hybrid electric cars?

Question

Do you think these cars are worth the money in the long haul and you think they will save the environment, what about the acids and the lead in the batteries, and what at those people that need to be rescued?

Answer 1

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I'm more excited about the next generation of hybrids than I am about this current crop. But yes, hybrids can save both money and fuel.
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The hybrids on the market now are "parallel" hybrids. That is, both the gas and electric motors connect to the wheels. Here's the next generation:
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http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/01/07/detroit-auto-show-its-here-gms-plug-in-hybrid-is-the-chevy-v/
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The Chevy Volt is a "serial" hybrid. In this type of hybrid, there are not two transmissions - there is only one. The electric motor connects to the wheels, and the gas engine merely charges the batteries. This arrangement is better because the electric motor is far more efficient than the gas engine is. Gas engines are only efficient when they are running at their most optimum speed, and that's exactly what is can do while charging the batteries.
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Serial hybrids can also "plug in" and use grid electricity to drive (which costs as little as one cent per mile.)
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Lead-acid batteries aren't used by hybrids - the current generation uses NIMH batteries. But the next generation will use Li-Ion batteries, which will have very long lifetimes and a low potential for environmental harm.
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Take a look at the very latest in battery research. The Altairnano batteries are Li-Ion batteries that have been re-engineered for safety, long life, and fast charging. They are used in this all-electric car:
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http://phoenixmotorcars.com/models/fleet.html
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The Phoenix can travel up to 250 miles per charge, carries 5 passengers plus cargo at 95mph, charges in only 10 minutes, and has batteries that will last over 250,000 miles (for the life of the car.) Yes, it's a real car, orders have been taken and they begin building cars this month. Cost is about $45,000, but that price will fall if enough sales can be made.
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Answer 2

I assume from the question that you are talking about a carmakers compromise, attempting to increase fuel economy or battery range by reducing power and speed, by making the whole car smaller (for large people, less comfortable) and making design choices to maximize efficiency rather than style. It doesn't have to be that way. Electric and hybrid cars can definitely compete in terms of comfort and looks. A car's looks are completely independent of the power train. The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid looks just like the gas version and has all the same amenities. One could build an all-electric or hybrid drive train for any car, so looks are a non-issue. Comfort, in terms of the way the seats are designed, the shape of the interior--is also a non issue. In terms of climate control, at present electric cars have problems with both heating and air conditioning. Both systems dramatically reduce an electric car's battery range. In terms of speed and power, hybrid cars can be built to have more of both. If you look at the Honda Insight, there's an obvious design similarity to the Honda CRX from 20 years earlier. Where the CRX HF had a 1.3L 58-hp engine and got 45 mpg, the 2010 Insight has a 1.3L, 98hp engine PLUS a 13hp electric motor for a total of 111hp and 43 mpg. So the hybrid has nearly double the power, and fuel economy that's almost as good. In other words, the hybrid lets us have econo-box mileage with regular car power. For electric cars, the real issue is not speed, power, comfort or looks, but range. You could have 1500 hp in an electric car, you could go 0-60 in no time flat--and then run out of battery in less than a mile. Or you can build an electric to handle long ranges on a single charge--but with anemic power and a low top speed. With current technology, if you want an electric car with regular car power and speed, you're going to have to plug in after about 35 miles.