Originally posted by "DrAchoo":
Wouldn't I just assume there are a lot more cars out there than trucks? |
Considering how we are always told how many trucks, SUVs and vans are on the road. And a casual drive by on roads usually results in at least 25% of vehicles falling into such group these days.
And might I add, that if I recall correctly the Ford F-150 is the #1 selling vehicle in the country. And this only because the Chevy / GMC truck is sold as two different vehicles or it would be. So there is a fairly high percentage of truck/van/SUV type vehicles on the road.
Originally posted by "DrAchoo":
If you use this line of thinking I'd have to ask you how many hybrids you see in the junk yard? The answer would make me assume that hybrids are hardly EVER thrown away... |
As hybrids are new and few have reached the end of their life cycle; such is an invalid point. Now in 10-20 yrs from now - it might be a very valid point. Of course, trucks, SUVs and vans will also be hybrids. In fact, almost every vehicle sold will be a hybrid or electric aux. vehicle in 10-20 yrs.
Originally posted by "RainMotorSports":
EDIT - I cant believe im actually rereading the demise of the GM EV-1 program over again! |
Yes, I find it interesting that Honda has discontinued the Honda Insight. The most efficient hybrid vehicle in production. Why? Because they barely could sell them.
And ironically the Honda Insight has proved the point that GM's EV-1 project was not feasible. If Honda could not even garner enough success for a far less technologically divergent vehicle to keep it in production - then there really was no way GM could have put a vehicle like the EV-1 into production which would have had much higher production costs and far more inconveniences.
That said, GM did manage to develop quite a fair amount of technology with the EV-1 project. Including that battery technology was not yet up to the task. Thankfully, in part to cell phones, battery technology has been improving. GM is re-visiting the concept of the electric vehicle with the intention of releasing such a vehicle in 2010. But they've learned a lot. Namely two key points: 1) Driver's do not want to be stranded. 2) Buyer's want a 4 passenger vehicle. The new Chevy Volt concept vehicle has an auxilliary generator allowing for transits up to 640 miles on a tank. Though allowing for full electric drive for up to a 40 mile commute. While also seating up to 4 passengers.
All in all, as fond of the EV-1 (GM Impact) as I was. I do believe GM made the necessary choice. Especially when California allowed the hybrids to count against the 2% zero emission vehicle goal. Thus eradicating GM's investment toward a zero emission vehicle.
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