If you asked my ten years ago if I knew anyone who drove a Hummer, I could point out a few townspeople who rolled around in the living room on wheels. If you also told me that my mom was getting a Prius, I would have mapped out all the quickest routes to ride my bike to school. However in 2013, the only Hummers I have seen lately belong to small children doing doughnuts in their electric powered ones at the end of my street. As gas prices have risen dramatically and the skeptics are coming around on the Global Warming issue, the automobile industry has responded to consumer demand and government regulations.
According to the U.S Department of Energy, the 2013 most fuel efficient cars include impressive models such as the Smart electric convertible at 107 MPGe, Scion iQ EV at 121 MPGe, Ford Focus electric at 105 MPGe, and Tesla Model S at 95 MPGe.
While these electric models sound like amazing additions to our highways, there are still many issues to work out. The two largest concerns with electric models are Price and Range. The Tesla Model S can drive for about 200 miles on a single charge which may seem like a long distance but will you be ending up near a charging station? Unlike in gasoline powered cars, drivers cannot just get off at the nearest rest stop to charge their Tesla. Until the automobile industry makes a push for investment in infrastructure, the electric car remains a fantasy for the average consumer . However, in addition to these electric models there are many Hybrid models such as the Prius that gives 50 MPG. Until the electric car can be produced at a lower price with an abundant supply of charging stations, these Hybrids offer the American people affordable options to increase their gas mileage and reduce their carbon footprint.
We have come a long way since the land of triumphant Hummers and embarrassing Prius’s but there is still work to be done. A Hybrid car may no longer be associated with the fanny pack anymore but that does not change how dangerous our transportation pollution is. While many automobile companies are off to a good start, the rest better pick up the pace to meet the fuel efficiency standards of the future.
Sources:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/best/bestworstnf.shtml
http://www.teslamotors.com/
Thanks for the nostalgic yet forward-looking post on the evolution of cars from Hummers to electric models! It’s fascinating to see how the automotive industry is adapting to new demands and environmental concerns. For more on this topic, check out A2Bookmarks UK for additional insights and resources. Great job highlighting both the progress and the ongoing challenges in fuel efficiency!