New technology claims to offer the ability for automobiles to get 150 miles per gallon.

Photo:Saturn_on_Flickr, Creative Commons, Flickr

Hybrid technology continues to evolve, and with gas prices what they are, interest in efficient vehicles is mounting. A prototype SUV, by AFS Trinity, using the latest in hybrid technology, was tested recently, and it could represent a huge step forward in terms of fuel efficiency — if any of the car makers pick it up. Seattle P.I. reports on the SUV that its creator claims can go 40 miles for only $1:

AFS Trinity’s prototype sport utility vehicles can go 40 miles on a single charge from a standard electric outlet, at which point a gas-powered engine takes over. The SUVs reach top speeds of 90 mph on the highway — and accelerate without a hitch, as Furia demonstrated while speeding Monday on Westlake Avenue North.

However, none of the car makers are showing any solid interest in the technology. One would think that Ford (F) and GM (GM) would take a deeper interest in this hybrid technology. After all, Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC) are doing very well — in part due to an increased interest in hybrid vehicles. And this latest technology, if valid, puts the current generation of hybrids to shame. It could be a good opportunity for floundering US car makers.

The government hasn’t been too keen to encourage alternatives to oil, and private industry, with the subsidies that allow them to maintain the status quo, are also dragging their feet. Even if this hybrid technology needs some tweaking, it is proof of the possibilities — once American ingenuity is backed up with the necessary research dollars.

Disclosure: I do not own stock in any of the companies listed above. I am considering TM and HMC.

Site disclaimer.