Hybrid Cars Help Save The Planet

Buying a new car is spending a considerable amount of money for most people, and with the ever rising oil price it is becoming a more and more expensive affair to own your own car too. With an oil price that works in a way so that a rain in north America raises the price people in Finland pays for gasoline from Russia, it is not strange that the market is eager to be offered more economical cars.

To further complicate matters, we are today well aware that the large scale use of fossil fuel like oil is very bad for the environment. Getting rid of all gasoline powered engines would be great for the environment.

All of the above has resulted in a new breed of cars being rapidly developed. These cars combine the best features of the electric cars with that of conventional, gasoline powered cars. These type of cars are called hybrid cars, and you are likely to hear a lot about them in the very near future.

The electric car revisited

The electric car first sounded like a great idea, since it has no emissions while it runs. However, this is only partially true as the total emissions depends on how the electricity for the electric car is produced - if it comes from a coal plant for example, it isn't very clean at all.

Furthermore, the storage of large amounts of electricity is problematic at best and in practise turns electric cars to pure bread city cars. Storing large ammounts of electricity is unfortunately a rather clumsy affair.

Hybrid cars combine an electric engine with a gasoline powered one, which means the use of gasoline isn't gotten rid of completely but it can be greatly reduced. The dual engines also allow for smaller engines to be used, and they take advantage of things like regenerative breaking.

Naturally the hybrid cars are also extremely lightweight and aerodynamically well designed, all to reduce the energy needed to run them. In slow city traffic the conventional engine is automatically shut of completely, producing no emissions whatsoever. When more speed and power is needed, the conventional engine is allowed to seamlessly kick in partially or fully.

You could own a hybrid car tomorrow

Like much of the car market today, it is the Japanese who have been fastest to develop attractive looking hybrid vehicles, such as the hybrid powered Honda Accord and Toyota Prius. Contrary to what one might believe, these cars have also gotten a warm reception on the market.

The idea of saving on gas is obviously appealing to a lot of people.

Most well established North American manufacturers are also expected to jump on the bandwagon of this lucrative market very soon. Many of them, including Ford, Chevrolet and Mercury have in fact already launched hybrid powered version of some of their models.

Since this is now a phenomenon that all big manufacturers are getting into, you can expect to see many of these cars appearing more commonly at local car dealers. As this is considered cutting edge technology, one can expect the initial prices to be rather high though. But then again, a hybrid car will mean considerable savings on buying gas. As the competition will no doubt be stiff, it will be interesting to see how the pricing of these cars develop during the next few years.

While the best thing for the environment would be to cease using any kinds of fossil fuels, hybrid cars represent one of the best alternatives one can right now - combining the cleanliness of the electric engine with the mileage of a conventional combustion engine. Hybrid cars are certainly not to be considered unorthodox or overly futuristic - they are here NOW.

The Know more about network (http://knowmoreabout.net), has more consumer information about hybrid cars at: http://www.knowmoreabout.net/automotive/hybrid-cars/

Future Hybrid Cars Look

Rising fuel prices have caused people to take a second
look at hybrid cars. Hybrids were originally considered as
flimsy, underpowered toys. They were seen as cars for the
hippies, flower children and tree hugging environmentalists.
After all, why drive a battery-operated toy car when a powerful
gasoline car was easily and cheaply available?

That way of thinking has mostly come to an end. Excessive
fuel prices have consumers flocking to hybrid car dealerships.
In response, the major automobile manufacturers have
developed sleek, powerful, and affordable hybrid cars. Keep in
mind that hybrid cars are still in their infancy. What will future hybrid
cars look like?

Future hybrid cars might look as different from today's hybrids as
the Wright Brothers' first airplane looks from a modern stealth
bomber. Both are recognizable as planes, but nobody could have
predicted the bizarre shape of stealth aircraft. In the same manner,
future hybrid cars could take an entirely unforeseen direction.
However, it is possible to examine today's technology to make a
guess about future hybrid cars.

Today's cars are called hybrids because they combine the best
qualities of their parent cars, the gasoline car and the electric car.
Gasoline cars are expensive to fuel and create pollution. Electric
cars use no gasoline, but have limited range and require plug-in
recharging overnight. Future hybrid cars will likely improve on the
current combination of hybrids with both gas engines and electric
motors.

