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Hybrid cars to reduce reliance on imported crude oil in Sri Lanka
There is a growing demand for Hybrid cars globally as these automobiles address the problem of high gasoline prices and the greenhouse effect.
"Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) reduce emissions and fuel use through increased fuel economy. So far, full-HEV technology has been used to reduce automotive fuel use by up to 40% and reduce emissions to meet most stringent air quality standards", says Dr. Nuraj I. Rajapakse, an expert on the subject.
He said that even though motor vehicles are a core aspect of modern life and economy, they unfortunately pollute the air, soil and water. This is one of the main courses in warming the earth’s climate. In response, some car companies have introduced the biggest change in automotive technology since early in the last century.
Americans are currently buying, over 20,000 HEVs per month; one model, the Toyota Prius has reached sales volumes of over 100,000 units per year. In the California market, hybrids account for 3% of total new light duty vehicle sales. However, total HEV sales are still small compared to annual sales of all vehicles and the total number of vehicles on the road, he explained.
HEVs account for about 1.5% of the annual US market of 17 million new light-duty vehicles, and only 0.2% of the total US fleet of 230 million light duty vehicles. The numbers of makes and models offered as HEVs are small, and sales are just getting started. To spread hybrid technologies across the entire market, and also to replace most vehicles on the road, will take decades, Dr. Rajapakse noted.
Still, HEVs are making an impact beyond their incipient number, primarily by being the first "green" cars on the market and setting a standard of achievement for high fuel economy and low emissions. HEV sales and their halo effect on Toyota and Honda have spurred a contest between automobile makers to supply the latest high-tech, clean, and green technologies, he said.
"We must analyze what differences HEVs are making today and can make in the future for our air, water, security, and climate".
Why should Sri Lankan government take a prompt action to promote Hybrids?
* Hybrid vehicles, with their power supplied by a combination of gasoline and electricity, get gas mileage that is often 40% better than comparable conventionally powered vehicles.
* Since less gasoline is required to drive the same distance, the hybrids reduce the reliance on imported crude oil that will save foreign exchange.
* Decreasing dependence on energy supplies would help to make the nation more secure as the Sri Lankan economy is less vulnerable to fluctuations in the world oil market.
* Hybrids can reduce tailpipe emissions by up to 90% and the greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions by as much as 50%.
* The widespread use of cleaner hybrid cars has less impact on the environment because of the reduced roadside emissions and could
help to meet ozone standards in a less burdensome manner.
* As the number of automobiles is increasing, the world is at threat
of toxic pollutants and global warming due to their exhaust ingredients that will tremendously increase the percentage of unhealthy citizens and expenditure on hospitals.
* Regulation and dependence on emissions control equipment can
be greatly reduced since decreasing the fuel consumption of the car is a practical way to reduce emissions. Furthermore, the widespread
use of these "green" vehicles could lessen the need for additional environmental regulations in other areas.
* Hybrids are part of a solution to Sri Lankan energy woes that includes increased development of domestic resources, diversification of resources, additional conservation measures, and research and development.
* Less noise pollution since hybrid cars are much quieter than gasoline-powered vehicles while idling or on electric mode.
As a government, it should
* Provide tax credits and incentives to keep the hybrid cars affordable.
* Join hands with vehicle importers and the car industries to develop more sustainable vehicles in an attempt to boost energy conservation.
* Promote hybrids in many different ways with a view of protecting the environment for future generations and to lessen the damage from automobiles to keep the citizens free of health hazards.
The Island
Sri Lanka sets up hybrid car maintenance centre
A service station to repair and maintain hybrid cars in Sri Lanka, whose use has risen sharply after an import tax cut, has been set up in the capital Colombo.
About 2,000 hybrid electric vehicles are already on the roads, imported mainly from Japan.
Hybrid Motors Lanka is a joint venture with Hybrid Motors Singapore set up with an investment of 500,000 US dollars.
The first hybrid engineering centre set in Maligawatte in Colombo will be open from Monday and can service about 10 cars a day.
"Hybrid cars are cheap with the import tax cut and we believe more people will buy them now that there is a service centre," Ismail said.
He said they also intend translating into Sinhalese car operating manuals in Japanese that have come with the hybrids which local owners cannot read.
Hybrid Motors managing director Geraldine Lim told Vimasuma.com, our sister news site, they plan to expand the service station network around Sri Lanka if more hybrid cars are imported.
