Careers in the Hybrid Car Industry: Re-Emerging Opportunities

Hybrid cars were actually invented over a century ago. The first patent application was by H. Piper in 1905. The design encompassed the gasoline-electricity power combination that make today’s hybrid car popular. However, the intent behind the engine design wasn’t to save gasoline and reduce emissions but to utilize electricity to supplement the gas engine’s power. The design specifications claimed that the combined-power engine would enable acceleration to 25 mph in an amazing 10 seconds, which was three times faster than other cars of the era—quite a feat then but far from the power and efficiency of today’s hybrid vehicle.

Unfortunately, by the time the patent was awarded three years later, ‘standard’ gasoline engines had become powerful enough that Mr. Piper found no ready market for his innovative design. Little did anyone know then how industrial history would unfold itself.

Rising fuel costs, decreased fossil fuel supplies, tax incentives and environmental concerns lift hybrid cars into the spotlight once again. The quick acceptance and growing demand for the multiple power-sourced vehicles solidly indicate that the hybrid car industry is here to stay.

If you are searching for a new career in an environmental-friendly field, consider this newly re-emerging and evolving industry.

Expansive Career Paths

From conception to repair, a long list of career and employment opportunities exist within the automotive industry’s hybrid car sub-division. Some of the career fields that are directly related to or enhanced by the hybrid car industry include:

1. Mechanical Engineering: The engineering branch that involves design, construction and operation of machinery, whether automobiles, farm machinery or any other type of machinery.

2. Electrical Engineering: The engineering branch that encompasses practical application of electricity and its theory and construction of electrical machinery.

3. Automotive Design Engineer: From futuristic to practical designs, these engineers forecast and create the automobiles of today and tomorrow.

4. Computer Aided Design: This specialized field of design uses computer technology to create designs, blueprints, and theory expansion. This applies directly to the engineering side of the design field in the hybrid car industry.

5. Marketing: Full-range marketing of hybrid cars educates, tempts, and coaxes potential buyers into the hybrid car market.

6. Business Administration or Management: Whether the position is with the manufacturer, the transportation company, or the receiving dealer, a BA or BM degree holder can find a home in this fast-growing specialty automotive field.

7. Sales: The front-line hybrid car representative, a sales associate must have a thorough knowledge of the benefits, limitations, and serviceability of hybrid cars. Salespeople who specialize in hybrid vehicles address with confidence the newest vehicle genre on the market today and can earn larger paychecks with in-depth knowledge and sales experience. Extend the sales position concept, and a dealership arises, increasing profit margins and versatility.

8. Repair Technician: Hybrid cars are unique vehicle types that require highly specialized knowledge, training, and expertise to repair. Not every mechanic can get these vehicles serviced and back on the road.

9. Environmental Engineer: The nature of a hybrid car entails saving fossil fuels and reducing the hybrid automobile’s carbon footprint. An environmental engineer can identify and recommend resolutions to environmental impact areas and concerns in the design and operation of hybrid cars.

10. Robotics Engineer: Because many manufacturers use robotics on the assembly line, a robotics engineering degree can open industrial positions closed to many.

Summary

Hybrid cars are a driving force of the future of the automobile. Finding a comfortable niche early in its rejuvenation can lead to a highly satisfying career that can last a lifetime.

Guest post:
About the Author

JC Ryan is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them understand which online courses and online schools they can choose from to reach their goals.