Volt Birth Watch 7: Pig Pile on the Chevy Volt!
Toyota's not the only one questioning GM's logic in pushing for plug-in hybrid technology. Honda's CEO Takeo Fukui told the Wall Street Journal that plug-ins don't have enough environmental benefits to interest his company. In fact, GM's Hail Mary Chevy Volt makes little sense. In a news conference, Fukui characterized plug-in hybrids as "a battery electric vehicle equipped with an unnecessary fuel engine and fuel tank." He added that Honda could easily develop a plug-in hybrid but won't because "I don't think that would contribute to the global environment, to reduce [global warming gas] emissions." Yes but– Fukui hinted that Honda is developing a battery electric vehicle. "Assuming that we can come up with a really high-performing battery that we are working on currently, I think a battery electric vehicle [that uses such battery technology] would actually be a plus from an environmental point of view." Given Honda's engineering track record, GM and Toyota both better watch their backs.
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My engineering manager once told me "I don't care how you do it - Just do it ". I'm sick of the auto industry telling us about all the BS technology in the works and how their plan A is better than everyone else's plan B. Just build me a cheap reliable and fairly powerful car that'll get me through my 50 mile daily commute much cheaper than the machine I'm running now. It can burn pig $%&@ as far as I'm concerned. As far as GM is concerned, the Volt (and the new Camaro for that matter) are just GM pipe dreams. Where's the fuel cell technology they flap about on their TV commercials ? I guess if it doesn't have a truck frame and small block V8 it just isn't worth the time. Whatever happens, I'm sure GM will be 5 years behind everyone else and will make a half A$$#@ effort at it.
Actually, a properly engineered combination of a battery pack (long-term power needs) and ultracapacitors (short term acceleration, quick absorption of regenerative braking energy) would signal the arrival of the true "next gen" hybrid that's even less dependant (in stop-and-go driving) on the ICE. The capacitor's potential danger (of being able to supply huge current on demand) could be managed, I'm sure; I would rather have a capacitor bank in my vehicle than a 3000 PSI hydrogen tank.
Hmmm..... Two hydrogen vehicles collide: squeaky-pop, everyone within a 1 mile radius deafened and singed. Two capacitor cars collide, all the electrical equipment within a one mile radius left ineffective...
The hydrogen dog and the capacitor cat, side by side on the table sat.