Honda hybrid specific model for 09 - Page 3

Smart Car Geek · 06-09-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

Thanks - I'm confused too. The link you posted, as well as the one I posted earlier, both go to the fuel cell (hydrogen) powered car. Not being a hybrid, with water as its only byproduct, it would be a ZEV.

I guess we'll have to wait until more news comes out in Sept.

One thing is certain though, they ARE coming out with two new hybrids, one is going to be like the prius (Clarity?) and one is going to be a small Fit/Smart sized car, but will not be a Fit. It will be a brand new model, although the year after Fit will convert over to being a hybrid too. Hondas really going to be aggressive in the non-gas car market

If I knew more about what happens to a hydrogen fueled car in an accident, I would be more than willing to get one

stevenvillatoro · 06-09-2008, 05:13 PM

The THIRD new hybrid for Honda due out in 2009ish will be the CR-Z. It's a drooly car for sure... might have to get one.

Red_fortwo · 06-10-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartCard

Of course, the more hybrids...the larger the battery shortage:

From Automotive News
"With gasoline at $4 a gallon, the market is screaming for more hybrids. But sales of hybrids dropped significantly in May. Battery shortages are crimping supplies of the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Prius, two of the top-selling hybrids...."

looks like you can't win!

According to this article...

The Recorder

the battery in the Prius makes it more environmentally damaging than a Hummer, since the nickel for the battery is mined in Canada (at a rather pollutant-filled mine, as if there were any other type), refined in Europe, made into "nickel foam" in China, to be used in producing the batteries in Japan that go into the cars to be shipped to the US. The article sounds like someone with an axe to grind, but if these are the facts, it doesn't bode well for the Prius' overall green-ness.

Red_fortwo · 06-10-2008, 10:34 AM

According to a recent Car & Driver article, (I'll try to find the link later) the Clarity isn't even for sale -- Honda will lease it to you if you live in SoCal where there are actually hydrogen refilling stations and you are willing to spend an exorbitant amount on a lease over the period of three years with nothing in return. The argument was that the hydrogen fuel cell material in the Clarity was so expensive that the production of each car cost Honda a six- or seven-figure sum. So they want the pieces back in the end.

Smart Car Geek · 06-10-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red_fortwo

Honda will lease it to you if you live in SoCal where there are actually hydrogen refilling stations

Refueling isn't an issue. Honda has developed home fueling stations that also provides electricity and heat for your house, but it needs to be approved by some government red tape. You can see how it will work here. It is currently being used in Japan and in Torrance, California for the last 5 years with great success, and is currently the best solution for going green.

Big Panda · 06-10-2008, 12:43 PM

BRING ON THE HYBRIDS.......i don't care WHO makes them. the more the merrier!

CNG/Fuel Cell cars.....LOVE the 'concept' but of course the jury is still out on the actual cars until i can see and DRIVE ONE!

but once i have my smart, i plan on using it daily and get 'something else' to use as the 'Family Truckster'......

Red_fortwo · 06-11-2008, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smart Car Geek

Refueling isn't an issue. Honda has developed home fueling stations that also provides electricity and heat for your house, but it needs to be approved by some government red tape. You can see how it will work here. It is currently being used in Japan and in Torrance, California for the last 5 years with great success, and is currently the best solution for going green.

Cool. If I can create my own hydrogen at home, I can put the finishing touches on my plans to recreate the Hindenberg disaster. I really like the idea of personal airships, (maybe not filled with hydrogen, though). Since nobody has brought us flying cars yet, maybe airships are a way to go, with caged props so if other drivers bump into you in traffic, it's not a big deal.