VantaViper
Well-known member
The Future of Hybrid Cars: A Profitable yet Environmentally Unfriendly Solution
Twenty years ago, the Economist predicted that hybrid cars would become the norm. Fast forward to today, and it's clear that while battery technology has improved significantly, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are not as green as claimed. In fact, they emit just 19% less carbon dioxide than traditional petrol and diesel cars, far short of the 75% promised in lab tests.
The industry is reaping the benefits of PHEVs, with carmakers charging top dollar for these modified vehicles. However, policymakers are being duped into thinking that hybrids offer a sustainable solution, when in reality they're just a way to keep profits rolling in while avoiding stricter emissions targets.
Four major European automotive companies avoided millions of euros in fines by claiming that emissions compliance wasn't based on real-world data. Instead of investing in electric vehicles (EVs), which are poised to become the dominant technology, carmakers are sticking with hybrids and petrol cars.
New competitors, such as China's BYD, are stealing a march on the industry. The UK has just become the largest international market for BYD, and its cheaper EV models will compete directly with Chinese-made vehicles that sell for less than £20,000.
However, even BYD may face challenges from Toyota, which promises to deliver solid-state batteries by 2027. These new batteries could make electric cars a viable option for long-distance travel, but only if the industry shifts towards sustainability and equity.
The question remains: should cars remain the dominant form of transport? While EVs offer cleaner power, they also pose risks such as congestion and road fatalities. Moreover, relying solely on EVs overlooks planetary limits, particularly in terms of accessing critical minerals.
A just transition requires not only cleaner cars but also fewer of them. It's time to reshape urban life around mass transit and move away from a carbon-intensive economy. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable future where the benefits are shared equitably among all nations.
Twenty years ago, the Economist predicted that hybrid cars would become the norm. Fast forward to today, and it's clear that while battery technology has improved significantly, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are not as green as claimed. In fact, they emit just 19% less carbon dioxide than traditional petrol and diesel cars, far short of the 75% promised in lab tests.
The industry is reaping the benefits of PHEVs, with carmakers charging top dollar for these modified vehicles. However, policymakers are being duped into thinking that hybrids offer a sustainable solution, when in reality they're just a way to keep profits rolling in while avoiding stricter emissions targets.
Four major European automotive companies avoided millions of euros in fines by claiming that emissions compliance wasn't based on real-world data. Instead of investing in electric vehicles (EVs), which are poised to become the dominant technology, carmakers are sticking with hybrids and petrol cars.
New competitors, such as China's BYD, are stealing a march on the industry. The UK has just become the largest international market for BYD, and its cheaper EV models will compete directly with Chinese-made vehicles that sell for less than £20,000.
However, even BYD may face challenges from Toyota, which promises to deliver solid-state batteries by 2027. These new batteries could make electric cars a viable option for long-distance travel, but only if the industry shifts towards sustainability and equity.
The question remains: should cars remain the dominant form of transport? While EVs offer cleaner power, they also pose risks such as congestion and road fatalities. Moreover, relying solely on EVs overlooks planetary limits, particularly in terms of accessing critical minerals.
A just transition requires not only cleaner cars but also fewer of them. It's time to reshape urban life around mass transit and move away from a carbon-intensive economy. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable future where the benefits are shared equitably among all nations.
I'm getting tired of hearing about hybrids being the solution. We need to wake up and realize that our addiction to cars is part of the problem 
. EVs may have some flaws, but at least they're a step in the right direction. Let's focus on building mass transit systems and making cities more livable instead of relying on cars as the primary mode of transport 
.
. I mean, don't get me wrong, electric vehicles (EVs) are super cool and all, but it's like they're just pushing plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) out as a way to make more money 
. And let's not forget China's BYD is already killing it with cheaper EV models 
.
.
. We need to make sustainable transportation accessible to everyone, not just the rich 
.
The notion that hybrid cars represent a 'sustainable solution' is, in my opinion, a misnomer. While they may offer some eco-friendly benefits, their environmental impact is still relatively substantial. The fact that plug-in hybrids emit only 19% less CO2 than traditional petrol and diesel cars is underwhelming, to say the least. Moreover, the industry's reluctance to shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) despite BYD's innovative cheaper models and Toyota's promise of solid-state batteries by 2027 raises serious questions about our collective commitment to sustainability.
... think hybrids just a cop-out 
. Car makers are milking this PHEV thing for all it's worth, but let's be real, they're not exactly green 
. I mean, 19% less CO2 is still a far cry from the hype 
. And don't even get me started on these European car companies dodging emissions fines 
. I mean, we need EVs now, not after a few years down the line 
. We need to rethink urban life ASAP and ditch this carbon-intensive economy 
I guess it's a tough balance, but I think we need to start prioritizing people and the planet over profits. We owe it to ourselves and future generations.
My friend's sister had a fender bender with one and now her car is all scratched up. Maybe we should start designing roads with smaller cars in mind? Just saying 
... I feel like these companies are just playing with our minds, knowing that hybrids aren't as eco-friendly as they claim. And it's not just about the environment - it's about people's lives too. We can't keep ignoring the risks of congestion and road fatalities. But at the same time, I do see the point about mass transit and a more sustainable future... it's all about finding that balance 
. We need to support companies like BYD that are leading the way with affordable EVs, but we also need to hold these big corporations accountable for their actions. We can't keep relying on them to save us - it's up to each and every one of us to demand change 
It's like policymakers think we can just magically make EVs appear and suddenly everything's fine 
.
. And hey, at least they're trying to mix things up in an industry that's been stuck in its ways for far too long 
. Maybe with the right support and investment, we can actually make this transition thing happen 
.
. Sure, there are risks involved with mass transit and road fatalities, but that's a problem that can be solved with better infrastructure and planning 
.
. Meanwhile, BYD is coming out with these crazy cheap EVs that are going to disrupt the whole market 
. I mean, think about it - 19% less emissions is still way off from what was promised and we're just accepting that as 'good enough'? 
. The fact that BYD is killing it in the EV market with affordable prices (£20k or less!) is a wake-up call for us all.
️.
. They're making bank off of our desire to save the planet, but in reality, they're just prolonging the use of dirty cars. And don't even get me started on the European companies that dodged fines by using fake data - totally unacceptable! 