Originally published May 7 2004
A combination of fuel cells and high-tech batteries could replace the combustion engine in automobiles
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
People rave about the hybrid electric Toyota Prius. As this review from
the UK describes, the Prius is a marvel to experience. It offers a
smooth ride, enough high-tech gadgetry to impress even the most
geeked-out consumers, and of course outrageous fuel economy thanks to
the Toyota Synergy Drive system that combines vehicle batteries with a
small combustion engine to minimize wasted energy. The Prius is popular,
too: Toyota dealers in the U.S. can't seem to keep them in stock, and
manufacturing runs keep getting extended. But the real story on the
Prius is that the vehicle is a bridge to a whole new technology in
personal transportation: vehicles that run on fuel cells and batteries.
Imagine if the combustion engine were replaced with a fuel cell, and the
batteries were enhanced to both store and deliver more power. Then you'd
have a clean hybrid vehicle that needed no fossil fuels to operate.
To me, this is the real excitement of the Prius: what it represents in
terms of future potential.
Toyota's petrol/ electric hybrid car is really taking off in Britain,
with sales of the newest version already more than five times greater
than last year's total of 149.
While bells-and-whistles bods will find the Prius pure joy, there are
drivers who will find the car's flush of technology a fearsome thing.
The mainstay is the 1.5-litre, 76bhp petrol engine, which interacts
with a 67bhp electric motor, constantly charging as you journey along.
There's a multi-vision display screen with touch-screen controls for
audio, air, and the satnav system, it has a phone interface, cruise
control, button start, and power windows and mirrors.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml