Doc7505
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- Feb 16, 2016
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Ford Wants To Build Hybrids Instead of All-Electric Cars.
The EPA Hates That.
The automaker is choosing to prioritize hybrids, which are more popular and provide a better option for many motorists. But the EPA only foresees a minor role for hybrids.
Ford wants to build hybrids instead of all-electric cars. The EPA hates that.
The Model e division recorded losses of $1.3 billion in the first quarter of this year, averaging out to a staggering $132,000 loss per vehicle.
reason.com
One of the country's largest automakers announced this week that it was shifting its focus away from battery-powered electric vehicles (E.V.s) in favor of hybrids that still use some amount of gasoline. The decision to prioritize a transitional technology makes sense, even though federal regulators might not be happy.
Ford Motor Co. CFO John Lawler told journalists Wednesday that the company would be shifting its focus away from all-electric vehicles. This included scrapping an electric three-row SUV previously planned for release in 2025.
The decision marks a major shift in the company's priorities. Two years ago, the automaker restructured, cleaving its production line into two divisions: Ford Blue, which would continue to make traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines, and Ford Model e, which would make its growing line of E.V.s.
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In March, the EPA released rules that would cut the number of new gas-burning vehicles on the road over the next decade. Under its "more stringent emissions standards" for consumer vehicles, the agency foresaw that by 2032, 56 percent of all new vehicles on the road would be electric, while only 16 percent would be hybrids.
The National Automobile Dealers Association called the rule "flawed," as "other market conditions to make EVs broadly attractive to consumers…simply do not yet exist." It cited "vehicle affordability, a sufficient and reliable charging infrastructure, and acceptable charging speeds" as obstacles to widespread acceptance.
Besides, the EPA rule disincentivizes hybrids, needlessly forestalling a feasible transition between gas and electricity.
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But importantly, it's Ford's decision based on changing consumer demand. Switching to cleaner forms of transportation is one of the easiest ways to cut down on our carbon emissions, and the market has spoken: People prefer hybrids to all-electric vehicles. And yet, as usual, government regulators are stuck trying to mandate something for which the demand simply isn't there.
Commentary:
I have no problem with them regulating emissions from facilities or making standards for drinking water, waste control, or use and importation of chemicals. However, when it gets to mandating what consumer goods get made, far too much power is delegated.
We shouldn’t abolish the EPA. But we certinly do need to get their scope in line.
Lest we firget the disasters that the EPA has created.
The created farm animals as a pollution source. Wait what was that REAL ozone destroying science of the 80s? Something about "Cow and Pig Farts." Then there was the "Gold King mine disaster that polluted Colorado river water for a thousand miles endanhering the lives of those using the river resources.
Of course those who control the EPA beliebe they know and have decided that the people should only drive electric vehicles, no matter whether they meet the customer’s needs or not?
As it is, the auto industry has made great inroads in getting better economy from fueled engines using Natural gas (Methane), LPG and Hydrogen...
European manufacturers continue to make inroads using Natural Gas and hydrogen fueled vehicles..
Can Clean Hydrogen Fuel a Clean Energy Future?
By using little to no greenhouse gas emissions during its production, clean hydrogen is an alternative energy source that can help reduce climate emissions.
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Why Havent Hydrogen-powered Cars Gone Mainstream?
Cost and efficiency are a couple of barriers, says Paul Ronney, a USC Viterbi engineering professor.
today.usc.edu
