The
Galt Global Review will be reviewing new hybrid and electric
vehicle technology on an ongoing basis. To start this new
series, we interviewed Hybrid Vehicle Technician, Shawn
Jones. Jones is a graduate of the first class of Hybrid
Technicians certified in Canada. Located in Victoria, BC,
he is currently one of the few technicians certified to
work on hybrid vehicles in North America.
What are the most advanced/most popular hybrids on the market?
Most advanced: The GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid.
Although it's the largest and hard to be seen as a "dream" vehicle
due to its size and horsepower, the Yukon has the ability
to run full electric/blend, electric and gas together. It
can also run full gas with the option of de-activating cylinders,
essentially making this a “four mode” vehicle.
Due to the advanced electronics and computer system of this
vehicle, all of these four modes can be utilized together
with no adverse effect of performance. Drivers will not experience
power loss, hesitation, or jerkiness when the vehicle blends
from one mode to the other, which can occur in other hybrid
models.
Most popular: At this very moment, the
Toyota Prius. With its early launch and great success, the
Prius currently holds the title as the most popular and best
valued hybrid vehicle on the market. Let's not forget, however,
that the Honda Civic is close behind the Prius in terms of
price and fuel savings.
Are hybrids just a "transition technology;" Will
they ever be considered more than a niche solution for
special markets?
Hybrids are here to stay due to their versatility and range,
and because of soaring fuel costs. Each model year, hybrid
vehicles are advancing. For example, early hybrids provided
10 to 20 percent savings on fuel. Now a majority of hybrid
vehicles are providing approx. 50 percent fuel savings. This
has all occurred within the last two years. Considering that
the first few full electric vehicles will be in production
mid to late 2010, this leaves at least two to three more
years for hybrid advancements to gain a stronghold in the
marketplace.
Is converting regular combustion-engine vehicles
into a hybrid an option being addressed by major car makers?
Likewise, is it an option for consumers to convert a vehicle
they already own into a hybrid?
This is very low on the ladder for most manufacturers. The
cost of hybrid conversion versus actual savings speaks for
itself. Estimates right now are at $6,500-15,000 to convert
a regular combustion-engine vehicle into a gas/electric blend.
This conversion is considered an “add-on” whereas
production hybrids are designed around the hybrid system
itself. Everything takes away from fuel economy, and hybrid
add-on kits can't compete with a factory model that has been
designed to compensate for this. There is also the issue
of safety concern for future technicians and fire rescue
working on an unregulated altered vehicle.
Where can consumers purchase hybrid vehicles? In
North America, how does the market in Canada compare to
the US?
California leads the way because of air quality regulations,
but there are hybrid registered dealers all over North America.
Do you have a comment or feedback on
this article? Email
us and let us know what you think.
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