Hybrid technology has been around a long time but only recently emerged as a cost effective option for mass produced vehicles. The convergence of consumer attitudes, billion dollar investments in research and development of hybrid powered vehicles by car manufacturers, public policy, and government regulation resulted in the first generation of affordable battery-based hybrid vehicles in 1997.

Most of the popular hybrids use a combination of a gasoline driven internal combustion engine and a scaled down battery to offer the standard operational features consumers expect from their vehicles.

Benefits of the hybrid technology are less fuel consumption, as well as a reduction of smog related emissions, CO2 and greenhouse gases.

Less Fuel

By switching to the battery powered electric motor while idling and at lower speeds the hybrids dramatically reduce fuel consumption and therefore fuel costs especially for drivers who mainly drive in the city at slower speeds in stop and go traffic.

Reduced Emissions

Because hybrids significantly reduce the use of the combustion engine during acceleration and idling, hybrids have much lower emission of nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate matter and carbon monoxide.

Reduce CO2 and Greenhouse Gases

This is environmental and heritage on a local level today.  It should be a sound that resonates globally though.  The local area I am talking about is in my back yard – Bolsa Chica Wetlands about 2 miles from me.  There are not many remaining wetlands in southern California and this one has a long history of many battles.

The battles are environmental preservation and lost heritage preservation.  Some small gains in environmental have been won over the years. 
•    Areas of the wetlands are preserved
•    The water flow was reopened to allow the wetlands regain its natural environment

The Battle of Bolsa Chica that I am talking about now is the battle that has been 8000 years in the making a rages quietly in the background of society today.  The remains of this ancient culture and the people who thrived here no longer have their resting place.  The resting place that has been home for 8000 years.  The battle has waged for decades with the final blow coming when the bulldozers rolled in on a misty winter morning a few years ago.  The victory was the wetlands and the ocean reclaiming its long obstructed waterways.

About 100 years ago the ocean was blocked.  This was to dry part of the wetlands out and have a smaller lagoon for ducks.  A large hunting lodge was built so hunters had a nice place to duck hunt locally.  As time passed the lodge was torn down and developers began developing homes around the farmlands.

A small-dedicated group that wanted to preserve this area saved the Bolsa Chica wetlands from development.  Southern California is part of what is called the Pacific fly way.  Migratory birds use it and the wetlands are a crucial stopping place for many of the birds on their long trecherous journey.

That brings us to the Battle of Bolsa Chica.  Developers have owned the bluffs that surround the wetlands for many years.  Part of the bluffs was developed and these developers in turn paid for part of the restoration of the wetlands to their original state.

During development an ancient and sacred burial ground was unearthed.  There has been a long battle to get the remains returned and part of the land for a proper burial ground and hopefully a center about these local people, culture and history.

The Battle of Bolsa Chica is at a crucial point.  This battle while not with guns and horses it is in the halls of Huntington Beach and the Coastal Commission.  This Battle at Bolsa Chica is every bit as important to our history as any other battle that has been fought.

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The Audi Etron Electric car is another example of stylish high performance electric cars.  This concept car from Audi will hit the market well we are not sure when but the world is waiting.  The cost of over $110,000.00 will keep most of us on the sidelines and watch in jealousy as one drives by.

Now that Audi has mastered the art of electric vehicles we do hope they will come out with a more affordable model for the rest of us.  We are sure a more affordable model will still have that famous German design and quality that we have come to expect.

So what will this Audi Etron electric car do.

4 motors

1 battery

over 3300 ft-lbs of torque

0 to 62 in 4.8 seconds

The 4 motors are behind each wheel making it a true quattro vehicle.  Audi is not developing batteries they are developing the software that will control the car and all of the lectric components.  Moving to an electric vehicle, Audi is looking all aspects of the car and is identifying each source that utilizies energy and how they will be utlizing different energy in an electric car.

The Coming Automotive Revolution

Every time that gas prices surge, the talk about alternative fuels surges, too. Few people realize, however, that the future of transportation is probably not in alternative fuels at all. Out of all of the attempts to rethink automobiles, the electric car has had the best results so far, and many experts also think it has the best possible future. But what about today? Are there electric cars that are genuinely useful for daily life?  The Audi Etron has a nice little commuter electric car.

Electric Cars are Here

Unlike many alternative fuel technologies, the technology behind electric cars continues to advance quickly. The Tzero, for instance, can go up to 300 miles at 70 mph. The EV1 has a range of 160 miles at 65 mph. However, these cars are cutting-edge and quite expensive—not within the average consumer’s price range.

The electric car quickly approaching the mass market, however. A number of companies are already selling large numbers of compact electric cars—particularly in Europe. The Chevy Volt, will be available Stateside in late 2010. This four-door sedan will have an electric range of 40 miles, beyond which a combustion engine will carry it more than 250 miles further. In 2010, Nissan will release the first all-electric five-door family hatchback intended for the mass market and priced in the range of comparable mid-sized sedans. The LEAF will have a range of 100 miles, performance comparable to a combustion engine, and will have the ability to recharge to 80% within 30 minutes.  For more information on the electric car batteries used.

The Benefits of Electric Cars

What are the benefits of electric cars? One owner decided to make a real-world test by logging how much he had to charge his electric car. His conclusion was that charging his electric car cost him about 3 cents per mile. An equivalent gasoline engine would have to get 106 miles per gallon in order to achieve a similar payback.

Of course, another huge benefit is impact, or lack thereof, on the environment. A fully electric car such as the Nissan LEAF produces zero emissions. Of course, electric power always comes from somewhere, but power generation is much more efficient than car engines, and clean energy will continue to improve in the future.