A car that has three engines and two fuels? Yes, you read that right. The car in question has been resurrected after its initial launch in 1978, and the result of that resurrection is something truly remarkable. While the biggest and most successful automotive manufacturers have spent millions of dollars or perhaps even more on finding and perfecting the “fuel of the future”, some companies have spent their resources and time inspecting their existing technological infrastructure and have created a car that has the automotive world amazed and intrigued.
What is the history of mixing engine types and different fuel sources?
The exact term we are referring to is hybrid. The hybrid vehicle makes use of a traditional gasoline-powered internal combustion engine as well as one or more (usually more) electric motors. Hence the hybrid name. After the initial excitement and amazement the world felt for the electric vehicle, many problems have emerged as the lithium battery packs used in most EVs are complex and expensive to produce.
The answer, according to some, is the hybrid engine. A hybrid engine makes the most sense as we continue to work on the infrastructure and technology for the EV’s future. Some however view the electrification of the automotive sector differently and have always done so. Especially those of a Asian persuasion. The Asian automotive sector has been more concerned with the future of the automobile as opposed to the financial benefits of the EV evolution.
The very first hybrid car worth mentioning was the Toyota Prius. The Prius introduced the automotive world to the concept of the hybrid engine. The popularity of the technology became the trend as companies like Tesla and BYD doubled down on the electric side. While companies like Hyundai pioneered other fuel sources like hydrogen to fuel their cars for the future.
What has this legendary Japanese manufacturer created that is so special?
The new announcement comes to us from the iconic manufacturer, Honda. In 1978 they released the Honda Prelude to the Japanese public. The car was so successful that they decided to do an international release of the first generation model at the 1979 AutoRAI in Amsterdam. The Prelude was the first Honda model to offer a power moonroof as standard equipment, which eventually became a trademark of the model.
Now, Honda has announced that the iconic Prelude is due to make a comeback this year as a hybrid. The stylish two-door coupe will feature the new technology that Honda has been pioneering and will make use of a gasoline engine, two electric motors, and a battery. Honda stated that this is based on a similar system used in the Accord and Civic hybrids.
Wile the world’s EV manufacturers concentrate their efforts on the electric motor technology, Honda and their counterparts have concentrated their efforts on mixing fuels in a car with multiple engines and electric motors. The new generation of the Prelude model is due for release this year, the price is rumored to be around $35,000, depending on extras.
Is the hybrid engine the best option for the cars of the future?
At the moment, the answer is yes. While the emergence of the electric vehicle is promising and a step in the right direction, the practicality and availability are yet to reach the required level to make the EV more affordable. The new and available fuel sources are astounding and mysterious, but if Honda can prove the hybrid is a more sensible option than the EV, Honda will experience huge sales. The world’s consumers have given the automotive industry the goal of creating more sustainable fuel sources that are in line with our carbon-neutral goals. How will the new Prelude compare against the EV? Time will tell.
