Power to the hybrids

Many facets of drivetrain control prompt developments in power storage, systems, and components.

The race to bring more hybrid vehicles was energized early this year when the U.S. Treasury Department offered tax credits ranging up to $3400. Market growth is spurring research and development programs in a range of companies, as vehicle developers and their suppliers search for ways to reduce costs and improve performance.

The tax credits will offset much of the price premium of hybrids, estimated at $2000-$4000 by ABI Research. Manufacturers hope that government aid will further boost already-steep sales, which leapt from 88,000 units in 2004 to more than 200,000 in 2005, according to J.D. Power and Associates. Power says that by 2011, hybrid sales should reach 535,000, or 3% of sales in the U.S.