A Few Facts On Hybrids
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.