Hybrid Decade Officially Takes Off
As we roll into the second decade of the 21st Century, it finally looks like the promise of a true hybrid auto economy is going to take off. While hybrid vehicles have been cruising America’s roadways since the early ’90s, their widespread adoption has been slowed by inaccurate myths about their performance as well as limited production runs.
The two main hybrid producers of the last century, Toyota and Honda, mainly used their hybrid technology in small vehicles (Toyota’s Prius, Honda’s Impact and Insight) with some adventures into mid-sized vehicles (Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s Accord). While other manufacturers were dabbling in hybrids and other alternate fuel vehicles, the majority of hybrids seen on the road were imports.
Fast forward to today, when the HYBRID badge can be seen on just about every type of vehicle on the road from almost every manufacturer. And while early model hybrids were designed to have a futuristic, unique look, todays models can pass as dopplegangers for standard fuel vehicles.
Take a look around and you might be surprised at the number of hybrids on the road today. Of course, there are still Priuses and Impacts on the road, but other hybrids out there include Chevys, Fords, Merceded, and even Cadillac and GMC SUVs. And most of these would be undistinguishable from their gas-only breatheren by the high-profile hybrid badging that manufacturers use to toot their own horns. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand the need to get the word out about these fuel-saving vehicles, but come on, plastering six-inch high white ‘HYBRID’ down the side of a GMC SUV definitely takes away from the cool factor. It gets the vehicle noticed, yes, but not in a good way.
But the fact that more manufacturers are hopping on the Hybrid bandwagon, (even if it is to be able to meet government fuel standard mandates) means that maybe they’re looking ahead to making real strides in transferring away from a fossil-fuel economy into real alternate fuel options. One can only hope that is the case.
Motor On!
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