Sri Lanka sets up hybrid car maintenance centre - LANKA BUSINESS ONLINE
There is a growing demand for Hybrid cars globally as these automobiles address the problem of high gasoline prices and the greenhouse effect.
"Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) reduce emissions and fuel use through increased fuel economy. So far, full-HEV technology has been used to reduce automotive fuel use by up to 40% and reduce emissions to meet most stringent air quality standards", says Dr. Nuraj I. Rajapakse, an expert on the subject.
He said that even though motor vehicles are a core aspect of modern life and economy, they unfortunately pollute the air, soil and water. This is one of the main courses in warming the earth’s climate. In response, some car companies have introduced the biggest change in automotive technology since early in the last century.
Americans are currently buying, over 20,000 HEVs per month; one model, the Toyota Prius has reached sales volumes of over 100,000 units per year. In the California market, hybrids account for 3% of total new light duty vehicle sales. However, total HEV sales are still small compared to annual sales of all vehicles and the total number of vehicles on the road, he explained.
HEVs account for about 1.5% of the annual US market of 17 million new light-duty vehicles, and only 0.2% of the total US fleet of 230 million light duty vehicles. The numbers of makes and models offered as HEVs are small, and sales are just getting started. To spread hybrid technologies across the entire market, and also to replace most vehicles on the road, will take decades, Dr. Rajapakse noted.
Still, HEVs are making an impact beyond their incipient number, primarily by being the first "green" cars on the market and setting a standard of achievement for high fuel economy and low emissions. HEV sales and their halo effect on Toyota and Honda have spurred a contest between automobile makers to supply the latest high-tech, clean, and green technologies, he said.
"We must analyze what differences HEVs are making today and can make in the future for our air, water, security, and climate".
Why should Sri Lankan government take a prompt action to promote Hybrids?
* Hybrid vehicles, with their power supplied by a combination of gasoline and electricity, get gas mileage that is often 40% better than comparable conventionally powered vehicles.
* Since less gasoline is required to drive the same distance, the hybrids reduce the reliance on imported crude oil that will save foreign exchange.
* Decreasing dependence on energy supplies would help to make the nation more secure as the Sri Lankan economy is less vulnerable to fluctuations in the world oil market.
* Hybrids can reduce tailpipe emissions by up to 90% and the greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions by as much as 50%.
* The widespread use of cleaner hybrid cars has less impact on the environment because of the reduced roadside emissions and could
help to meet ozone standards in a less burdensome manner.
* As the number of automobiles is increasing, the world is at threat
of toxic pollutants and global warming due to their exhaust ingredients that will tremendously increase the percentage of unhealthy citizens and expenditure on hospitals.
* Regulation and dependence on emissions control equipment can
be greatly reduced since decreasing the fuel consumption of the car is a practical way to reduce emissions. Furthermore, the widespread
use of these "green" vehicles could lessen the need for additional environmental regulations in other areas.
* Hybrids are part of a solution to Sri Lankan energy woes that includes increased development of domestic resources, diversification of resources, additional conservation measures, and research and development.
* Less noise pollution since hybrid cars are much quieter than gasoline-powered vehicles while idling or on electric mode.
As a government, it should
* Provide tax credits and incentives to keep the hybrid cars affordable.
* Join hands with vehicle importers and the car industries to develop more sustainable vehicles in an attempt to boost energy conservation.
* Promote hybrids in many different ways with a view of protecting the environment for future generations and to lessen the damage from automobiles to keep the citizens free of health hazards.
The Island
Sri Lanka sets up hybrid car maintenance centre
A service station to repair and maintain hybrid cars in Sri Lanka, whose use has risen sharply after an import tax cut, has been set up in the capital Colombo.
About 2,000 hybrid electric vehicles are already on the roads, imported mainly from Japan.
Hybrid Motors Lanka is a joint venture with Hybrid Motors Singapore set up with an investment of 500,000 US dollars.
The first hybrid engineering centre set in Maligawatte in Colombo will be open from Monday and can service about 10 cars a day.
"Hybrid cars are cheap with the import tax cut and we believe more people will buy them now that there is a service centre," Ismail said.
He said they also intend translating into Sinhalese car operating manuals in Japanese that have come with the hybrids which local owners cannot read.
Hybrid Motors managing director Geraldine Lim told Vimasuma.com, our sister news site, they plan to expand the service station network around Sri Lanka if more hybrid cars are imported.
Sri Lanka sets up hybrid car maintenance centre - LANKA BUSINESS ONLINE
