There is a big move here in Australia and, I suspect, the rest of the world, to produce small fuel efficient hybrid cars. I believe they are looking at a $15-$20,000 market. The average family car is priced in the $30-$40,000 range so they are looking at smaller cars for a much smaller price.
The concept is, on the face of it, quite reasonable. Smaller cars use smaller amounts of fuel. If the run on hybrid engines there is an even bigger saving. The price is certainly attractive. There is however a range of problems that I don’t think people have thought through very well.
Our government is looking purely at the carbon effect. Manufacturers are looking for survival so if a government is going to throw tax dollars, they will put their hands out. Besides, selling 2 million cars always sounds better than 1.5 million or less.
Australia is a car dominant society. Less than 10% of workforce rely on public transport to get to and from work. In fact car pooling is a bit of a rarity as well. We have our cars, we love our cars, and heaven help anyone who threatens our right to own and drive a car.
Where I take issue with the solutions proposed – that is, the small efficient hybrid car – is that it really won’t solve any problems. In fact, if anything, it will exacerbate them.
Single car households, when the time comes to replace their vehicle, will be able to become dual car households. Rather than spending $35,000 on a new sedan, they will be able to buy two small cars – and still have change. This will have the effect of increasing the number of vehicles on the road.
More vehicles equals more congestion which leads to road rage, car accidents and higher pollution. You can guarantee that two small cars will output more carbon than one medium size car.
Increasing car numbers also leads to other effects often not considered. Two cars means twice the number of tires required, and the associated disposal. We will also have the problem of trying to dispose of more car bodies in the future.
Small cars – even though fuel efficient and using hybrid motors are not the solution. The problem is far larger than just cars. In my next post I will highlight possible solutions to what is becoming a battle of self interests by many players.
It’s ok to have a comment.
Very good post. Yes today all over the world there is necessity of small fuel efficient hybrid cars. It will help in saving fuel and energy as well reduce the congestion on the roads which will be good for environment also. Hopefully manufactures starting thinking on this concept.
I agree, every day there is more cars, everything is congested and everyone is alone in her own car instead of car sharing and cities are not prepared for this
I agree the problem doesn’t just liie with cars. Planes should be addressed because they cause a lot of pollution. Society in general needs to address the problem whether they drive a car or not.
Hi
We had a small rather fuel efficient but not hybrid car
Problem was with the teenagers getting older and our family expanding by one, there soon became no room in the vehicle for family outings let alone away trips
In the end we upgraded to a older model Tarago which now fits in not only the teenagers and the baby and the associated trappings of having a family like sports gear and prams and bicycles and a few of their friends as well
Eventually it will become too big for us once again and we will downsize
This remains one of the biggest issues about them wanting us to have small cars
It is not practical for large families of which now there are so many with extended families and step children
2 cars is not often a viable financial option for a lot of people even with the lower prices Apart from the extra tyres there is the fuel insurance mechanical repairs and so on All which increase our carbon footprints
Why not make a hybrid people mover for the above average family of 2.5 kids
Luv Deb
Theres been a huge increase in the last 4ish months for smaller, cost effective cars. 1.2 – 1.4 sized engines are in high demand where as the higher 1.6 engines and above are failing to sell. The smart hibrids and also any electric based car that helps to reduce your fuel bills tend to be selling very well at the moment here in the UK!
really oil is more expensive .and world must replaced oil with cheap material
This is a good write! Smaller cars now means bigger problems down the road!
It’s time for a change. We have to think different to save fuel and energy to help the environment and the people.