5 chapters across the catalog
New hybrid flying car models are emerging that use electric motors for takeoff and jet engines for sustained flight, offering a range of 100 miles. However, a recent attempt to fly a "pod" across the English Channel ended in a crash after the engines failed. The hosts remain skeptical of the current "pre-order" investment schemes in the flying car industry.
Electric Vehicle Trends and the Citroën Ami One
The 2019 Geneva Motor Show is dominated by electric and hybrid vehicles as manufacturers race to meet tough new EU emission standards. Highlights include the 2,000-horsepower Pininfarina Battista and the Citroën Ami One, a "slow" urban object that does not require a driver's license. The marketing of hybrids is noted for emphasizing "clean" city driving while maintaining petrol power for long distances.
A review of the Mini Cooper hybrid highlights how small three-cylinder engines are paired with electric motors to provide acceleration boosts. While the electric range is limited, the combination offers a practical application of hybrid technology for city driving. This shift in preference from full electric vehicles like Tesla to hybrids suggests a re-evaluation of battery limitations and vehicle utility.
The "economy mode" in modern cars, which shuts off the engine at stoplights, is criticized for being unnerving and potentially unsafe on steep inclines. Dvorak recounts a test drive where a vehicle rolled backward before the engine restarted.
Auto Industry Bailout, Hybrid Vehicles and Corporate Jets
Automotive executives faced congressional scrutiny over their request for government loans, with critics highlighting their use of corporate jets for travel to the hearings. In response to public backlash, companies like Chrysler are emphasizing their development of hybrid test vehicles and putting private aircraft up for sale. The industry insists these funds are loans rather than the "free money" allegedly given to financial institutions.
