Hybrid vehicles can be found in a variety of engineered designs that may include simple plug-in batteries, onboard generators run by gasoline, diesel or fuel cells. The most common type of hybrid vehicle is the gasoline-powered vehicle that charges a battery pack while running, which can power the vehicle as a sole power source. The gasoline engine is used to provide power to charge the battery and meet the peak power needs of the vehicle when the battery alone is not adequate.
The sales of these vehicles in 2006 were estimated at 384,000 in 2006, and it’s estimated that as many as 1.1 million may be sold in 2010. Toyota, Honda, GM and Ford realize the market potential for these products and anticipate significant growth up to at least 2015 when it is expected that 2 million hybrid vehicles will be sold.
The gasoline hybrid vehicles can be equipped with a wide range of different battery types based on availability from the manufacturer of the vehicle and their suppliers. For the purpose of this alternative the different battery types are not significant, and the battery types collectively will be considered as “the battery.” It should also be noted that the technology and availability of these vehicles dramatically increases every year and greater performance should be anticipated.
Economic Impacts
The economic impact of these vehicles is most noticeable in the reduction in fuel consumption that could save a family as much as thousands of dollars very year. The increased fuel efficiency may only add a few miles to the gallon of gasoline consumed, but as the price of fuel increases so does the economic benefit of these vehicles.
The economic downside of these vehicles is the initial premium vehicle price that is realized by the buyer that may be as much as $5,000 or $6,000 added to the price of the standard car. These premiums or cost of options is gradually reducing and may be as little as $2,000 over the next few years. However, tax incentives are available for these vehicles.
The issue of battery replacement has always been a concern among consumers, and the industry has established extended warranties up to 100,000 miles of coverage on these items. However, when a battery replacement is needed the costs may be as much as $4,900, as in the case of Toyota vehicles.
Environmental Impacts
The overall environmental impact of this technology can be positive, largely due to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Data from Hybridcars.com clearly details the increased efficiency and reduced contribution of greenhouse gases from different hybrid cars.
Reduction in air emissions and reduction of fuel consumption are the most significant environmental impacts related to this vehicle. However, it must be considered that these vehicles use batteries made of a variety of heavy metal that require mining and manufacturing as well as disposal issues.
The mining and production environmental impacts are somewhat secondary but would be directly offset by the reduction in petroleum production. Therefore, using or producing this vehicle would significantly realize a net gain or net loss of environmental impact.
The issue of battery disposal was initially a problem with this vehicle type but has been significantly reduced by return and recycling programs. Toyota has initiated a $200 return program that labels each battery to ensure that it’s recycled and the raw materials are incorporated into new batteries. Creating the recycle program and financial incentives has decreased the concern for improper disposal or the landfilling of these batteries that may contribute to additional future environmental problems.
The batteries have also increased in longevity over the initial batteries, and it’s accepted that many of the batteries last the life of the vehicle or as much as 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Many of the car manufacturers have extended warranty programs for their batteries such as Honda’s 8-year/80,000 mile and Toyota’s 8-year/100,000 mile warranties. The increased efficiency of these batteries has reduced the need for battery replacement that could be considered as an environmental impact as well as economic.
Secondary Impacts
The impact to the service station network is to be considered, because they may sell less fuel that would affect their financial security and the potential loss of jobs and revenue. It would almost certainly see a reduction in fuel taxes generated by the fuel industry in the short term until the number of cars would increase to a level as to use the same amount of fuel as currently used.
The new technology of having 150 to 500 volt electrical systems on wheels poses a significant safety risk to occupants, onlookers and first responders in the event of a highway accident. Being in or around a vehicle that is electrically charged has the potential of causing a serious injury or even death. To address this concern, safety features should be designed in the vehicle. In addition, owners and emergency personnel should be trained to manage events that involve these vehicles.
The use of these vehicles would require the technical staff of auto repair facilities to be trained in the repair, maintenance and operation of these electrically charged systems. The training will incur cost upon the automobile facilities and should be considered if this alternative is selected.
Hybrids have both pros and cons, but at this point in time, they may be a preferred alternative in comparison to corn ethanol and biodiesel, which are alternatives that require more development and research.
