Harry P. Posted October 23, 2012 Author Posted October 23, 2012 Studies show that the kind of people who want to buy a hybrid want it to 'look like' a hybrid, not just a standard car with hybrid badges. At this point it seems like hybrids are more about making a statement than anything else. That's right. Many people who drive a hybrid want the rest of the world to know that they drive a hybrid, so their "good deed" gets noticed. It's more about "being green" as a lifestyle statement than it is about actually making a difference. And the other type of hybrid drivers are the "early adopters," people who are always the first to embrace any new technology. They are the ones who camp out for days so they can be the first to have the latest phone or ipad, etc. For them the important thing isn't the technology per se... but being the first on the block to actually have the newest gadget or gizmo. Between the "statement" people and the "early adopter" types, they probably account for the vast majority of hybrid buyers.
charlie8575 Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 (edited) The more I see of the new Cadillacs and Lincolns....the more I think if I found myself in a market for that class of car I'll be buying a late-production Town Car or a Chrysler 300-C. If I bought a hybrid, the new Ford Fusion or C-Max is the most appealing. Exactly because they look like normal cars. Charlie Larkin Edited October 23, 2012 by charlie8575
LDO Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 ...Between the "statement" people and the "early adopter" types, they probably account for the vast majority of hybrid buyers. Which is not really a bad thing. Regardless of the reasons why people buy hybrids/electric cars, they are doing the long-term testing to work the bugs out. At the same time, scientists are working on improving the efficiency of batteries. Both of these things could get us a hybrid that costs less and has longer range in the future. Let's not forget that the Volt can run on its gas engine when the battery runs out. Ideal situation: more efficient battery plus a tiny turbodiesel. There are a couple of tiny diesel cars in Europe that get close to 70mpg. Imagine a car that can burn synthetic diesel/propane and get the equivalent of 100+mpg. Manufacturers could build those and exceed CAFE standars while still building ZR-1s, GT500s. CTS-Vs, Vipers, etc. OR- you (and this is "The Royal "You"; i.e. anyone griping) COULD just continue to let Rush Limbaugh do your thinking for you.
Harry P. Posted October 24, 2012 Author Posted October 24, 2012 Let's not forget that the Volt can run on its gas engine when the battery runs out. Right. Just like a regular car can. So what exactly is the point of a $40,000 hybrid that has a 30 mile range before it reverts to the old-fashioned internal combustion engine?
martinfan5 Posted October 24, 2012 Posted October 24, 2012 Right. Just like a regular car can. So what exactly is the point of a $40,000 hybrid that has a 30 mile range before it reverts to the old-fashioned internal combustion engine? So you can feel good about pretending to be doing something good for the environment
Harry P. Posted October 24, 2012 Author Posted October 24, 2012 So you can feel good about pretending to be doing something good for the environment Exactly. It's all about style, not substance.
kruleworld Posted October 24, 2012 Posted October 24, 2012 I'll look at it...but since it's FWD I wouldn't consider buying one. I like my STS, probably will be looking at a CTS (maybe the coupe) for my next Caddy. a lot of people say they want Rear Wheel Drive, but the car companies keep saying there's no market for RWD. Who's right?
Rob Hall Posted October 24, 2012 Posted October 24, 2012 (edited) a lot of people say they want Rear Wheel Drive, but the car companies keep saying there's no market for RWD. Who's right? It's enthusiasts (performance and luxury) that prefer RWD....maybe 2-5% of consumers. The general public has no comprehension or interest in the mechanical aspects or driving characteristics of cars...hence the huge number of FWD 4cyl automatic sedans and CUVs sold. There are a few interesting FWD models out there like the GTI and Focus ST, but most are just appliances, IMO. As far as hybrids and electric cars go, they are efficient appliances and the high-tech nature appeals to some consumers, and they definitely want them to look distinctive, because otherwise, people would think you had a regular car. Edited October 24, 2012 by Rob Hall
Joe Handley Posted October 24, 2012 Posted October 24, 2012 Right. Just like a regular car can. So what exactly is the point of a $40,000 hybrid that has a 30 mile range before it reverts to the old-fashioned internal combustion engine? The point is that you can drive 25-40 miles on only electricity and if you're just bombing around town and don't drain the battery enough to need the engine, you just plug it in at home. If you live in an area that has put in charging ports or have access to outlets, you can plug in while shopping, or at work, all the better. While trying to fine stations to buy E-85 from, I discover that Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale, IL! Not sure if there are any other malls that offer it off hand, I'll have to check the KeenDriver app on my phone to know for sure.
lordairgtar Posted October 24, 2012 Posted October 24, 2012 (edited) Many on here have refered to the Volt as a hybrid. It is not. It's engine in no way is connected to the driving wheels. It operates when the battery power goes below set levels and turns a generator that allows for electricity to keep turning it's electric motor. A Prius can be driven on it's gas engine alone if the battery fails and it is directly connected to the drive train. Volt operates much the same way as a train locomotive. A locomotive's prime mover (engine) powers a generator that turns electric motors at the wheels. Also, these cars are indeed bought by people who want to be noticed as driving such cars, which is why you hardly notice the Camry hybrid for what it is...it's just another Toyota Camry. Edited October 24, 2012 by lordairgtar
Harry P. Posted October 24, 2012 Author Posted October 24, 2012 Many on here have refered to the Volt as a hybrid. It is not. It's engine in no way is connected to the driving wheels. The definition of "hybrid vehicle" has nothing to do with whether or not the gas engine powers the drive wheels. A hybrid vehicle is defined as a vehicle that used two (or more) different sources of power to move the vehicle in one of several configurations. The Volt is a series hybrid, which means the gas engine is not used to physically move the car, but to run a generator that produces the electricity for the electric motor that propels the car.
martinfan5 Posted October 24, 2012 Posted October 24, 2012 The Volt is a series hybrid, which means the gas engine is not used to physically move the car, but to run a generator that produces the electricity for the electric motor that propels the car. Just sit back and read that, dont think about it, just read it, tell me how dumb that sounds, not what Harry said, but what he is explaining , how the Volt works
Joe Handley Posted October 25, 2012 Posted October 25, 2012 Just sit back and read that, dont think about it, just read it, tell me how dumb that sounds, not what Harry said, but what he is explaining , how the Volt works You mean that the engine can be used to create electricity to power the motors and drive the front wheels? Like diesel locomotives have been using with great success for 60+ years hauling people and freight and helped to power pre nuke submarines
martinfan5 Posted October 25, 2012 Posted October 25, 2012 Yes just like that , what I was getting at is , two different forms of resource's to move the car, yes its in smaller forms. Or maybe I am just off my rocker
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now