Saturday, 5 June 2010

Cost of Fuel Economy

Wired Autopia Article

Linked article skims over some of the general added vehicle costs to improving fuel economy.  I think one of the most important statements from it is this one:


"Regardless of the level of hybridization, the biggest gains come in vehicles specifically designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize rolling resistance while using the smallest possible gasoline engine, the study states."


Hybrids help in specific use cases - particularly heavily built up areas.  So across Australia, that's mainly the state capitals.  Outside of those areas it's just extra cost weight and complexity to lug around.  As a marketing ploy though, their usefulness seems almost unlimited.

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