Straightline - Is a 100 mpg car possible, or even practical?

Is a 100 mpg car possible, or even practical?

There's an article over on wired.com (here) about as to whether a 100 mpg car is possible—or for that matter, even practical. GM's Bob Kruse, who is their executive director of global engineering of hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries; had a few interesting things to say on this subject:

"We will be using internal combustion engines for awhile. The 100-mpg car can be thought of as the Volt, (and) it will achieve this operating on a combination of electric and ICE propulsion."

"We are not competing in the X Prize. I have all of my resources focusing on mainstream high-volume programs like the Chevrolet Volt."

"Like much new technology, a Catch 22 develops. Will we invest in hydrogen delivery for vehicles that do not exist, or will we create vehicles that you cannot buy hydrogen for? This is where government leadership can help."

Here's a related story on the Chevy Volt, and its production status from Green Car Advisor: Volt On Track for Late 2010 and 40 Miles on Batteries

Posted by Bob Apr 8, 2008 4:00 am

Permalink

Categories: Chevrolet | General Motors | Auto Industry | Green Tech

Comments

ateixeira - Apr 8, 2008 7:09 am (#1 Total: 6)

Recife, PE, Brazil

I say No. We have reached the point of diminishing returns with battery technology, while added safety requirements will keep pushing weight and cost upward. So any gains in green technology will be offset.

I don't see a point where a 100mpg car will meet all the growing safety standards while being affordable to the average family.

estreka - Apr 8, 2008 9:52 am (#2 Total: 6)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

Agreed. Vehicles are getting so expensive (to buy and to own) because of safety equipment. The same can be said of battery technology. At least manufacturers are addressing the core problem: weight.

If we weren't in a recession, I'd imagine companies would just throw more batteries on.

firstwagon - Apr 8, 2008 10:23 am (#3 Total: 6)

I think there will be 100 mpg cars but only if you ignore the cost of the electricity. Plug in hybrids have the potential to get 100 miles on a gallon of gas but they do it by offsetting their energy needs with electricity.

You'll save on gas but the electric bill will go way up. Which is better depends on the rates in your area I guess.

stovt001 - Apr 8, 2008 12:37 pm (#4 Total: 6)

Changing the car support infrastructure such as fueling stations is nearly impossible, especially with so many competing alternatives. We should instead focus on ways to travel less or in greater numbers at once (as in public transportation).

readerreader - Apr 8, 2008 2:58 pm (#5 Total: 6)

People need to stop believing that government and legislation is the solution to all problems.

Until then, government will continue to mandate the existence of heaven and a guarantee that everyone will get there.

flicmod - Apr 9, 2008 6:29 am (#6 Total: 6)

THANK YOU readerreader! My sentiments EXACTLY!