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But doing more with less is probably where it is all leading, in
the long term.
Hybrid vehicles are an interesting part of this. Ford
says: "The Ford Escape - the first hybrid SUV - is
rated at between 35-40 mpg on the EPA city cycle - an
improvement of at least 75 percent over the conventional
V6-powered Ford Escape on the EPA city cycle". Ford also
say that the hybrid does 400-500 miles on one tank of gas and
produces 81% less smog-forming emissions. Ford have now
introduced two hybrids and 3 more are on the way.
A hybrid RV? I've read two articles this week saying it
will not happen. My guess - it will happen.
In the 1980s, oil reached $90 per barrel (at today's
prices). This was an all-time high. The price shocks
of 1973-74, the late 1970s/early 1980s, and early 1990s were all
followed by recessions, which were then followed by a rebound in
economic growth.
The results of all of this was temporary reduced consumption
in each case, followed overall by an eventual doubling of energy
efficiency, according to the EIA (Energy Information
Administration.
The lasting legacy in each case was the search for energy
efficiency that followed. It will be the same this time
but, perhaps, even more so. Political, social, and
economic forces are all pointing in this direction. And we
have - or will have - the technology to make it possible.
The search for efficiency is on, again.
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