Once upon a time (really only a decade ago), hybrid vehicles were facing an uphill battle for public acceptance. Then, as if gifted from the gods, gas prices began to skyrocket. Suddenly, all things hybrid are hot. And not only cars – other hybrid vehicles are now beginning to filter into the market.
A very cool example is the Suzuki Crosscage (pictured), a hydrogen concept motorcycle that Suzuki first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last November. Not only does this invention cut down on gas consumption, it also could eliminate the loud hum of the traditional motorcycle engine. While that feature may turn off motorcycle purists, it will certainly appeal to the alt-energy crowd and those frustrated with noise pollution. Replacing the traditional combustion engine in the Crosscage is a fuel cell that recharges a battery-powered electric motor. And the bike is not only desirable for its fuel-saving capability; it also sports a sleek and cool design - including a full digital dash. But the bike does have a downside: speed is expected to top out at around 62 miles per hour – a little too slow for most highway-blazing adrenaline junkies. Still the concept is promising enough that, while many people thought the Crosscage would gestate in the concept stage a lot longer (as many vehicle concepts tend to), Suzuki has already moved the hybrid bike into development. The motorcycle is being developed in conjunction with British Intelligent Energy, which has its own hydrogen generation plants. The company’s existing home hydrogen generation system could mean Crosscage riders will be able to create their own hydrogen at home – a nice perk. Look for the Crosscage to be available in the not-too-distant future.
Off land, the hybrid is also getting some play. Though it comes with a price tag of $180,000, the Frauscher 757 St. Tropez Hybrid is one of the first hybrid boats to hit the market. As Frauscher states: “this environmentally friendly hybrid solution marks a new chapter in the history of pleasure craft propulsion”. The 757 St. Tropez Hybrid has a number of benefits to boaters, among them zero emission and low speed maneuvering in harbors and noiseless drive on inland waters and nature reserves. The hybrid boat also eliminates the need for separate generator units for other onboard equipment. The electric drive mode allows for a speed of 5 knots without using any oil. As it picks up speed, the electric engine then starts the diesel engine and the electric battery is recharged. But the electric motor not only saves fuel, it also jumps into action and adds additional power when the boat is at full throttle. And the 757 St. Tropez Hybrid isn’t too hard on the eyes either. With a classy, old-school look - including a navy blue exterior, rich mahogany on the front and back, and fine leather seats, the Frauscher is good way to save on fuel, reduce water pollutants and look elegant doing it.
Both the Crosscage and the Frauscher point to a near future of hybrid everything. Any vehicle that once required gas to function will soon be produced in a hybrid version. And if there’s any reason to applaud the ridiculous gas prices that have filched American pockets, it’s because they’ve given hybrid production and perception the nudge forward it needed. Soon enough, we’ll be living in a hybrid world.
