Power Packed Features of Latest Hybrid Car

Gaze around and you will find cars which are not only attractive to look but also extremely powerful. Yes we are talking about hybrid car. A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses primarily three distinct source of power. Those are:

? An on-board rechargeable energy storage system or known as RESS and a fueled power source for vehicle propulsion

? A normal bicycle where rider can get extra power battery

? A sail boat with electric power

The term hybrid is basically used in relation with cars also has other uses. However, earlier the word hybrid was used in the United States to mean a vehicle of mixed national origin. If we travel few years back we come to know that it was a European car fitted with American mechanical components. But now this meaning has completely fallen out as now hybrid is often used to describe an engine swap. Few expert motor analysts have also referred to flexible-fuel vehicles as hybrids because they can use a mixture of different fuels, typically gasoline and ethanol alcohol fuel.

With people getting environment conscious, the one main consumer decision most people try to make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car or vehicle we drive. That?s why hybrid cars are gaining importance and popularity. Hybrid cars offer drivers a pioneering, competent, and reasonably priced option. After continuous running on roads, hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers.

At times people think are hybrid cars competent enough and provide same features and facilities. The answer is yes, a hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine which is combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. Thus, the electric motor is motorized by batteries that recharge mechanically while you drive. Talking about its efficiency, hybrid cars are power packed with the following features:

1. Smaller and more efficient engines

2. Regenerative braking ? Herein the electric motor that drives the hybrid car can also slow the car. Thus, in this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down

3. Periodic engine shut off ? This is the main highlight of hybrid cars. When a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear

4. Advanced aerodynamics ? This has reduced the drag considerably

5. Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires ? It is powered with narrow, stiffer tires have less drag

6. Lightweight materials ? It subsequently increases the efficiency of hybrid cars

Thus, owing a hybrid car will not only do wonders for you and your pocket but also to environment.

Author is automobile engineer. Currently he writes on environment friendly Hybrid Car at http://www.hybridcarinformation.info