...The Reality of Going Green: Hybrid Vehicles Tanya Messina Contemporary Applications of the Sciences | SCI215 A01 Faculty: Dr. Gomillion Argosy University July 12, 2014 Abstract Hybrid vehicles are known for having more than one battery and two engines (electric and gas) that help alternate the energy needed to run. While a majority of hybrid vehicles are designed not to burn as much fossil fuel, some hybrid vehicles may be designed to use other alternative fuels (such as hydrogen, biodiesel, flex-fuel, etc.). This not only makes them fuel efficient, but friendly to the environment as well. Conscious that carbon dioxide released from the burning of fossil fuels is driving global warming, many drivers have opted for hybrids because their fuel efficiency makes them relatively environmentally friendly (Hewitt, et al., 2006). There is a huge difference between non-hybrid vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Unlike the hybrid vehicles, a non-hybrid vehicle only burns fossil fuels that causes smog and a variety of harmful gases (such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide) into the atmosphere, which may be responsible for global warming...
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...needed to power U.S. factories, businesses and homes. However, as worries increases over the high costs and environmental effects of reliance on limited natural resources, more Americans are looking to alternative energy for the future. The burning of these fuels causes severe air pollution and thus contributes to the “greenhouse effect.” This enormous amount of consumption will be the ultimate cause of the scarcity of oil in the future and of environmental pollution. If people do not develop any substitutes to burning fossil fuels in the next few decades, people will experience a new and large-scale energy crisis. In the U.S., there is a high demand for gasoline. However, if people start to use alternatives fuel vehicles, it can lower the demand of oil, which will in turn minimize the oil-dependence and potential environmental problems. Jim Motavalli, the editor of E: The Environmental Magazine, once said in his book Forward Drive, that “At long last, technological wizardry is being applied to the automobile, with the result being a new generation of cleaner cars. The gasoline engine represents yesterday’s solution to our transportation problems” (Motavalli, XIII) Today, hybrid cars are the best solution for America’s addiction to fossil fuels because they use clean energy to power vehicles, have compatible performance compared to conventional gasoline and diesel cars, and provide economic incentive for buyers. People believe that carbon dioxide (CO2) is one the causes of greenhouse...
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...ignoring that certain fact? One major factor we use in our daily life and consumes huge amount of gas is our way of transportation; “The United States, the biggest country in the world, consumes 19.6 million barrels per day of oil which is more than 25% of the world's total” (Jason J. Churchill). In order to stay competitive and productive, millions of drivers in cars and trucks are running and burning gas every day on our huge and long freeways as part of their jobs. Obviously, we need cars to survive and keep our lifestyle. However, we can use different kind of cars such as hybrid cars that do the job and save huge amount of oil as well. Basically, “ A hybrid electric vehicle combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by batteries, The combination allows the electric motor and batteries to help the conventional engine operate more efficiently, cutting down on fuel use” (Hybrids Under the Hood). The gasoline-fueled combustion engine overcomes the limited driving range of an electric vehicle. This hybridization gives us the ability to drive 500 miles or more using less fuel and never...
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...Alternate fuel automobiles are the trend of the future. Driving an automobile fueled by something besides gas or diesel fuel is no more the thing of science fiction. The public simply requires to be more informed concerning alternate fuels. Product Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (HEV) operates from a mix of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. They have just the same characteristics like conventional unleaded fueled automobiles excluding the motor. Hybrid electric automobiles have the identical torque, frame, and even add on alternatives just like any other automobile. “Additionally, HEVs have the possibility to run in, "Electric only" setting. In this setting, the automobile can run without any emissions that are ideal in crowded places and in places where emissions aren't accepted” (U.S. Department of Energy). A few advantages of hybrid electric automobiles are better gas mileage, eco-friendly and less depending on foreign oil. “HEVs can go 40-70 miles for each gallon of gas” (U.S. Department of Energy). HEV allows the driver to travel much longer without needing to fill up the automobile with gas, which also permits savings on gas. This will decrease the country’s reliance on foreign oil. This is an advantage because it...
