Truckers' strike/slowdown

[tw]

Originally Posted by BrianR

Back to the thread topic, it's not so much the engine power, it's the gearing. That's how I can take only a little more hp than is in the average pick 'em up truck and haul heavy loads long distances that would burn out that motor.

IOW adapting to changing loads. How do automakers solve that problem with obsolete technology engines? Bean counters makes engines bigger to burn more gas - the V-8 engine. Why? Innovation harms profits; an MBA principle when profits (not the product) are more important.

What makes the hybrid a potential solution? Same reason why 1930 diesel electric locomotives obsolete the steam engine. Technology was that well understood for that long. Adapt a smaller engine smarter to changing loads means more energy in each gallon of gas, instead, does productive work.

Fools want to solve this problem by inventing mythical fuels (hydrogen), or price controls, or taxing the oil companies. But the concept - a solution - is demonstrated by even in trucks.