Hybrid cars have gained popularity over the years for their ability to use both gasoline and electricity to propel their engines. In America, more than 4 million units are sold every year, and this makes the country the second largest consumer of hybrid cars after Japan. The oil prices have been significant determinants of the sale of hybrid cars. When the gasoline prices escalate, the citizens in the United States have exhibited a higher preference for the hybrid units. However, the sales decline slightly when the oil prices drop. Nonetheless, as a new technology in the motor industry, hybrid cars are gaining popularity. Manufacturing companies have adjusted their production processes to take advantage of the increasing demand. The increased consumption of hybrid vehicles has been associated with their ability to use minimal gasoline and at the same time contributing to a pollution-free economy.
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius is among the full hybrid cars which were introduced in the marketing 1977. Currently, the model has the biggest market share in the United States. The vehicle has been manufactured to reflect a sedan model with four doors, although there are also hatchbacks with five doors. The cars' technology has been hailed as having the least impact on the environment. Toyota Prius exploit a full hybrid propulsion system that is powered by an intense knowledge voltage battery which is placed at the rear part (Ulrich, 2017). The technology results in an electromagnetic exposure at the cabin. Although there have been concerns over the safety of the users in the cabin about their exposure to the electromagnetic waves, different independent studies have demonstrated that users with implants such as pacemakers and deliberators can use the cars safely without experiencing any significant health challenges.
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Users for various advantages prefer the model. First, it is manufactured using the "Kammback” technology which reduces air resistance. Secondly, the car comes with lower rolling resistance wheels to reduce friction on the road. Environmentally, Toyota Prius has been rated the best in controlling emissions and being fuel efficient. These modifications have been informed by the scientific principle of reducing emissions for the hybrid cars more than the standard gasoline-powered cars emit. Consumers purchase the car for $33,000 in the United States(Ulrich, 2017).
Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt is also among the most hybrid cars in the United States. The unit is plug-in hybrid manufactured in the United States by general motors. The vehicle has been designed to operate on pure battery energy until the charge drops to the lowest threshold. Upon the depletion of the battery charge, the car is powered by an inbuilt electric generator. While driving, users can choose between three modes including normal, sports, and mountain. This is imperative to trigger the required energy output. The car’s battery has a guarantee of 160,000 kilometers. The technology also makes the battery long-lasting, and it is expected to reduce its capacity by 30% after eight years. For a price between $34,000 and$40,000, consumers can purchase the vehicle and exploit the technology.
Chevrolet Colt has been hailed for its energy efficiency and environmental conservation. In 2009, the car won the Green Car Vision Award and the World Green Car in 2011. The awards were given by environmental protection efforts by the manufacturers. Just like Toyota Prius, the technology behind Chevrolet Volt was informed by the need to reduce emissions from the use of gasoline. The engine uses minimal fuel to support the engine after the depletion of the b energy stored in the batteries makes the emission minimal.
Honda Civic
Honda Civic is among the cars that have undergone numerous modifications to increase its efficiency. In the United States, consumers are currently purchasing the ninth generation of the Honda Civic. It is a small car with a cabin capacity of about 110 cubic feet. The technology behind the production of the ninth generation is ingrained in the Eco Assist Design that helps the driver to increase fuel efficiency while on the road. Also, the model has a standard anti-lock brake system, electronic brake distribution, and stability assistance.
Honda Civic Ninth Generation is also an environmentally friendly car with low emissions from the use of gasoline. The car embraces the Green Path technology which reduces negative implications to the environment in all aspects of the car including the raw materials used, design, emissions, and delivery. The Green Path principle has guided the manufacturing of the cars sine the first generation. According to Gray et al. (2013), the consumers purchase the Honda Civic ninth generation for $19,000 in the United States.
Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Pacifica is among the high-end hybrid units with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This increases fuel economy. The car offers consumers a taste of both worlds by switching to gasoline once the electric power is depleted. The lithium ion batteries enable the vehicle to deliver optimum efficient energy. The company offers a 10-year warranty on the batteries (Washko & Winchell, 2015). It is also among the few hybrid minivans that allow more room for passengers, and it is, therefore, a preference for families.
Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is an environmentally friendly car. According to the FCA engineers, the Chrysler is 31% more efficient than the standard gasoline-powered cars (Washko & Winchell, 2015). The car was manufactured to fulfill the principle of Global Warming Potential. The low fuel consumption ensures minimal emissions, and this reduces Chrysler’s contribution to carbon dioxide emissions. Consumers can purchase the car for $44,995 in the United States.
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
The car encompasses the luxury and ostentation associated with the Porsche. The unit is also preferred for its stylish interior, rapid acceleration, a capable infotainment system, and agile handling. However, it has limited space, and this makes it inappropriate for large families. The principle of user efficiency and environmental friendliness guided the adoption technology. The rationale for this is that the car can be recharged using the 110v system that is common in people’s homes.
The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the Cayenne Hybrid at 46 mpg when it combines the use of gasoline and electricity and 22mpg while running on gasoline only(Yang et al., 2014). The heat lot by the car during braking is harnessed and stored in batteries. The manufacturer has gone ahead to include a computed report for each journey indicating the percentage of the drive which is emission free. Currently, the car retails at $81,600 in the United States (Yang et al., 2014).
Honda Civic would be the most appropriate car that I would prefer for my family. The justification for this is that it is cheap compared with the other units. Also, it is sufficient for a small family. The five-door hatchback would be the most appropriate since it allows room for some luggage. Therefore, while going for a short excursion, the car would serve our purpose efficiently.
The production of hybrid cars has reduced oil consumption in the United States. This is expected to injure the relationship between the United States and the oil-producing countries in the Middle East. The justification for this is that the balance of payment between the two regions is likely to be affected. For instance, in 2008 when the price for one barrel hit $120, the sale of hybrid cars increased significantly, and this accounted for 75% trade deficit between the United States and the oil exporting countries (Heutel & Muehlegger, 2015).Also, there has been a stiff competition between the United States and China. This is due to the demand for batteries to be used in the cars.
The United States is also expected to benefit from the technology in various ways. First, the industry will create employment for thousands of skilled professionals. The battery manufacturing companies are also likely to increase their production to meet the demand, and this will require more employees and raw materials. However, the oil production in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to reduce, and this might lead to a significant number of people losing their occupations. Finally, the world politics will take a shift. The oil producing countries drive their dominance from the sale of oil (Heutel & Muehlegger, 2015). However, with the increased production of hybrid cars, countries that have invested in technology will have a competitive political edge. Also, the United States and the oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia are likely to have strained economic and consequently political association. The justification for this is that trade agreements instigate most of the political ties.
References
Gray, T., Shirk, M., & Wishart, J. (2013). 2010 Honda Civic UltraBattery Conversion 5577 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Battery Test Results (No. INL/EXT-13-29677).
Heutel, G., & Muehlegger, E. (2015). Consumer learning and hybrid vehicle adoption. Environmental and resource economics , 62 (1), 125-161.
Ulrich, L. (2017). 2017 Top ten tech cars. IEEE Spectrum , 54 (4), 26-35.
Washko, F. M., & Winchell, R. A. (2015). Free Piston Combustion Engine Design Analysis and Challenges (No. 2015-32-0768). SAE Technical Paper.
Yang, Y., Arshad-Ali, K., Roeleveld, J., & Emadi, A. (2016). State-of-the-art electrified powertrains-hybrid, plug-in, and electric vehicles. International Journal of Powertrains , 5 (1), 1-29.