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...warming, and energy security. Abstract Fossil fuels have been a primary fuel source for the industrial world, for centuries. Fossil fuel costs have been at all-time high and the economy is being burdened with the cost of everyday commuting and traveling expenses. Consumers have been looking for new ways to reduce cost by looking into other means of transportation. In an effort to bring down the gasoline cost for his fleet, Lotus Car's Chief Financial Officer is looking at the possibility of adding alternative fuel vehicles to its fleet. Types of Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Today, there is numerous alternative fuel vehicles developed and being developed to compete with fossil fuel usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than a dozen alternative fuels are in production or under development for the use in alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2013) Vehicles are being powered by biodiesel, propane, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, and electricity. The most popular alternative fuel vehicles being used in today’s rental car fleets are hybrid, ethanol, and electric vehicles. Hybrid: Hybrids have a potential for excellent fuel economy and are capable of running on existing fuel supplies, without any behavioral change. Hybrids (HEVs) are currently more expensive than regular models but over time much of the costs will be recovered through gasoline savings and state incentives. Plug-in-Hybrids (PHEVs) are...
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...The Truth about Hybrids Hybrids vehicles (Part Electric, Part Gas) have stirred controversy in the past few years. Some people feel that Hybrid vehicles are the answer to the energy crises, while others believe Hybrids are just a fad and do not really help the environment at all. According to Bob Elton, a 30-year automotive engineer, (2008), “even though Hybrids are making a splash, both in the sales charts and the media do they really deserve all the love and attention?” (Elton B, 2008) The question remains, what are the true advantages of the Hybrid, and how much is only hype. Is the advantage worth the cost? Do the disadvantages show the real expense of the Hybrid and contradict the EPA claims? After both sides are reviewed, a conclusion can be realized about the truth about hybrids. Contrary to popular belief, there are more disadvantages than advantages owning a Hybrid. Although most people believe that Hybrids are superior over their non-hybrid counter parts, the truth is; hybrids are not environmentally friendly; they have critical safety issues; and are not cost effective. There is no question that Hybrids are more fuel-efficient than their counter part gas powered vehicles. The author argues the “fuel efficient difference of Hybrids are nowhere near as great as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) numbers suggest.” (Elton B 2008) Most people are under the assumption that Hybrids are environmentally friendly, but in actuality, the pollution created in manufacturing...
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...IC-TMT20121 PESTLE Analysis on Toyota Prius Abstract Toyota Prius Hybrid is using the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) that perfectly optimizes power from both petrol engine and electric motor according to the driving condition. The electric vehicle (EV) which allows the vehicle run purely for low noise and zero fuel consumption [1]. The objective of our research paper is to investigate the factors that move Toyota Prius into production. The research is based on the PESTLE analysis (which is based on various factors like P-political, E-economy, S-social, T-technology, L-legal and E-environment) by using secondary data and qualitative analysis. In annuals ales worldwide since 1997 until 2011, Toyota Priusis performed well and popular in global market. Based on the analysis, Toyota Prius did move into hybrid vehicle production which influenced by the factors that mentioned above (PESTLE). Keyword: PESTLE, Toyota Prius. 1.0 Introduction Toyota Prius is a compact sedan which manufactured and developed by Toyota. Prius was named with meanings “ahead or leading” and “the predecessor of cars to come”. The first generation of Prius experienced great sales in US with 32% grow from2001 to 2003. It became the world first mass-produced gasoline electric hybrid car with aimed to reducing air pollution and increasing fuel efficiency. The second generation was redesigned as a mid-size lift back, with the redistributed on interior design and mechanical space significantly increasing luggage...
