Mr. John P. Absmeier, Director of Business Development (Asia-Pacific) and Manager of Advanced Engineering for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and Power Electronics of Delphi Corporation said that the cost of hybrid vehicles is going to come down.
The recent global slowdown in the automotive industry has certainly influenced the mindset of buyers towards fuel efficiency and green technologies. Hybrids could be considered as a good option for sustainable cost benefits.
The good thing about a hybrid vehicle is that it is scalable across various engine types and sizes. The specific design depends on the IC engine to electric power ratio desired for the application. Additionally, hybrid components in general do not care what the fuel type is and it can use gasoline (petrol), diesel, LPG, biofuels, etc. In fact, these technologies can be combined to further decrease emissions and consumption than either individually provides.
The business case for hybrid vehicles clearly demonstrates longer term advantages and benefits that accrue over the years and there is a well-established business case for life-time ownership cost in favour of hybrid vehicles.
Moreover, it has moved beyond purely dollars and cents; the green movement is now a social and moral issue, one which allows consumers to take control and have an impact on their own carbon footprint. The cost will come down; it is a matter of economies of scale.
Hybrid technology is a field that Delphi takes pride in being able to really understand, because it is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach. Because we have the knowledge of each part, and we know how to effectively bring the technologies together in different ways, we are able to consult with our customers, determine what the best hybrid design is for them, and actually meet their distinctive needs.
Lifetime ownership cost for hybrid vehicles would still be attractive compared to conventional vehicles. The business case needs to be viewed in this sense. John said, "We are working actively to reduce the initial incremental cost through building block technology and innovation which would help the industry in coming years."
This will also drive adoption of environmentally-friendly technologies in automobiles. The cash incentives are not sustainable, but can help to cross the volume barrier required to get a benefit from economies of scale.
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