Even though there are millions of gasoline engine vehicles available for purchase, many consumers are looking to purchase hybrids. As technologies continue to evolve, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine which vehicles will retain a reasonable trade-in value. In general, many people believe that conventional gasoline engines will be obsolete based solely on fuel availability and cost. While most hybrids also make use of a small gasoline engine to power the battery pack, there are a number of key differences to consider.
Fuel Types, Engine Designs, and Performance
There is no question that gasoline engines will need to modified in order to consume greater amounts of ethanol, as well as other plant based sources of fuel. Unfortunately, the larger volume occupied by ethanol, and its decreased combustion potential directly translates to a loss of efficiency and power. Since ethanol will most likely cost more than conventional gasoline, an engine with a conventional design will most likely be unappealing at best.
On the other hand, the internal combustion engine on a hybrid is already undersized and underpowered. Typically, drivers do not notice a loss of power or efficiency because the engine is not directly connected to the drivetrain. Instead, almost all of the driving energy comes from the battery, which always has enough stored power to propel the vehicle. Therefore, when it comes to using less efficient renewable fuels, hybrid engine designs may still be able to compensate more easily than conventional engines.
A Look at Evolving Technologies
As you may be aware, conventional gasoline engines were not always as inefficient as the ones produced for modern SUV’s. During the gas crisis of the 1970′s, both hatchback and sedan style vehicles easily delivered 40 miles to the gallon. Today, you will find that some automobile makers are once again making fuel efficient gasoline engines. As an example, in Europe, the Ford Fiesta Mk-7 gets a whopping 61 mpg without sacrificing a powerful and responsive engine. While this vehicle is not yet available in the United States, it is well positioned to compete with hybrid vehicles that cost more and deliver less in terms of fuel efficiency.
Hybrid vehicle developers are extending the range of fuels that can be used with this engine design. Interestingly enough, this includes placing solar panels on the roof. Unfortunately, the solar panels that will be placed on the 2010 versions of the Toyota Prius may not contribute that much to fuel efficiency. On the other hand, if you tend to use a lot of rechargeable gadgets, this may be an ideal means to provide energy for them while you are on the road.
At some point, Honda’s FCX may well outstrip every kind of gasoline and flex fuel engine on the market. As you may be aware, this vehicle runs on hydrogen fuel, and also relies on a hybrid battery pack for increased efficiency. While there are only a few of these cars currently available for lease, increased funding for research on alternative transport and fuel technologies may spur other manufacturers to build similar vehicles.
Mechanical Issues
As with conventional gasoline engines, hybrid vehicles will always have similar types of problems. This includes brake and tire wear, radiator leaks, electrical system issues, and drivetrain problems. At the same time, hybrid owners also need to be very concerned about the lifespan of the battery pack. In most cases, the battery will not last more than 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, it can cost well over $1,000 to replace the battery. When combined with the cost of replacing a fuel pump that has to be installed in the gas tank, hybrids can easily be twice as expensive to maintain as conventional vehicles.
There is no question that modern consumers have a tremendous number of factors to weigh when purchasing a new vehicle. Without a question, the last thing you will want to do is lease or purchase a vehicle that will have little or no trade in value. Irregardless of the condition of the automobile industry, consumers must seriously consider upcoming changes in fuel types and the impact on various engine designs. As hybrids become more available, they may well prove to be more adaptable to alternative fuels, as well as many other technologies. While hybrid purchase price and maintenance costs are likely to remain prohibitive, some may still choose to buy them and hope they retain their value.