Plug-In Hybrids
According to the Ford Motors Co. Field President, Mark Fields, which was quoted in the Detriot News, “Plug-in Hybrids must be a national priority.” Toyota has said that it will have a plug-in hybrid available for sale in the United States, Japan, and Europe by 2010. GM has a Ford is in the process of making one as well that will be in the market within 5 to 10 years. Due to the high gas prices, these cars are becoming more popular to the general public.
Fields calls for a $3000 tax break to anyone who buys a plug-in hybrid. They will run on litium-ion batteries getting about 40 mpg with speeds of up to 30 miles an hour. Anything above that, the vehicle will switch over to the internal combustion engine.
Fields says that it is a priority that domestically there is battery production. Currently, Asia is developing the battery supply for plug-in hybrids. According to Fields, “Moving from imported oil to imported batteries clearly would not address this growing concern.” The need for domestic battery production is a necessity. All of the motor companies are trying to find ways to improve their cars and as cost efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. Keep it coming!