Prius comes in second at 55 mpg, followed by the Honda Civic (50mpg.) and the Honda Accord (28 mpg). In the truck class, both the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra get 19 mpg while in the SUV class, all five available, are close to 30 mpg. (U.S. Department of Energy 2006). Reasons Hybrid Cars, Trucks & SUVs Arent More Popular High demand has predictably pushed upward the sales price of hybrid cars beyond affordability for many. Some pre-owned hybrids, the Prius especially, sell for as much or more as the initial showroom price-tag. New hybrid drivers find that their actual gas mileage doesn’t match-up to what was listed by the manufacturer on the window sticker. “Odds are you won’t successfully haggle dealers for a bargain in high-demand areas, hybrids frequently sell for several thousand dollars more than their retail prices” (Rockhold 2005). There are also added registration fees for hybrids in some states. Hybrids cost from $2,000 to $5,000 more than the non-Hybrid version of the same car and have increased odds for breakdowns because their power-train is more complex than a conventional car. Mechanics, generally, are not trained to deal with hybrids forcing the car’s owner to pay higher prices to someone that can. Parts may cost more as they are not as widely available as gas powered car parts. Specialized hybrid tires are smaller, yet they are more costly to replace. “Consumer Reports says the extra money spent on a hybrid does not make up for what is saved in gas. It would take 21 1/2 years of gas savings to make-up the difference” (Consumers Union of U.S. 2004). “Hybrids also have an image problem. Consumers think of fuel economy and low pollution when they think of hybrid vehicles, but they do not think of increased performance” (McManus 2006). “The acceleration capability of some (not all) hybrids is less than that of comparable vehicles. High-performance electric motors are not yet available in hybrid vehicles, whose emphasis is on economy not speed” (Walczak 2006). Why then, would people chose to take spend more for a hybrid? “’They want to do the right thing for the environment. They want to be seen participating in that effort,’ says Thad Malesh, a director of the alternative power technology practice at JD Power” (Lazarony 2003). Potential Dangers for repair technicians The new technology that hybrids brought has presented a difficult learning curve for auto mechanics. It’s not simply a matter of a knowledge deficit that presents problems to those who make their living working on cars. It’s also a matter of safety. “’From a technicians standpoint, theyre downright scary,’ said Van Batenburg. ‘Theyre more complicated and there are more computers, more sensors, more components. In the case of Toyota, theres less room under the hood.’” (Gross 2004). Of course, as time passes, more and more mechanics will learn to deal with hybrids and the less intimidating it will be. “’The scariest thing to most people is the fact that all these hybrid vehicles produce enough voltage and amperage to kill you,’ said Van Batenburg. ‘The average technician is not hearing enough about the vehicle or being exposed to the vehicle enough to feel comfortable.’” (Gross 2004). If contacted by humans, 50 to 60 volts can be lethal. Hybrids use a high voltage for the drive motor. “’The high voltage is what you need to respect,’ said Van Batenburg. ‘Electricians who have worked on 110v or 220v know to be careful and de-power the wires before working on the system,’ he said. ‘Well-trained electricians wear safety gloves, work in teams and know how to read a meter.’” (Gross 2004). The Toyota Prius engine system carries 276 volts, both Honda hybrids possess 144 volts of potential deadly electricity. “’A lethal shock is the most dangerous aspect of working with these types of cars. Not realizing that the engine starts and stops on its own when the key is in the ignition is another. Making sure the car is fully shut off will prevent some accidents from happening,’ said Van Batenburg” (Gross 2004). A danger to rescue workers Hybrids also represent a potential new danger for rescue personnel at an accident scene. They have to consider a system of high-voltage circuitry that may require some precise cutting to save a trapped victim. “’You dont want to go crushing anything with hydraulic tools,’ said Samuel Caroluzzi, an assistant chief with the Norristown Fire Department outside Philadelphia. ‘Its enough to kill you from what theyre telling us in training.’” (“Rescue Workers” 2004). This is a disconcerting thought to the rescuers not to mention the negative effect to the people trapped inside. “’If you cant shut it down, you dont know where the high voltage is,’ said David Dalrymple, an emergency medical technician in New Brunswick, N.J” (“Rescue Workers” 2004). Conclusion 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. Works Cited Care 2 Staff. 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