What's A Hybrid? Basic Facts On This New Technology
January 7th, 2009

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Most consumers have heard of hybrid vehicles, but many of them could not explain the definition. The actual definition of the word “hybrid” is stated as something of mixed origin or composition. This definition fits today’s hybrid vehicles perfectly. A hybrid car is a vehicle that has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The gasoline engine is often smaller than in regular vehicles, allowing the electric motor to compensate with energy. A high-voltage battery charges the electric motor. Although older hybrid cars need to be “plugged up” when not in use, newer hybrids recharge themselves when not in use.

The interesting thing about a hybrid vehicle is that they can often work on just one of the energy resources; the gasoline engine or the electric motor. Most drivers operate their hybrid using both resources however, even though they may not know it.

You will be unaware of what happens under the hood while you drive a hybrid. The car will primarily operate off of power from the gasoline engine. However, when the electric motor is needed, it will take over. The gasoline engine conserves energy by instantly shutting off when the vehicle is stopped. For example, when the vehicle is at a stop light, the gasoline engine will kick off until the gas pedal is pushed again. The radio, lights, and all other components however will stay consistent due to the battery. Although not all hybrids work in this manner, many do.

There have been a few problems with the design of the stopped engine. Since the gasoline engine cuts off and on, it is usually virtually silent. This can confuse a driver or emergency worker. They may think the car is off, when it is actually on. Therefore, there have been improvements in this area, including the addition of an indicator light near the speedometer of most models. This light will tell the driver or a worker that the car is still on. Some manufacturers still suggest chocking the wheels of your hybrid when it is parked to avoid any accidents.

It is no secret that gasoline prices are soaring in the world today. Many drivers complain of increasing prices. Since hybrids run on both a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor, they do not require as much gasoline as regular vehicles. The average miles per gallon a hybrid car will obtain is 50. This is making them very popular with consumers. In turn, since hybrids burn less gasoline than most vehicles, they also emit fewer pollutants. They have shown to be up to 90% cleaner than a conventional automobile. The small and efficient engines also help reduce their total exhaust emissions. They are extremely environmentally friendly.

Hybrids have several features that make them much different than conventional cars. The construction of hybrids is one place in which they differ. Some of today’s hybrids are made of aluminum and plastic. The lightweight design makes the cars able to be powered easily. It may seem that these vehicles would offer less protection than a conventional car, but studies have shown they are safe. The manufacturers can create stability by using panels in various shapes to reinforce the design.

Two of the major manufacturers of hybrid cars are Honda Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. They brought the hybrid to the United States around 2000. They originally brought the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius to the country, with great success. Now, many other manufacturers are getting into hybrid manufacturing. There are plans for sport utility models as well as full size truck models. With consumers flocking to hybrid designs, there is no doubt all manufacturers will be trying to design the best models.

The hybrid vehicle is something that has been well-accepted around the world in the last few years. With concerns like global warming, it is welcoming to have eco-friendly options available for today’s consumers. Employers and city governments are beginning to take note as well, offering employee incentives as well as free city parking. The fact is that they vehicles save the consumer money on gasoline and help keep the environment safe. Buying a new hybrid vehicle is a positive situation for everyone involved

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