Multiple Benefits Enable Hybrid Vehicles to Race Ahead of Battery and Fuel Cell Versions

The popularity of hybrid vehicles, which combine the beneficial attributes
of an internal combustion engine and a battery pack, offsets the roadblocks
confronting battery, electric, and fuel cell vehicles. With Asia leading
the electric vehicle revolution, intense development efforts undertaken in
this region are likely to promote the hybrid's mainstream
commercialization.

However, there are numerous obstacles to the entry of hybrid electric
vehicles (HEVs) into the mainstream. Long considered purely
environment-friendly, HEVs had, until recently, failed to convince
consumers of their true benefits and performance quality. Removing negative
perceptions such as frequent charging may be the first step in achieving
commercial acceptance.

"HEVs use a unique regenerative braking feature, which captures the energy
lost during braking and returns it to the battery, thereby eliminating the
need for frequent charging," explains Technical Insights (
http://www.ti.frost.com) Research Analyst Rajesh Kannan. "HEVs also provide
better mileage, smoother acceleration at lower speeds, and superior driving
experience when compared to gasoline vehicles."

Premium HEV offerings come attached with equally high price tags ? 30 to 40
percent more than that for conventional vehicles. However, significant
maintenance and fuel savings make HEVs economical in the long run. While
conventional cars consume 1 liter of fuel to run 15 kilometers, HEVs can
run 36 km per liter of fuel.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as opposed to HEV permit a complete
transition to an electricity powered vehicle.  However, their key
advantages such as elimination of tailpipe emissions and fuel savings
remain on the sidelines due to numerous battery-related problems.
For instance, batteries used in such vehicles require constant recharging,
wherein, a single charge taking 4 to 5 hours provides a mileage of just 80
to 130 km. Though the average car buyer may find this time consuming future
increases in mileage up to 160 km on a single charge may be critical in
gaining quicker consumer acceptance.

Moreover, though BEVs are 99 percent cleaner than gasoline-powered
vehicles, they transfer pollution to the power plant site where burning of
fossil fuels generates the energy stored in charging. Fortunately,
alternative renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower may
eliminate pollution.

The lack of durability and short lifespan of battery packs threaten to
position BEVs as niche products for intra-city shuttle buses, golf cars, or
other specialized automobiles. Support infrastructure such as fast charging
stations in Japan could play a critical role in facilitating easier and
more convenient battery charging.

"Interesting developments in lithium ion batteries and efforts to increase
battery capacity and decrease battery size and charging time may be
imperative to widen the scope of BEVs," explains Kannan. "BEVs' commercial
compatibility also depends on alternative technologies such as flywheels,
ultracapacitors, and solar cells."

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) that use hydrogen to improve fuel economy and
reduce pollution are also creating a buzz in the EV field. However, a more
economical and feasible means to extract, transport, and store hydrogen may
be crucial for commercial success.

Though HEVs, BEVs, and FCVs confront individual challenges, all face high
development costs. Obtaining government support in the form of incentives
for manufacturers and tax breaks to EV owners could be vital in catalyzing
EV development and uptake.

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The Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in the Asia Pacific is part of the
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analysis of the present and future development trends for important members
such as HEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs of the electric vehicles family. It
highlights key technical challenges and drivers influencing growth, and
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