IF THERE was any doubt in your mind that hybrid technology might be the NEXT BIG THING, then consider this.
A hybrid Porsche 911 sports car led most of the Nurburgring 24 Hours race over the weekend. Known as the ‘green hell’ the race on the old, daunting Nordschliefe circuit is an amazing event. I went to it many years ago and was entranced by the spectacle and the sheer scale of the thing.
In the end, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, having led for the best part of 15 hours, met a hitch. “I heard a loud noise at the rear of the car and suddenly the power went,” said Porsche works driver Joerg Bergmeister as he described the abrupt end of victory hopes.
Perhaps not the way Porsche had quite envisaged finishing the race, but that’s often the way with motor racing. Nevertheless, Porsche had proved that the GT3 Hybrid was not only quick, it enjoyed an edge because it go longer between fuel stops.
“The Porsche hybrid technology clearly proved its potential at one of the world’s toughest races. We will continue developing this innovative drive concept,” commented Porsche chairman Michael Macht. “That was certainly not the last race for a Porsche hybrid car.”
With Porsche about to debut its first production hybrid car in the new Cayenne SUV, I suspect you can take Herr Macht at his word.
Mind you, it looks like Land Rover isn’t too far behind. At the end of the year, the four-wheel drive specialists will be testing its first diesel hybrid prototype called the ‘range_e’ which is being developed using a Range Rover Sport platform. Using an existing 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel engine with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the goal is to achieve a range of 20 miles using electric power only; CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km of CO2; and a top speed of around 120mph.
Hybrids are very much a stepping stone towards zero emission cars – such as hydrogen fuel cell cars or battery powered electric cars. And today Nissan announced the price of the first ever volume production run electric car: the Nissan LEAF.
The LEAF will cost £23,350 (27,471 Euros) after government incentives (a 25% refund or up to £5000 on electric cars). The price, which includes the battery, is £28,350 (33,353 Euros) before incentives.
Now, while Nissan is to be congratulated on this achievement, just look at the price. For a compact, zero-emission five-passenger family car, which comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity, that’s a fair chunk of money for an all-new technology unproven in the cut and thrust of the real world. And the range is just 100 miles before recharging.
I don’t want to sound like a party pooper at the green party, but businesses and company car fleets might want to hold off until the LEAF becomes a proven and practical business car – risk assessments about business spend and all that.
The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in February 2011.
Hybrids and electric vehicles. Well, they’re not the only green technology. Back to the Nurburgring 24 Hour race to pick up something of a green theme.
Volkswagen entered a couple of natural gas powered 330hp Scirocco GT24-CNG coupes. The car won its class victory and also celebrated winning the FIA Alternative Energy Cup, which was awarded for the first time. The Sciroccos were powered by Bio Natural Gas. VW says it allows up to an 80% overall reduction of CO2 emissions, while Bio Natural Gas is climate neutral in its manufacture since it is extracted from biomass as well as regenerative raw materials.
Clearly, the route marked ‘environmental motoring nirvana’ takes many paths. And businesses and company car fleets need to make sure they choose the right answer – from the three perspectives of the environment, fit for purpose operations, and of tax.
Business Car Manager: Editor’s Blog
