FREE ESSAY ON HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES, AN EVALUATION ESSAY

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES, AN EVALUATION ESSAY

A growing dependence on imported oil, along with a heightened concern about the
environment, has led to my increased interest in electric cars as an alternative to
traditional gas-powered automobiles. True electric vehicles do not seem to achieve the
requirements of the American car-buying public because of their high cost, which can be
up to $30,000 or more for a compact car (Motavalli 2). Battery systems for electric
vehicles are improving, but with their limited range of travel, they are still not
feasible for most people. In addition, I believe that the average person making the
decision to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles would demand that those vehicles
be comfortable, attractive, convenient, and affordable to purchase and maintain. 
Newly available automotive technology, known as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), appears
to fill these requirements. Hybrid power systems were conceived as a way to compensate
for the shortfall in battery technology (Office of Transportation Technologies, HEV
program). Hybrid electric vehicles recharge as you drive, get approximately double the
miles per gallon of gas than current vehicles (Toyota, technology) and can be refueled at
any gas station. Each hybrid vehicle will produce thousands fewer pounds of pollutants
than the vehicles currently on the road. According to Department of Energy estimates, a
hybrid car driven 12,000 miles per year will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 4,700 pounds
over its predecessor, says the National Resources Defense Council article on earth smart
cars.(National Resources Defense Council, cars of today and tomorrow).
There are currently only two hybrid electric vehicles on the U.S. market (Motavalli 3).
The Honda Insight was the first hybrid electric vehicle to be available for public
purchase in the United States. The Honda Insight is a two-seat sporty car that has 
earned the best EPA mileage rating in history, rated at 61 miles per gallon in the city
and 68 miles per gallon on the highway (Honda 6). Because of its size, however, I do not
believe the Insight is practical for the average person. When I sat in the driver's seat
of the Honda Insight, it felt small and insubstantial, which led me to question the
safety and durability of this car. In addition, I believe that people who are looking for
a sports car are not the same people who will make environmental and fuel efficiency a
priority over looks and power. 
The Toyota Prius, on the other hand, is a five-passenger vehicle that equates in size to
a Toyota Corolla. The Prius has been sold in Japan since 1997 (Motavalli 3), but has only
recently been available in the United States. While the Toyota Prius has a slightly lower
EPA mileage rating of 50 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the
highway than the Honda Insight, I believe it is more likely to be widely accepted because
it is larger then the Insight and thus more appealing to the environmentally aware family
person. Priced at just over $20,000, the Prius is comparable once again to the Toyota
Corolla, which puts it within the financial reach of most middle class people. The Prius
will comfortably hold a family of five and has the power to perform well in passing and
up-hill driving conditions (Toyota, details, specs). Since much of the driving an average
person in the Seattle area does is in heavy traffic and city driving conditions, the
higher mileage rating in the city is a benefit.
I was impressed by the safety features such as side-impact door beams, front and rear
energy-absorbing crumple zones, standard anti-lock brake system, both driver and
passenger air bags, and child-protector rear door locks. In addition, the Prius features
a security system and engine immobilizer. Unless the correct key is used, the starter
system becomes disables and the car will not start. This anti-theft protection is
achieved through a chip embedded into the key using a rolling identification code that
cannot be duplicated (Toyota, details, specs).
The hybrid engine system of the Prius is a highly efficient gas engine combined with an
electronic motor. Depending on the driving conditions, one or both are used to maximize
fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. During initial acceleration, the electric motor
is the primary source of power. The gas engine is started under heavy acceleration, such
as passing or going uphill. During highway driving, the gas engine is the primary source
of power with the electric motor assisting as needed to achieve power. When the vehicle
is coasting or braking, the electric motor acts as a generator to charge the battery and
when the vehicle is stopped, the gas engine shuts off to conserve fuel and eliminate
exhaust emissions. The ability of the electric motor to recharge the battery means that
the Prius never needs to be externally recharged and has a driving range of between 536
miles on the highway and 619 miles in the city on one tank of gas. The standard display
panel allows continuous monitoring of the energy efficiency at work (Toyota, details,
technology).
Cost, technology, and safety are, of course, not the only criteria considered when making
a vehicle purchase. Comfort and looks often play a large part in making our 
decision of which vehicle to buy. The Prius comes in four exterior colors with
fabric-trimmed doors and seats. The rear spoiler and tinted windows give the Prius a
sporty look while the four-way adjustable front seats, tilt steering wheel, and
adjustable 
headrests allow for comfortable driving. 
The many attractive features of the Prius, (relatively low cost, ultra-low emissions and
fuel economy) make this vehicle the only alternative available today that meets my
requirements of safety, cost, environmental awareness, comfort, looks and fuel
efficiency. I was also impressed with the 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty on the battery
pack of the Prius and the three-year/36,000 mile roadside assistance and scheduled
maintenance program for Prius owners (Toyota, details, FAQ).
Bibliography
Works Cited
Honda 2001 Insight. Honda Insight Brochure, 2000.
Motavalli, Jim. Your Next Car? A New Generation of Clean Cars is Coming to a 
Showroom Near You. Sierra Club, 1999. 
National Resources Defense Council. Cars of Today & Tomorrow
Office of Transportation Technologies. Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program. 
Toyota Prius. Details, FAQ. 
Toyota Prius. Details, Specs and Features. 
Toyota Prius. Technology.