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... TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary Introduction What is a Hybrid Vehicle a. Brief History and Explanation b. How it Works c. Recent Popularity and Expected Future Sales Demographics a. Age b. Gender c. Income d. Ethnicity Psychographics Green Marketing Strategies The Decision Making Process a. About the Process b. Problem Recognition c. Information Search d. Evaluation of Alternatives e. Product Choice and Outcome f. Conclusion Diffusion of Innovation a. About the Process b. Compatibility c. Trialability d. Complexity e. Observability f. Relative advantage g. Prediction of Future Diffusion Conclusion Works Cited 2 3 4 6 9 10 12 16 20 23 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is a comprehensive report that discusses the innovation of the fuel efficient and environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle, which types of consumers purchase them and suggests certain Consumer Behavior concepts that explain why they are becoming so popular. The report begins with a brief explanation of the vehicles history along with a short explanation of how the vehicle operates. It also explains how the impacts of our economy and the environment have created a new wave of popularity and demand for the hybrid. It then transitions into the demographics and psychographics segment of the hybrid target market: age, gender, income, ethnicity, and the environmentally conscious attitudes that create the demand to purchase a hybrid vehicle. The next section of the report suggests three consumer behavior...
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...Lotus Rental Car's Auto Fleet Lotus Rental Car's Auto Fleet Alternative fuel vehicles have been a long time coming in car industry but especially in the rental car industry. Many people want a vehicle that not only is fuel efficient but one that has lasting benefits to the environment. Adding Alternative fuel vehicles to a car rental fleet has so many benefits. If we think about the many different ways the rental car industry has changed we can appreciate that the rental industry is willing and serious about catering to the customer that would prefer an alternative fuel vehicle. Not only will it save the company on gas per rental but it will also win the customers approval on the rental industry and its willingness to help the environment while still meeting the needs of the customer. Government tax incentives are another main reason why Lotus Rental Cars should consider purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. Before there were not a variety on types of vehicles that were available where as now there is several. Each customer has his or her own special needs when renting a vehicle. For example a customer may rent or request an SUV or a small sports car and still have the opportunity to pick an alternative fuel vehicle. This may be the single most important factor in adding these types of vehicles to Lotus Rental Cars. Americans are looking to get the biggest bang for their buck when it comes to fuel economy. Whether the consumer...
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...capability Able to raise large amounts of capital First mover advantage; the first company to offer a relatively practical fully electric car, customers include high-profile figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, and Jay Leno Designs and builds many of the components in its cars, including the power electronics, motor and battery packs Weaknesses • • • • Doesn’t have much brand recognition among the general public A very small company with small sales volume, so no economies of scale Possible supply problems with components, especially if demand increases The Tesla Roadster hasn’t been on the market for very long, the longevity of fully electric cars remains to be proven Opportunities • • • Threats • • • • Wrightspeed X1, a prototype high performance electric car that caters to the same market; the only direct competitor to Tesla that offers a similar product Large automobile companies entering the market with full and hybrid electric cars, the GM Volt and Toyota Prius The price of oil falling dramatically in the short run A competitor having a breakthrough in related energy technologies, like hydrogen powered cars, natural gas, or ethanol Moving towards the family sedan market and making a product that is meant for more of the automotive market Price of oil and gasoline skyrocketing, making the price premium for an electric car less of an issue Expanding into developing lithium-ion batteries and other energy technologies, partnering with a battery company to improve...
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... 1. Current situation a. Introduction Tesla Motors is an American company that designs, manufactures and sells electric cars and electric vehicle powertrain components, which was funded in 2003, in San Carlos, California by Martin Eberhard and Mark Tarpenning. Elon Musk was one of the first investor and became CEO later. By DEC.29, 2009 the firm has more than 500 employees and had sold 937 Roadster models in 18 countries around the world. Tesla Motors sell 2 models of car, Tesla Roadster and Teals Model S. Tesla Motors uses proprietary technology, world-class design and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to create a new generation of highway capable electric vehicles. Operational infrastructure provides them with a competitive advantage compared to traditional automobile manufacturers. b. Past corporate performance indexes Elon Musk worked out a deal with his own wallet to guarantee the buyback value of the Tesla Model S, a minimum of 43% after three years. Tesla motor buys back cars not due production problems, but to occupy used car market. The stock price of the firm is increased rapidly in 2013. In Jan 2013 the stock price is $34 and in Jul 2013, the stock price growth to $129 quickly. And the total volume of the stock is also increased during January to July;. The stock price value is $230 recently.[pic] [pic] c. Strategic posture Tesla motor’s goal is to will help lessen global dependence on petroleum-based transportation and drive down the cost of electric...
