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Small cars: when to expect real hybrids?
Micro-hybridisation will be a standard feature on every small and medium-sized Citroen and Peugeot by 2010. Hybridcars.com reports: "Micro-hybrids — also known as "stop-start" for the ability to stop engine idle when a vehicle slows down and comes to a stop — can reduce fuel consumption by 5 percent to 15 percent depending on the driving conditions."
Not very shocking, but it immediately raised the question whether or not full hybridisation of smaller vehicles will be technically and economically viable within a short time.
Technically, further miniturisation of the hybrid drivetrain still poses a challenge, as well as the battery weight and volume issues.
Economically, a quick calculation: our envisaged small hybrid drives 15 kilometres further on one liter of petrol (1:35) than its non-hybrid counterpart (1:20). On 15,000 kilometres a year, that saves around 320 litres * EUR 1.50 = EUR 480,- per annum, which translates to EUR 1360,- over a period of three years. Probably far from enough to cover the premium purchasing price.
Seems like we will not see full hybridisation of smaller cars any time soon. Or will we? (Report on the Toyota iQ)
Read the article about micro-hybrisation here.
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