Electric and Hybrid Technology go Head to Head

 It is unlikely that any of the big automakers are going to stop making ICEs (Internal Combustion Engines) any time soon, but there is a confirmed trend of developing vehicles with cleaner powertrains that use less fuel; we are reaching towards the future of powering cars. While hybrids have been proven successful and have become a standard in the market today, electric vehicles (EVs) seem to be another option as an up and coming 'green' vehicle.  Some automakers have tossed away their electric car projects to develop hybrids.

On the other side, electric proponents affirm that electrics make more sense (environmentally, politically and economically).  And one automaker, who has chosen to invest heavily in EVs, rather than hybrids, is Chrysler LLC.  They created a R&D division specifically for electric vehicles and named it ENVI.  Furthermore, Chrysler has promised to put into production at least one of its ENVI cars by 2010.  So how does a hybrid and an electric match up? Both certainly have pros and cons, but the bottom line is we now have two technologies which are revolutionizing the way we think about cars and the impact they have on the environment.

Two Green SUVs, Two Separate Technologies:

The Jeep Wrangler EV vs the 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Jeep Wrangler EV

 While other SUVs may be using fuel saving technologies such as cylinder shutoff systems, Jeep will be way ahead of the pack with the development of the Jeep Wrangler EV.  Chrysler has promised to release its ENVI vehicle by 2010, so the Jeep Wrangler EV should be on the road within the next few years. Chrysler and General Electric have actually jointly pursued a project with the United States Department of Energy to explore advanced energy-storage technology.

The EV's center of gravity is significantly lower than the conventional Wrangler; the battery pack is axle height. During driving, the added weight underneath the vehicle helps to take away some of the Wrangler's usual "tippy" feel when cornering at higher speeds.  Acceleration in the Jeep Wrangler EV is strong and smooth, ramping up power progressively where the vehicle just keeps pulling up the speedometer at an almost unnerving pace. Running on full electric power for up to 40 miles the Jeep EV then acts something like a hybrid, where the generator produces power directly to the electric motor as needed. Any extra energy during braking or off-throttle situations will be routed into the batteries.

Because of the capabilities of the on-board dual-voltage generator, the Jeep EV can plug into a 15-amp 110/120-volt outlet as well as a household 30-amp 220/240-volt power outlet. The components of ENVI vehicles include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor and a controller that manages energy flow. The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today's gasoline-powered vehicles - with little compromises in performance. The 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor generates 400 N-m (295 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

 The Highlander Hybrid is a full size SUV which gets an estimated 27 mpg city.  The Highlander Hybrid's gas/electric powertrain uses a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and electric motor, which make 270 horsepower.  The electric motor allows it to travel at low speeds for about five miles on battery power alone. Steering feel is light, but the response is somewhat slow on the hybrid.  But overall the Highlander Hybrid is pleasant to drive.  Compared to the gasoline powered Highlander, hybrids are a bit slower and have slightly more road feel, but are still quite comfortable, making them a better choice who find the standard suspension too soft.  The gas engine shuts off at stoplights but starts again as soon as you step on the accelerator.

Under the right conditions (full battery charge and proper coolant temperature), you can press the EV button and drive the Hybrid up to two miles at less than 25 mph on electric power only.  The Toyota Highlander Hybrid last got a redesign for 2008.  The Highlander, unlike the Wrangler EV is available in either five or seven seat configurations.  The hybrid can operate in an all-electric mode for limited distances. This SUV hybrid is offered in two trims and is only available with all-wheel drive. The highlander Hybrid has minor off road abilities.

Conclusions

Hybrids have ruled the road of green driving for a while now.  With electric vehicles in the mix, there will be more choices, cleaner roads, and more miles of emissions free driving.  With increased awareness of the damage gasoline driven vehicles do to the environment and the rising price of gasoline, Americans today are looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles. The bottom line with hybrids is that they are a proven and widely used technology.  Also, they do not need to be plugged in, due to a recharge through regenerative braking.  Hybrids do, however, still use gasoline, just less of it. Electric Vehicles have certainly not reached the point of hybrids.  But automakers, such as Chrysler LLC, are pushing the technology and research needed to make electric vehicles a reality.  With the promise of an ENVI vehicle by 2010, the reality of EVs on the market is nearing.  Only time will tell how successful and accepted they will be.  But 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions? This goes beyond what any hybrid can do.