Biref Introduction and Some interesting facts about hybrid cars

The gasoline engines in hybrid cars are smaller than in standard vehicles, and where they leave off, the electric motor takes over. The hybrid can work on just one of these engines, but hybrid owners will use both to conserve on fuel.

What's Under The Hood?

Most hybrids use the gasoline engine primarily. But when more power is needed, the electric motor kicks in.

In the gasoline engine, there is energy conservation, for example, it instantly shuts off when the vehicle stops. When you hit the pedal again, the engine smoothly turns back on. Meanwhile, the battery keeps all of your appliances on -- lights, radio and other needed features.

As the gasoline engine cuts off and on, it is usually virtually silent. This can confuse the driver and parking attendants, who may think the car is off, but it is actually on. Fortunately, an indicator light has been added, showing the status of the engine.

Benefits

One huge benefit of the hybrid is the fuel savings -- it offers up to 60 miles per gallon. Because of the high cost of gasoline, this makes the hybrid a very popular choice.

Not only do they use less gas, though, they also emit fewer pollutants into the air. In fact, they are up to 90% cleaner than other vehicles. Because the engines are small and efficient, they reduce their total exhaust emissions. This makes them environmentally friendly.

There are many corporations offering incentives such as free parking to those who drive hybrids.

Plus, the US government in offering attractive tax incentives to lure new buyers who are on the fence.

Construction

There are many differences between the hybrid and conventional cars. One is the construction of hybrids. Made of aluminum and plastic, they are lightweight in their design, which in turn makes them able to be powered by smaller, lighter engines.

Many would fear that this offers less protection than other cars, but the fact is they are just as safe. Additional strength is created by manufacturers using panels in specialized shapes to reinforce the strength of the material to resist impact.

Who Makes Them?

The 2 major manufacturers are Honda Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. They brought hybrid vehicles to the US in 2000. The first were the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. Both had great success.

There are now plans for a sport utility vehicle to be made as well as full size trucks through hybrid mechanics. This will be quite popular to many drivers. The hybrids that are on the market are well liked. With all of the environmental issues today as well as the high cost of gas, there is no wonder why this is so.

The bottom line is that hybrid cars are effectively lowering the cost of powering a vehicle and keeping the Earth clean. Hybrid technology offers a highly effective way of moving from place to place.

Some interesting facts about hybrid cars:

1. The world’s first hybrid car was the "Mixte", which was built by Ferdinand Porsche in 1902.
2. Earlier hybrid cars were called as “Semper Vivus” which meant “always alive”.
3. The first commercial hybrid car was Toyota Prius

   

   which was manufactured in Japan in 1997.
4. Hybrid cars are the good for the environment, when the world is facing issues like global warming. It reduces almost 90% of the smog which is released to the environment. And even the gasoline used is less when compared to the normal conventional cars.
5. Hybrid cars are very economical, as they give you 50-60 miles per gallon, and uses just one third of gas which is used by conventional cars.
6. Hybrid cars do not require any plug-in. They get recharged automatically as you drive.
7. Hybrid cars have lower depreciation rates when compared to other gasoline cars. So they will be in demand for many years to come.
8. The United States government offers a tax rebate for people who are using hybrid cars.
9. Though hybrid cars are made of very expensive parts, they also come with warranties, which promise free replacement.
10. Hybrid cars are not only preferred by environmentalists but also by capitalists because of the amount it saves on gasoline.
11. Buying a hybrid car is a sound investment as they have an excellent resale value.
12. When the heavy HEV developments began in the early 1990’s it is said that some of the major manufacturers donated billions of dollars towards the research of hybrid technology.
13. Hybrid technology exists from many years, it was used in mopeds united the gasoline engine and power pedals, it was used in locomotives, submarines, mining trucks and others.
14. Hybrid cars top the order in fuel efficiency for two-seater and mid sized cars.
15. They are very quiet when the run, as they run most of the times of batteries.
16. The speed of a hybrid car is as fast as any conventional car.
17. The Prudential Equity Group has said that 80,000 hybrid cars were sold in the US in 2004.
18. J.D. Powers reports that 256,000 hybrid cars were sold in the US in 2006.
19. As the battery pack in the hybrid cars comes in 38 modules, there is no necessity to replace the entire battery which cost you a lot, but instead you can just replace the one which is not working which is inexpensive.
20. The hybrid technology is targeting at making fuel cells use oxygen and hydrogen to create electricity, wherein the exhaust of this fuel cell is water which will be so clean that it is fit to drink.