We’ve come to believe that “hybrid” is synonymous with “gasoline-electric,” but what about driving-flying cars? Innovative startup Terrafugia has conducted a maiden test flight of its “Roadable Light Sport Aircraft,” the Transition. The vehicle can fold in its wings to drive up to 65 miles per hour on land—or unveil an 80-inch wingspan and take to the air.
Who said hybrids were all about fuel?
Sorry, GM. Piaggio Group will beat the auto giant by 6 months to release the first plug-in hybrid vehicle in the US, a Vespa scooter. The hybrid will deliver 140 miles per gallon and accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 5 seconds.
International media outlets are reporting that Rick Wagoner, Chief Executive of General Motors, will resign his position. The announcement comes just days away from a Tuesday deadline set by the US Department of Treasury by which GM must “prove…they can be viable in the long term” or risk losing their multi-billion dollar bailout.
General Motors is ramping up development of its 2010 Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid, which will cost around $40,000. This summer the manufacturer will develop a prototype to test the technology. The highly anticipated Volt is expected to deliver a 40-mile all-electric range.
Those plagued by the low tank capacity and gas gauge problems of the second generation Prius will be happy to learn the 2010 Prius will abandon the tank “bladder” and adopt a rigid tank instead. Unfortunately, “bladders [also] help prevent fuel vapor from building up in the tank, thereby reducing hydrocarbon emissions.”
Toyota is “developing a small hybrid sports car,” said Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto at the Geneva Motor Show. “We have set a tough price point, as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too.”
Meanwhile, Honda is developing a vehicle inspired by the CR-Z concept (pictured).
Today’s economic climate spells trouble for carmakers; even hybrid cars don’t sell. “Sales have collapsed as consumers refuse to pay a premium for a fuel-efficient vehicle now that the average price of a gallon of gasoline nationally has slipped below $2,” reports the Los Angeles Times.
The BBC reports that recent lithium-ion technology may allow for batteries to charge—or discharge—in a matter of seconds. In what looks to be a fantastic opportunity for hybrid car manufacturers, the development involves just “simple changes to the production process of a well-known material.”
Do hybrids belong in High Occupancy Vehicle lanes? Not according to one citizen, who wrote to his newspaper about his state’s laws.
One car with one occupant in the HOV lanes during restricted times does not help to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Reducing car numbers equals both fuel savings and a reduction in road congestion. This is what HOV lanes were designed to do. It’s not a ’selling point’ for a type of car.
Do you agree?
Did you know the hybrid car was first patented 100 years ago this month? Happy birthday! For more information on the history of the hybrid car, see this fantastic timeline.
