|
GM: Chiropractor of the Hybrid World?
If there is one thing everyone should be able to agree on, it is the
meaning of
words. Otherwise, language literally loses its usefulness or, worse,
becomes a
tool of deception.
But with misuse of the term, and the ardent support of a growing cadre
of
"patients" looking for relief from suffering brought on by their own
sedentary
lifestyles (not to mention those looking for big settlements from
small
and/or
non-existent accidents and injuries...) it wasn't too long before the
use of
the term 'doctor' went from meaning "someone you call when you break
your arm"
to, well.., to who knows what, exactly? |
 |
|
Which is the whole point: Words must exclude as well as include to
have
any real
meaning at all. Yes, even if that means some wanna-be gets his
feelings (and
finances) hurt in the process. But now, to the list of those who would
sooner steal success than earn
it, we
add yet another charlatan, namely General Motors, who dares to line
its
pockets
and offend our language by badging a two-ton portable generator as the
world's
first "hybrid" pick-up truck.
This move is all the more disgusting given the honest efforts of
foreign
companies that virtually own the category, in large part by staying
true to the
definition of the word. Both Honda and Toyota produce true,
no-nonsense
hybrids; dual-powered vehicles (some with such additional advanced
energy
saving features as CVT and VCM) that get breath-taking (or should that
be
breath-giving?) mileage.
At the very core of hybrid technology lies a vehicle's ability to
creep
along,
when traffic conditions dictate, solely on cool, clean electric power.
Gas
engines are simply not efficient under such conditions, but this is
precisely
where electric motors shine. Utilize the best attributes of each power
source
and you'll have yourself one great propulsion system. Heck; do that
and
you'll have yourself a "hybrid", for that matter.
But GM? Well they take a regular old truck, combine the starter and
generator
into one unit, tuck the thing in between the motor and tranny and
presto: Call
it a hybrid, if not a day. Yes, the gas engine shuts off when the
vehicle is
stopped (just like in a real hybrid!) and yes, sometimes the engine
also shuts
off when the vehicle is stopping as well, so maybe a 10% fuel savings
is
possible. But....
Can it run on electric power alone in stop and go traffic? No. Does
it qualify
for any of the tax credits available for hybrid vehicles? No. For
that matter,
does it really even make a good portable generator, which is
supposedly
its
saving's grace? Well, maybe; but only if you are the type that thinks
a battery can run a Skill saw for any reasonable length of time. Once
it dies the V-8 engine starts to recharge it.
Yikes! Why not
just
pour gas on the board and light it?
When (true) hybrids began appearing on the scene about five years
back,
the Big
Three U.S. Automakers dismissed the whole idea as a novelty, opting
instead for
a 'fuel cell' solution.
Well, commercially produced fuel
cell cars
are still just exhaust-pipe dreams at best, and red herrings at worst.
Meanwhile, Toyota can barely keep its 55 MPG Prius in stock.
Not too bad for a novelty, eh?
But wait, there's more: Concurrent with the introduction of the
quasi-hybrid
Silverado, GM has also announced the development of several Advanced
Hybrid
System vehicles, to be introduced a few more years from now. From all
indications (and if it is ever produced) the system will be only about
as
advanced as what Toyota has in showrooms today. Regardless, if that
system
will be called "Advanced" then just exactly what should GM put on the
side of
that so-called hybrid vehicle it makes today?
"Retarded" maybe? |
Her
Electric Vehicle 
