Honda confirms hybrid electric car plans

If you look at how broadband is merging your computer with your TV until one subsumes the other, there may be similarities with fossil being subsumed by electric power. Honda hedged with their fairly cheap sandwich motor between the engine and transmission, presumably diverting revenues for the FCX Clarity. Toyota spent a whole lot more developing the more complex Synergy powertrain, with no yet visible fuel cell effort (no NGV effort either). Since the Insight, Honda hybrid powertrains fit mainstream models. Toyota has developed the ability to use Synergy for an eight-cylinder engine, where Honda built and then desisted with a hybrid V-6. Honda has better marketing and more nimble engineering. Toyota has sheer size (and nice licensing revenues from other carmakers using Synergy). Shutting down the Tundra is an embarrassment, but then again Ridgeline has taken a beating too. Toyota joins with the native U.S. industry in opposing CARB while Honda alone declines. They are evenly matched, and the indisputable main event in global car technology.

Agree with you comment8 on the power and weight - it's the best way forward. However, the Mini with stop start isn't being used in the city, where the tech works best, so yes it's a bit pointless on a non-city car! 22mpg BMW yes, but it's a 3 litre engine! I was thinking more of a, say, 1.4 litre twin-turbo for most cars - frugal with an easy right foot, fast enough if want it to be!

Yeah I agree with all your points. If we believe the papers (lol) current hybrids are a frauds, alternatives mentioned here the way forward. Thing is I've a thing for this CR-Z and having been desperately hoping its revolution and not revolting. I see this as a second car short trips humming around like in Logan’s Run but with a bit of lightweight fun MX5 style without being gay. I'd keep the older dirtier motor for long runs if GB or the Eaton fag lets me. Getting a new car is complicated first sort out your eco-politics, then like buying a TV you've got to trawl through the tech and bet on a standard, with it in mind there is something better on the horizon (e.g. Lithium ion) and a retrospective tax to follow. Ho hum.