Hybrid Electric VehiclesBy Sara Dahill-Brown, Alicia Dooley, Eve Gaus, Nathaniel Hill, Nick Kaloudis and Kjell Von Snierden

The ProblemTransportation consumes 20% of US energy and 20% of US CO2 emissionsNot sustainable for the next 50 yearsI feel more confident than ever that the power to save the planet rests with the individual consumer.- Denis HayesConsumers can have a positive impact on the environment

The SolutionHEVs and Fuel cell technology are currently the leading solutions compatible to sustainable developmentBoth have advantages and disadvantagesBarriers to fuel cell economyAdvantages to HEVs over current Internal Combustion enginesThe current disadvantages to HEVs

Fuel Cell TechnologyPotential solutions to both HEV and Fuel Cell TechnologyHEVs, for now, seem to be the the more applicable answerMany barriers to overcome with fuel cell technology

Barriers to fuel cell technologyAvailabilityProduction, especially in the short runReduction of harmful emissions?ExpensiveInfrastructure problems

Advantages of HEVs

Use less oil than ICEEmit less CO2 than ICEFuel efficiency increasedHonda Insight- 700 mi/tankToyota Prius- 500 mi/tankHonda Civic Hybrid- 650 mi/tank

http://www.ott.doe.gov/hev/what.html

More AdvantagesLess overall massRegenerative brakingBattery level efficiencyTax incentives http://www.hybridcars.com/how-hybrids-work.html

HEV info.

Fuel (estimated per year)Vehicle emissions (estimated per year in pounds)ConsumptionCarbon dioxideCarbon monoxideNitrogen oxidesHydro carbons2003 Honda Civic Hybrid (47.7 mpg, SULEV) 12,500 miles/yr263Gal5,089 lb79.9 lb0.8 lb0.8 lb2003 Honda Civic(33.8 mpg, ULEV)12,500 miles/yr370 Gal7,176 lb135 lb7.4 lb3 lb

Energy Loss

Disadvantages to HEVsMaintenanceTowing capacity

Currently

Ford Escape Hybrid SUV 35mpg price unannouncedhttp://www.fordvehicles.com/escapehybrid/home/index.asp?bhcp=1 Toyota Prius $20,810 55mpg - http://www.toyota.com/prius/ Honda Civic Hybrid $19,650 and 45 mpghttp://www.hondacars.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Hybrid&bhcp=1 Insight Hybrid $19,180 65 mpghttp://www.hondacars.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Insight

In the next 5 yearsGrowing demandGreater marketCar companies will respondMore variety

ConclusionAir pollution is a serious concernFallbacks to Fuel Cell economyIn the short run HEVs seem to be a viable alternative