Many hybrid cars fail because of their fuel efficiency, battery problem, emission test failure, excessive noise and other technical glitches. GM motors has taken certain steps to improve the fuel efficiency of its existing hybrid cars and has made certain developments to make the hybrids more efficient. Recently GM announced that by using HCCI (homogenous charge compression ignition) engine and other advanced technologies, it can increase the fuel efficiency by up to 15%. The method of using HCCI engine will provide various benefits as it will save fuel from reduced pumping losses, fuel burns faster at a lower temperature and heat lost during combustion process is reduced.
The HCCI engine will play a key role in providing better fuel economy as far as hybrids are concerned. The engine provides the same efficiency as other diesel engine provides, however, HCCI engine has an advantage over diesel engines that it does not require expensive exhaust system to meet the state emission requirements. Finally, GM has an engine which is more fuel efficient that will be sold in all 50 states.
There are other hybrid projects catching up for a better fuel efficiency. Few of them are discussed here:
• Mazda Hybrid
Company: Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan
Fuel efficiency: 30% by 2015
Engine: Gasoline rotary engine
Price: $29,175 – $33,445
Features: Improved aerodynamics and 220 pounds lighter compared to the vehicles.
• Alfa Romeo MiTo
Company: Fiat
Fuel efficiency: 25% by September, 2010
Engine: MultiAir-powered and downsized engines.
Price: 17,496.3435 US$ to 23,861.5435 US$
Features: MultiAir technology is cost effective and provides more power from other hybrid engine.
Company: Ford Motors
Fuel efficiency: 34 mpg highway and 23 mpg city by 2010
Engine: Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines.
Price: $27,270
Features: Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 gives 175 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, 3.0-liter V-6 and delivers 240 horsepower and 228 lb.-ft. of torque and 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 263 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque.
Company: Toyota Motor Corporation
Fuel efficiency: 50 mpg by 2010
Engine: 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle
Price: $22,000
Features: 20% lighter in weight, the Hybrid system net outputs 134 horsepower, developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system and offers three alternatives for driving which include EV-Drive Mode, Power Mode, and an Eco Mode.
• Honda Accord Hybrid
Company: Honda
Fuel efficiency: 30 mpg in the city, and 37 mpg on the highway
Engine: 3 liter i-VTEC V-6 engine
Price: $3500.00
Features: Lighter in weight, delivering 255 horsepower and 43 percent increase over the standard V-6 vehicle.
Via: ecogeek