Archive for August, 2010

For over 100 years cars as we know them have been using oil derivates for fuel. Gasoline and diesel both have significant power levels when ignited, they were relatively easy to obtain and for a long time their prices have been low enough to be widely available.

Today gas prices keep soaring and there will be no relief for consumers on the ever increasing price of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are just not a sustainable, renewable energy source. This has made the sale of hybrid vehicles a positive thing in the minds of consumers. The higher gas prices go, the higher the sales tend to be for hybrid vehicles as people try every which way to find ways to live more economically. They also have another large disadvantage. The gases that result after their ignition are very pollutant and are contributing to the problem of global warming.

A typical hybrid electric vehicle or HEV as they are called in the industry has become a very popular option to consider if you are in the market for a new or replacement vehicle.

But in simple terms what makes a hybrid a HIBRID vehicle?
As the word implies it is a combination or mix between two things. The ‘hybrid’ actually in effect has TWO engines. One is electric and the other is an internal combustion engine (which we all know, love and are used to). These engines can work independently or together in a collaborative way to make your car perform the way you want and need it to, consistently.

The hybrid cars engines generally run on an either or basis. That is until the car requires more power, to go much faster, or for passing, changing lanes or starting off quickly. That is when the combination of the two engines together delivers the power and performance that you want and need.

Gasoline is used to start the car and to recharge the battery with electricity. The battery stores this electricity and then uses it to provide a lot of the energy to power the car. The excess energy that comes from the gasoline engine is used mostly to recharge the batteries. Their batteries can also be recharged at fuel stations where the car can literally plug in and charge up.

A micro-controller or small computer in the car switches a hybrid car from one fuel source to another when certain conditions arise. Commonly, this onboard computer switches the car from electricity to gas when the car reaches a certain speed. Usually this is around 50 to 60 MPH. Another condition is when the battery is low the car must also switch to gasoline. These batteries are very good and powerful but can usually only take a car up to 100 miles.

If you are looking particularly for a low emission, fuel efficient and downright wonderfully aerodynamic, automotive style and design, then the Hybrids are for you! Given their advantages, it is hardly surprising that hybrid cars have been gaining in popularity, with the major auto manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Lexus, Toyota, Honda and Renault all in the market.

But what makes a hybrid car even better is the fact that it is a “green”, or eco-friendly car with low operating costs, and hence ideal in these times of extreme pollution and skyrocketing fuel costs.

If you are looking for a new car, these new hybrid vehicles may be just what you are looking for.