Mitsubishi and Nissan will begin marketing HEVs in North America over the next few years as well, while domestics General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler have invested hundreds of millions into HEV programs, battery powered EVs (electric vehicles), hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles (diesel, natural gas, biotechnology). GM has been the most bullish with regards to HEVs, having announced that at least twelve of its models will receive HEV powertrains by 2007.
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| Although Honda was first to market in North America with a consumer hybrid vehicle, Toyota currently dominates the small but growing market. (Photo: Lexus) |
Meanwhile, the European automakers have generally touted advanced clean diesel engines as a less expensive solution that provides nearly the same benefits as hybrids, but without the higher price tag. BMW has focused much of its attention on the unique liquid hydrogen powered IC 745h concept, a technology that hasn't been forgotten by Ford as shown by last year's Model U concept.
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| The 400h will feature a new battery that will deliver twice the power of a Prius, with an overall output of about 270-hp. (Photo: Lexus) |
But Toyota isn't talking about concepts or small-run prototypes, as its Prius is the future available now. Yet more practical, the Lexus RX 400h will be the first luxury SUV to go into mass production complete with a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, according to Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. The sport-ute was first unveiled at the 2003 NAIAS as a concept vehicle.
The 400h will feature a new battery that will deliver twice the power of a Prius. And the SUV's all-new electric motor--actually, the 2x4 model will have two electric motors while the all-wheel drive version will have a third electric motor in the back--that can operate at 12,000 rpms, about twice the speed of the Prius' motor, delivering a peak output of about 270 hp.