In the last few years, many have written about upcoming energy efficient hybrid automobiles. These cars run on a mix of conventional gas-engine power and battery power. Since the batteries do not have to be plugged in, these recently introduced vehicles seem to be as versatile as conventional vehicles.

Honda's energy efficient model is called the Insight, and it shows a lot of insight. The Insight has already been recognized by the Sierra Club with its Award for Excellence in Environmental Engineering. It went on sale in December and is the first gasoline-electric hybrid car to be sold in the U.S. It received the highest mileage ratings ever from the EPA, 61 mpg in the city and 70 mpg highway. The Insight also earned an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rating. That's better than many lawn trimmers (alright, that's a slight exaggeration.)

The Insight is the latest in a series of environmental firsts for Honda. Honda was the first to introduce a gasoline-powered vehicle meeting California's LEV standard and the first to voluntarily sell LEVs nationwide. With the 1998 Accord, Honda was also the first automaker to sell a gasoline-powered vehicle meeting California's energy efficient standards. A natural gas powered Honda Civic has also received a high energy efficiency certification.

The Honda Insight was the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle to be sold in the United States. The heart of the power system is Honda's "Integrated Motor Assist", which combines an a three cylinder engine with an electric motor, promoting tremendous efficiency. Hondas claim that the vehicle is also a high performer. We will have to do our own individual test driving to find out if this is so.

According to Honda, the Insight drives just like any other automobile. It has a 10.6-gallon gas tank, and no external power supply is needed for recharging. Batteries are recharged by regenerative braking. Specifically, energy from forward momentum is captured during braking. This energy is then used to recharge the batteries. That is amazing. Remember that prototype electric vehicles required lengthy plug-in periods.

Not to be outdone by Honda, Toyota has now introduced its Prius , which means "To Go Before" in Latin. Notwithstanding Honda's claim that it was first, Toyota claims that its hybrid is the first in the world to be mass produced.

Prius has several points of origin. Its exterior styling, and its is a sharp looking car, was designed in Newport Beach, California. Its Hybrid System (combined battery/gas engine) was developed in Japan. And its battery was developed in concert with Panasonic.

In April 1999, Toyota formed an alliance with GM for joint research and development of advanced technology relating to electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. Toyota and Exxon are also jointly developing fuel, lubricant and engine technology for environmentally friendlier vehicles. There is also a licensing agreement with Volkswagen for use of Toyota's exhaust gas purification technology. So the large companies are illustrating some level of green cooperation which seems to be paying off.

Prius is capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately 105 mph. According to Toyota, this speed can be maintained for extended distances. Prius' batteries never need to be recharged from an external source. Just as in the case with the Insight, Prius is fitted with a regenerative braking system. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the motor is turned into a generator, capturing the energy that would normally be lost as heat or kinetic energy. This captured energy is used to recharge the batteries.

How does the new Toyota differ from the Insight? According to Toyota, its car relies on a proprietary technology called the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) which switches between gasoline and electricity as driving needs change. The Honda Integrated Motor Assist uses a basic parallel hybrid system with an electric motor. I suspect this means that the Insight cannot switch back and forth. Also, Prius is a five-passenger, four-door sedan with a bit more interior volume than a Corolla, while the Honda Insight is a two-passenger, two-door coupe. Toyota claims that its vehicles is even more energy efficient than the Insight.

I don't know about you, but I am always hesitant to purchase new model auto vehicles. I suspect that it might make sense to wait a little while before purchasing this new kind of vehicle. But, Honda and Toyota are both very brave to take these kinds of bold moves.

These Japanese models can make our American air better and healthier. Where are the American companies such as GM, Ford and Chrysler?

Published: December 14, 2000

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