When I’m talking to people about how great electric and hybrid cars are for us as consumers and for the environment, some of the first “misinformed” responses I get are along the lines of: “But the engines are weak and have no power” or, “They are so ugly looking” or, “I need an SUV, hybrid SUVs don’t exist.” Let me first say that all of those statements are false. Okay, perhaps the Prius (Toyota’s hybrid poster boy) isn’t the sexiest thing on wheels, but more and more car models are now coming in a hybrid version. For example, the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Ford Escape (SUV), among others all have a hybrid sibling.
Anyway, the main reason for this post was to show how hybrids are bringing sexy back. Now, sexy can mean many different things to different people. Lets take a look at some of the qualities that make these cars so sexy.
Aesthetics-It’s got to look good to be sexy
Toyota Concept
’07 Lexus GS and Honda Civic
’07 Lexus RX
’07 Ford Escape
Intelligence-Looks aren’t everything
Hybrids are very advanced pieces of technology. Basically, hybrids consist of two engines: a conventional gas-powered engine and a battery-powered electric engine. Hybrids use their battery-powered engine whenever possible. For example, much of your driving in the city can be done on the power supplied by the batteries. When the batteries get low on power, the gas engine kicks in and runs the car, while recharging the batteries at the same time. The batteries also charge as you stop at lights or stop signs (the friction caused by braking creates electricity). So, hybrids don’t need to be plugged in and only use the gas engine when the batteries need to be charged or you need a little more “giddy-up” while accelerating. Now that’s what I call sexy!
Friendly-Mean is not sexy
Hybrids are paving the way for more environmentally-friendly options to automotive transportation. They are by no means the “answer” to our emissions problems, but they are helping bring awareness to the issues facing our environment. They also provide the first set of stepping stones toward carbon-neutral transportation.
Power-Show me what you’re made of
We live in a “Bigger is Better” society where everybody thinks they need the biggest, fastest, and strongest piece of equipment on the market. Take SUVs for example; so many people have been made to believe that they need an SUV because they are “safer” and can handle rough conditions. Last time I checked, most SUVs are bulky, gas-guzzling, full of blind spots, and owned by people living in urban areas where roads are paved and groomed in the winter. Personally, my family owns an Escalade and it is a PITA to park, costs hundreds per month in gas, pollutes the environment as if smog is the newest trend, and seats just as many people as a sedan. My Honda Civic on the other hand gets 625kms to per 40L tank (about $35 to fill), drives well all year round, and cost a fraction of the price. Anyway, my point is, we don’t need a lot of the things we think we need. However, if you still like your Biggie-sized SUV, then you’ll be happy to know you can get a hybrid version as well. Here are some facts and figures:
-’07 Ford Escape has a 4-cylinder gas + 2-cylinder electric motor, which combined give power similar to a V6 gas engine while eating less fuel
-’07 Lexus Rx supplies 286 horse power, outperforming many V8-equipped SUVs
-Electric engines offer quick acceleration no matter what speed you’re at
-The Tesla Motors Roadster (electric car) goes from 0-60 in 4 seconds and reaches 130mph
-The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept (due January 7, 07) also goes 0-60 in 4 seconds with 400 horse power and will be available in the mid $30,000 price range
Tesla Roadster
’07 Civic Dash and Cluster
I hope this little write-up dismisses some of the myths associated with hybrid performance. This has by no means been a detailed guide, but I hope it encourages you to give hybrids a second look if ever you’re in the market for a new car. As technology and consumer education increases, the cost and performance of hybrid and electric cars are becoming more and more appealing. It seems to me that hybrid cars are bringing sexy back!
-Toyota concept images via Gizmodo
-Tesla image via DesignVerb
-Other images taken from manufacturers’ websites
I'm an open-minded person who loves to learn, travel, be active, and enjoy life. For a full profile, click
4 Comments
This one makes sence “One’s first step in wisdom is to kuesstion everything – and one’s last is to come to terms with everything.”
“As technology and consumer education increases, the cost and performance of hybrid and electric cars are becoming more and more appealing.” >> This is so true. This blog entry is a lot of help in disproving the so many false beliefs about hybrid cars. Check my blog about Aesthetics, it has something about hybrid cars too, Bug Off Your Ride With Aesthetics
Well, hybrid cars possess beauty too. And I know some friends who own some testifying that they are not just beautiful but also tough. It’s all in the parts like brakes. try to look for heavy duty parts in the EBC brakes blog
One word “WOW” amazing. The aesthetics Toyota Concept Hybrid looks cool.
One Trackback
[...] Remember when I talked about Toyota’s concept hybrid sports car in my post “Hybrids Are Bringing Sexy Back?” Well, the beauty was finally released at the Detroit Auto Show this week. Here are the specs for those who missed it the first time. The car gets superior milage when compared to other cars in its class, but is still a far cry from being truly green. Read the rest of this post for more pictures. [...]