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...revolution, and natural- geographic, economic, political, social, and other fundamental factors have led to the fact that the transport network of the world has received unprecedented growth. Along with the growth of the numbers of vehicles produced, conventional forms of transport undergo radical reconstruction: speed was increased, design was changed, efficiency enhanced, more cars became available for people with different financial positions. At the same time some transport problems have emerged. These problems caused mostly by excessive development the automotive industry. Hypertrophied fleet of large cities in Europe, Asia and America is causing constant traffic jams on the streets. Moreover, these problems deprives citizens of the advantages of fast and maneuverable way of moving. The most important aspect of rapidly grooving production of vehicles seriously degrades the environment. Transport as a particularly dynamic system has always been one of the first “customers” for the discoveries and achievements of various sciences, including fundamental. It is difficult to come up with a field of research that have no relation to transport. Fundamental research in sciences such as mathematics, physics, mechanics, thermodynamic, fluid dynamics, optics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, hydrology, biology have particular importance for...
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...origin point to another point which is to supply goods or services. Based on research, motive power is a natural agent such as water or steam, wind or electricity, used to impart motion to machinery such as an engine. Motive power make also be a locomotive or a motor, which provides motive power to a system. Nowadays, there have a multiple motive of power such as hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids fueled by gasoline, ethanol,...
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...Case Study 2: Types and Patterns of Innovation Honda and Hybrid, Electric Vehicles Honda was founded in Hamamatsu, Japan, by Soichiro Honda in 1946 as the Honda Technical Research Institute. The company began as a developer of engines for bicycles, but by 1949 it had produced its first motorcycle, called the Dream. In 1959, Honda entered the U.S. automobile and motorcycle market by opening the American Honda Motor Company. A few years later, in 1963, Honda released its first sports car, the S500, in Japan. Honda Motor Co. Inc. grew rapidly to become one of the largest automobile companies in the world. Its "glocalisation" strategy of building factories around the world that would meet the needs of local customers had resulted in a total worldwide presence of more than 100 factories in 33 countries. Furthermore, while other auto manufacturers engaged in a frenzy of merger and acquisition activities in the late 1990s, Honda steadfastly maintained its independence. Honda has grown into one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers and has also evolved into one of the most respected global brands. In 1997, Honda Motor Company introduced to Japan a two-door gas/electric hybrid vehicle called the Insight. The Insight's fuel efficiency was rated at 61 miles per gallon in the city, and 68 miles per gallon on the highway, and its battery did not need to be plugged into an electrical outlet for recharging. By 1999, Honda was selling the Insight in the United States, and winning accolades...
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...What's less obvious is that it's also a huge waste of energy. Getting a car moving needs a big input of power, and every time you hit the brakes all the energy you've built up disappears again, wasted in the brake pads as heat. Wouldn't it be good if you could store this energy somehow and reuse it next time you started to accelerate? That's the basic concept of regenerative brakes.What are they? How do they work? Let's take a closer look! Why does braking waste energy? [pic] If you get about town on a bicycle, it's very obvious that braking is a huge waste of energy. You have to peddle to get yourself going, and each time you brake and come to a standstill you waste all the momentum you've gained. Next time you want to move off, you have to start from scratch all over again. Put your hands anywhere near the brake pads on a bicycle and you'll know exactly where the energy goes: each time you brake and the rubber pads clamp on the wheel, friction between rubber and metal converts the energy you had when you were moving into heat, which disappears uselessly into the air, never to be seen again. (WARNING: Be very careful if you try this because brakes can get really hot!) Car drivers are pretty much oblivious to the energy that braking wastes because driving doesn't require any real, physical effort. Not only that, but car brakes are hidden out of sight, inside the wheels, where you can't see the heat energy they're wasting. But the heat they generate is extraordinary:...
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