We are all looking forward to the mass market introduction of the Chevy Volt in November of 2010. We also anticipate a good reaction to the Nissan Leaf with its 100 mile electric range. But those two efficient autos will be passed on the freeway by the Porsche 918.

Alright, the 918 is just a concept car. But it does get 78 MPG and by our reckoning has around 700 horsepower to play with. It can drive a full 16 miles on battery power alone and offers an almost endless blend of electric motor / V8 options. Basically you can run this car on wall socket power or gasoline or you can combine the two and go 200 MPH. So how does this supercar help solve the world’s energy crisis? The same way space programs have helped us.

The Space Shuttle program was one of the least efficient means of delivering satellites into orbit imaginable. At two billion dollars a launch when we used the shuttle to place communications and defense technologies into space the cost was, pardon the pun, astronomical. But the scientific growth acquired along the way as we developed and improved the shuttle has tremendously changed life on Earth for the better.

Porsche has introduced in the 918 impressive technological gains in many areas. One particular area is in the capturing of regenerative power during braking. The additive drive system used in the Porsche 918 that allows one the ultimate electric overdrive is another important development as it further meshes electric and internal combustion power. The carbon fibre construction components used will no doubt soon be seen in production models.
Perhaps the most impressive development that will no doubt spring from the Porsche 918 concept car is the understanding that hybrid and totally electric cars can be efficient and good for the earth yet still be glamorous and exciting.