2011: Plug-in Prius, Chevy Volt or Nissan Mixim
Plug-in parallel hybrid, plug-in series hybrid, or just electric?
In the next few years, the automotive landscape will resemble a drive from the wheat fields of Kansas into the Rockies of Colorado, dramatic change.
Hybrid vehicles will probably convert into plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as a Prius plug-in or a Chevy Volt, that will enable most commuters to go to work and back on electric power alone, with the ability to use gasoline, diesel, or a biofuel as a backup source of energy.
Others might seek a purely electric car to be used only for commuting, thus deleting the need for any backup fuel. The Nissan Mixim hopes to fulfill that need, possibly by 2011.
Car&Driver report, ” The Mixim is a tiny electric car that uses lithium-ion batteries to power twin motors??â€one in the front, and one at the back??â€giving the car all-wheel drive. Regenerative braking will help keep the batteries charged while driving.
Like plenty of other European concepts, the Mixim is small. It weighs in at a scant 2100 pounds and is only 145 inches end to end, making it a full two feet shorter than a Chevrolet Aveo hatchback. Still, that low weight should help keep performance and energy efficiency high.”
Written by Dahcredyns on August 31st, 2007 with
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