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What's new in Hybrids for 2009-2010
![]() ![]() Are you ready for Hybrid Heaven?
By Bill Roebuck
Thanks to last year's big spike in gasoline prices, there's been a charge of new hybrid cars to the market.
![]() The term 'hybrid' typically refers to cars, SUVs and trucks that boast an electric motor in addition to their gasoline engine. The electric power comes from a built-in battery -- usually located behind the rear seat or under the trunk floor -- that recharges itself as you drive. You don't have to plug them in.
The electric motor automatically and seamlessly kicks in at low speeds, such as in city driving that typically uses the most fuel, thus significantly improving overall fuel economy.
One example of the latest breed of hybrids is Ford's new-for-2010 Fusion Hybrid five-passenger sedan, boasting a completely revamped hybrid system borrowed and improved from the company's well-tested Escape Hybrid SUV. It's scheduled to go on sale in February 2009.
With the new technology in this hybrid, you get electric-car like capabilities without their short-range hassles. This model goes as fast as 75 km/h under electric power before it needs to switch on the gas engine for a boost. That's pretty much a record, as most current hybrids need gas engine assistance at under 40 km/h or so. It also means you can do a lot of your city driving -- if not all -- under emissions-free electric power.
![]() Your driving style still affects your fuel economy, even in a hybrid, so to encourage a gentler press on the go pedal, the same display shows a picture of a leafy green vine. The more environmentally friendly you drive, the more leaves you see. Stomp on it and the leaves start to fall off. Visually, you're reminded what you're really capable of doing to the environment with your car.
![]() The latest Insight uses a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology called the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) to help drivers achieve enhanced fuel efficiency.
Eco Assist combines multiple functions: an ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel; and a feedback function that uses the speedometer background colour to provide real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving. An economy scoring function also provides feedback about driving techniques.
![]() Somewhat like the Ford Fusion, the Insight's scoring function provides long-term feedback through graphic 'leaves,' the number of which increase over time as drivers implement driving practices that increase fuel economy.
Already in Honda showrooms is the Civic Hybrid, which gets new exterior styling for 2009 and becomes more upscale with the addition of optional features that include leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats and side mirrors, and Bluetooth on models equipped with a navigation system. The 2009 Civic gets a city/highway fuel economy of 4.7/4.3 l/100 km (yes, that's right -- the city mileage is better than the highway, and that's not uncommon with hybrids).
Hyundai, now committed to having the most fuel efficient fleet in the industry by 2015, will do this with a plan it calls Blue Drive, which employs direct injected turbocharged models, hybrid technology, and extended mileage vehicles. Hyundai will use more powerful lithium-polymer battery technology and a parallel hybrid drive system that pairs a 2.4-litre gasoline engine with a 30-kilowatt electric motor in the coming Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which will come to Canada in 2010.
![]() The Nissan Altima Hybrid uses familiar technology as the company has licensed Toyota's hybrid technology, mating it with Nissan's own internal combustion engine. In essence, the Altima Hybrid is a full hybrid that performs similarly to the Toyota Prius.
The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Saturn Aura Hybrid from General Motors are both equipped with the GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption via sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed transmission.
![]() While maintaining the vehicle's sporty feel, the GM Hybrid system seamlessly reduces fuel consumption by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, to minimize idling; enabling early fuel shut-off during vehicle deceleration; converting vehicle kinetic energy to electrical energy through regenerative braking to charge its nickel metal hydride battery; and performing intelligent battery charging when it is most efficient.
With more space, we could also tell you about all the hybrid pickup trucks and SUVs currently on the market or coming soon from Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Lexus, Mazda and Saturn. Like cars, these models also offer 15% or better improvements in fuel economy.
![]() Finally, that battery won't last forever -- it's typically guaranteed for eight to 10 years and may last a lot longer, but nobody knows for sure, so that might affect resale value of this or any hybrid vehicle way down the road. And already, the prices of replacement batteries have begun to drop.
You'll have to do a bit of math to figure out if a hybrid is a financial win, but like many hybrid drivers, the choice may reflect more a desire to 'go green' than to keep more money in your pocket.
CarTest.ca. Posted Jan. 20, 2009. Bill Roebuck is the editor of CarTest!
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