Are hybrid powertrains the way of the future or just a stopgap on the way to even more efficient hydrogen fueled vehicles? Well, while the future is not yet fully charted being that new technologies may yet emerge making what we know now seem archaic, many automakers are investing heavily in hybrid technology, understanding that even if a working hydrogen infrastructure makes the clean-burning gas more available, those cars that use a hydrogen fuel cell system to make energy, rather than a more conventional ICE (internal combustion engine) powered by hydrogen, will need an electric drive system to drive the wheels.
Currently, Toyota is the hybrid leader, with seven unique namesake and Lexus branded models powered by its Hybrid Synergy Drive system, besting its next rival, Honda, by four, and soon five once the Insight ends production next year. Ford has two gasoline-electric models, its Escape Hybrid and U.S.-only Mercury Mariner Hybrid, with a Fusion Hybrid to follow, and GM has a full-size pickup truck duo, the Chevy Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid, plus Tahoe Hybrid and Cadillac Escalade Hybrids, and no doubt more based this new platform, on the way. Chrysler Group has announced a number of SUV hybrids, while Nissan, Subaru and others are stepping up to the plate with hybrids of their own - although the two Japanese brands will be licensing variants of Toyotas system.
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