2011 370z, 400 hp..... hybrid?

Mergnthwirker

I hate hybrids and hope to avoid them as long as possible. They only represent a stop-gap solution in my book, but one that can be sold to the public since they don't require major changes in behavior to use them.

I work for several automakers as a supplier, and I do not see any of them "dragging their feet" on all-electric design. The limitations of current battery tech are very real. Did you happen to see the Business Week article on problems with li-on battery packs catching fire? It only takes a single bad cell to start a chain reaction and the best batteries today use hundreds of them.

Power grid issues are pretty significant as well. Today's all-electric prototype cars require at least 230VAC service, and would benefit from even higher voltage to shorten charge times to under 4 hours. But in many parts of the U.S. the power grid is struggling to satisfy domestic and industrial demand. Here in the Northeast we are constantly challenged with brownouts and power blips. Adding a few million all-electric cars to this equation will cause many of these systems to fail catastrophically.

There are great strides being taken on developing electric motors with better characteristics for automotive use, higher efficiency, better long-term reliability, etc. But until the battery and grid issues are solved, I think we're a ways from being able to take advantage of the technology.

Just my $.02

HJM