Electric and Hybrid cars may be the wave of the future for environmental friendly cars, but they all use rare-earth metals. With this may come a shortage in the future which would be a set back to the production of these cars. Many sources including the New York Times, have begun to speculate if China is tightening their grip on rare earth metals already. Prabhakar patil, CEO of battery- maker Compact power and former chief of engineer Ford’s hybrid program has recently stated how this problem was not the end all for electric cars. His idea was there was always another way. Toyota confirmed the lack of rare earth materials was not a major concern as of now. Induction motors are a type of motor that do not require rare earth metals, and they’re still good for the environment. In addition, the motor can offer higher efficiency and durability than permanent-magnet motors. Toyota’s executive vice president for research and product development has even stated there is a new development of lighter motors with advanced batteries. These motors would be cheaper. In 2012, Toyota will sell the RAV4 EV compact sport-utility electric vehicle with an induction motor. It is true that China announced it would be reducing rare earth metal exports, but this does not lessen the accomplishment of Toyota. It is a problem that China would begin to reduce rare earth metals exports, butthe only solution is to find away around these metals. Toyota is getting somewhere with their motors, and hopefully they will continue to do so. Other car companies should follow their lead, and discover new ways to help the environment with the resources we have. In my opinion, this new motor sounds like a great idea, along with the production of electric and hybrid cars. If we can help the environment and still get what we need out of it, that is a double win for nature and mankind. http://www.hybridcars.com/news/toyota-developing-electric-motors-dont-need-rare-earth-metals-29238.html
Great for Toyota! This push for more environmentally friendly products continue to inspire many people and encourage the search for highest car efficiency. The foresight into using too much of our rare earth metals resource is also good news in that it shows our thought process of how we use our resources is beginning to change.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a great idea for Toyota! They are setting a good example, and I think that many other car companies are going to follow in their footsteps. I never knew that the hybrid and electric cars are really not quite as good for the environment in the long run as they appear. I don't understand why they would use rare earth metals to begin with.....they are rare, and eventually are going to run out. It didn't seem like a very good idea to begin with, when something is rare, it does not last forever or even that long. I think that what Toyota is doing, is really going to change the way that hybrid and electric cars are looked at, and I think that they will get more business because of what they are doing. Other car companies need to follow Toyota's lead and do what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteI just think it is funny how Toyota said the rare-earth metal is not a problem as of now. But it is going to be a problem someday so why are they not addressing the issue now before they use it all up. The other ideas are great. I just think they need to stop using the rare-earth metals now and figure out a new idea.
ReplyDeleteYay Toyota! I think the new motor is a great idea. I do see the down side in using rare earth materials, and maybe it will be a down fall in the long run but for now we should use the materials that are available. Toyota has made a car that is enviromentally friendly and people seem to love them too! If i had a Hybrid my life would be complete.
ReplyDelete