Written by:
fordmaverick
10/28/2008 6:47 PM
With all volatility out there currently in the prices of fuel coupled of the many concerns with energy security, many people have begun turning away from the purchasing of gas guzzling and smoke belching internal combustion engines and while there are many people looking into electric and hydrogen powered cars, the ease of use and simplicity of the gas engine as well as hybrid engines still remains a popular choice.
However, in light of the many changes in direction of automotive purchases, more and more companies are struggling to bring the people the next big thing in fuel efficiency. Of course the major car companies take their time in doing so and many of them are already at their brink of how fuel efficient their cars can be, this is not stopping small start-ups allover the world from introducing a new car with whole new breakthrough technology with regards to fuel efficiency.
One such example is a recent patent application by AFS Trinity Power Corporation, who has designed an "Extreme Hybrid" which according to the application is capable of 250 miles per gallon. You also have companies like Accelerated Composite who is also turning towards a different direction like revamping the three-wheel car design. In the later case running a parallel hybrid system, they are able to achieve over 330 miles per gallon.
Of course the biggest issues are not that the ability to increase fuel economy but rather making that a reality and available to the general public. A big example of this is the Amory Lovins “Hyper Car” that was capable of more than 5 times the fuel efficiency. However the cost of manufacturing coupled with the difficulties surrounding some of this new technology prevents this from being a reality. Let’s face it, if everyone had $60,000 to $75,000 to spend on the world’s most fuel efficient car, would they actually purchase it or would they much rather have a 10 cylinder Dodge Viper sitting in their driveway without any fuel to run it on.
This is of course one of the largest inhibitors when it comes to fuel efficient vehicles with the Asian car manufacturers creating the most amount of efficiency at the lowest cost, but this has its limit. Right now we are in a defining moment in which we want better economy but at the same time the only way to do so is far more expensive then what ever one is willing to pay. Of course perhaps it is the fact that cars like the Kia selling a dirt cheap prices have gotten in the way of what people expect to spend for a car.
Perhaps one of the largest recent breakthroughs is one which is also one of the oldest. The use of Hydrogen for vehicle power has been around for quite some time now and even many people allover the world are making an attempt to create their own hydrogen boosters for their car. However the cost of producing the hydrogen out of water is very expensive in terms of the amount you get. Recent research into the concept by MIT has found that Cobalt Phosphate of all things can create a thin film on the electrodes and cause the hydrogen to separate from the oxygen in water at accelerated rates, but the number one downfall is that the other electrode needs to be made out of the expensive precious metal platinum for the best production. All of this of course increase the costs associated with fuel efficiency which is still the biggest drawback of any new breakthroughs being released in recent times.
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8 comments so far...
Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
Alternative sources as fuels, especially for automobiles have been a concern and subject for research for a really long time. I am actually surprised as to why no such breakthrough, in terms of efficiency AND cost has not yet been made. I think Hydrogen as a fuel has the most potential. I hope we will see a real breakthrough soon.
By jigyasa on
10/29/2008 4:00 AM
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Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
I really enjoyed this article...whats a good website for the AFS Trinity Power "Extreme Hybird"? I would love to read more about this car.
By Tom on
10/30/2008 12:52 PM
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Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
Tom...try http://www.afstrinity.com/
By fordmaverick on
11/4/2008 5:40 PM
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Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
You are right, it is about time that someone started to take alternative fuels more seriously. For 20 years plus now, we have been talking about it. It is time to stop talking about it and start moving forward with action. I know there are some strides being made but not enough and not quickly enough. I agree that hydrogen is going to be the one with most potential as well.
By attagirl on
11/10/2008 8:55 PM
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Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
Great article. I really liked reading that someone is trying to give us the most fuel efficient vehicle as possible. 250 miles to the gallon or whatever the statement was really blew me away. But how much do you think you would be paying for that fuel that will get you that far on just one gallon. I think that is where we have to pay attention, as no matter how good something seems if it is not feasible in the end that is where we will suffer.
By attagirl on
11/15/2008 11:09 AM
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Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
Its really great to hear this news. But practically speaking let us all stop this bearish statements. We have go back to square one. This is like encouraging all bad habits and then investing a huge money to find or invent the medicines to cure it. Let us stop our bad habits and automatically we will be relieved. We should encourage the usage of public transport for longer distances and use bicycles for shorter distance. I have been telling this for a longer period of time.
By descorpio on
11/19/2008 12:35 AM
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Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
A very useful article here. The alternative bio fuel also have let us down. Because some of the countries try to have efficient fuel from methanol which is got from sugarcane. But this leads to shortage of food crops for the public. It requires about 60 to 70000$ means which is so huge. We will have to wait as nothing lies in our hands.
By Cogbuddy on
11/24/2008 8:58 AM
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Re: Breakthrough fuel economy research
Since we have all pretty much enjoyed the article and think it is great that someone is trying to do something that the big car companies are not that concerned with. I would like to know from the people, if you could change one thing and have your car be more efficient what would you change.
By Attagirl on
12/5/2008 10:43 AM
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