Driving force of hybrid vehicles

Gas-electric "hybrid" dream cars have started as an engineering concept at the turn of the 21st century, displayed at auto trade shows to gauge public acceptance and market potential. But after a few years, in a wink of time in car development, hybrids evolved as one of the most sought after automotive trends. Many components have come into play in the advancement of this technology, but one element such as copper has been indispensable in boosting the growth of hybrid vehicles. According to General Motors (GM) chief engineer Tim Grewe, "Copper has two significant roles in hybrids: (1) runs the electricity so you have large amounts of copper in the motor and battery; and (2) copper technology makes hybrids to be viable commercially." Vehicles, along with their electronic components, must be made robust to stay for longer years and miles after hard driving, unlike electronic products that remain stationary throughout their lifetimes. Grewe pointed out that for many hybrid automotive components, including electric motors and the electronics and circuit boards that regulate them, manufacturers like GM turn to "high ounce," or heavy weight, copper laminates. Long-term vision "Using 15oz copper allows us to mass produce systems, which is very cost-effective," he said. Now that the production lines are up and running, GM seeks to increase its present number of hybrid models from six to 15 by 2012. GM's two-mode hybrid system is an example of how hybrids progress. It includes two powerful copper-wound electric motors built into the drivetrain, which allows even large vehicles, like SUVs or pickup trucks, to operate at 30mph using electric power alone. As speed increases, the vehicle's conventional gas engine takes over, but supplemental electric power helps to improve fuel economy while recharging the batteries. This system was recently recognized with a prestigious 2008 Technology of the Year industry award. Toyota's innovation Meanwhile, Toyota, an early leader in hybrid technology, unveiled a third-generation Prius for 2010 that will get up to 50mpg. More than one million models of the Prius have been sold worldwide since the car's introduction in 1997. Wade Hoyt, Toyota's public affairs manager in New York, noted copper's contribution to the Prius. "Copper is used for all the windings in our two electric motors, which is an important part in the hybrid synergy drive," he said. Hybrid design, along with other automotive technology, has entered a period of rapid advancement, but industry insiders say that regardless of how tomorrow's vehicles evolve, copper will remain a critical component. Hybrid outlook "The hybrid market is still relatively young," said Brian Corbett, manager of hybrid communications, GM. "It's still growing and it's hard to say if it has exploded. It's a part of the market with a promising visibility." He pointed out that hybrids only accounted for about 3 percent in 2008 market, but within the next decade he foresees that percentage to rise to about 15 percent or higher. "In 2000, it was just small 'mage' cars," Corbett said. "They were narrow-purpose vehicles that looked a little strange. In 2009, there's a much broader array of vehicles that people really want, and not just customized image cars." The copper industry, which produces wide electrical and electronic components and is a key supplier to the automotive manufacturers, has been a major proponent of hybrid development. "Increased market shares for hybrid vehicles tend to have a positive impact on copper,?said Robert Weed, VP for the Copper Development Association (CDA) in Detroit. "Copper is still the most efficient and most preferred material when it comes to conducting electricity." New engineering systems Innovations like hybrids, and the all-electric cars now on the drawing boards, typically need novel engMens Running Shoes