Internal combustion technology is very well developed. That is why
future hybrid cars will be improved by working on the electrical side
of the car. The first place to begin developing future hybrid cars is
the batteries. The traditional lead acid battery of gasoline cars works
well enough, but is bulky and heavy. Scaling up these batteries for
future hybrid cars would result in cars too large and heavy to move.
Future hybrid cars will have batteries that are lighter, stronger, and last
longer than today's battery technology.

Once more powerful batteries are developed for future hybrid cars,
expect improvements in the electric motor. More powerful batteries
mean that the electric motor will be used more often to propel the hybrid
vehicle. This will save more gas when driving future hybrid cars.

The logical conclusion to the advancement of batteries in future hybrid
cars is an all-electric car. Current battery technology may not be that
advanced yet. However, future hybrid cars may use an advanced battery
system called the fuel cell. Fuel cells on future hybrid cars will combine
hydrogen gas with oxygen from the air to create chemical energy. Of
course, future hybrid cars that run entirely on one source of fuel cannot
continue to be called a hybrid.

Adoz Lizzat is the webmaster of Hybrid cars. A great resource for Hybrid Cars. For More Information visit http://www.acarsz.com

Saving Big With Hybrid Cars

In America, a standard automobile gets an average of 20.4 miles per gallon. With the innovative hybrid technology, consumers can expect to get a lot more mileage for their dollar. According to researchers, the Honda Insight was designed specifically for the purpose of getting the best gas mileage and is said to be the current industry leader in this type of hybrid savings.

Just how much of a difference will consumers see with the Honda Insight hybrid cars? Studies have shown that hybrid cars featuring a manual transmission will get approximately 60 miles per gallon in the city and 66 miles per gallon on the highway. Hybrid cars with an automatic transmission generally provide slightly less than 57 miles per gallon in the city and 56 miles per gallon on the highway.

The brand new 2006 Honda Civic hybrid cars are only manufactured with an automatic transmission and provide an approximate 50 miles per gallon on the highway and/or the city.

As expected, hybrid cars will get better mileage per gallon than that of a hybrid SUVs. The Ford Escape, for example, provides 36 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. Even with these numbers, the hybrid Escape is rated to provide better gas mileage than the non-hybrid Escape, which is only said to provide 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

The most popular reason for consumers to purchase hybrid cars is because they are economical. With the recent rise in gasoline prices, consumers were left searching for an automobile that could provide better gas mileage and found just that in hybrid cars. In addition to their fuel friendly design, hybrid cars are no longer confined to one or two cookie cutter designs. In fact, today's hybrid cars are available in a variety of sizes, colors and are manufactured by a several automobile makers.

With all of the aforementioned benefits, many wonder just how much the convenience of saving money will cost. Surprisingly, hybrid cars are not drastically priced above other non-hybrid automobiles. In fact, hybrid cars & SUVs can be found in prices ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for standard models, but may cost more depending on chosen upgrades. The new hybrid cars are available in the look of typical highway automobiles or those designed with a unique flair. Either way, the manufacturers of hybrid cars believe that while appearance is important, the most important thing about these new technologically advanced autos is the fact that they are both environmentally and wallet friendly.

Find more about auto buying guides and how to find the cars price and many other automotive news and resources on http://www.autonews24h.com/

How To Choose The Best Tire For Your Hybrid Car

Those who are unfamiliar with hybrid cars may not know that most come with new innovative tire designs. When replacing your tires on your hybrid car, you should stick with the low-rolling resistance tires. Those who own hybrid cars however know that these special low-rolling resistance tires are the best thing since the hybrid design itself. Consumers are definitely not the only ones with their eyes on the new low-rolling resistance tires however. Every major tire maker is getting in on the trend with new tires coming out frequently.

You may wonder what low-rolling resistance actually means. The name is a measurement of how tires roll on the road. If the tire rolls easily, then it is considered a low-rolling resistant tire. One benefit of these innovative tires is that they minimize the energy used by the tire. Tires use energy as heat in three different locations. First, there is heat between the tire and the road. Secondly, there is heat between the tire and the sidewall. Lastly, there is heat between the tire and the rim. The great thing about the low-rolling resistance tires is that they maintain traction, handling, and durability. When used with special suspension and brakes, they reduce resistance even more. The tires go through all of the approval standards of normal tires, so you can be sure they are safe to use.

Now that you know more about tires, you may wonder how they can make tires that reduce the energy usage. The answer is that tire manufacturers are using several different elements to create low-rolling resistance tires. First, they focus on the design of the tread. Different companies are using different designs, so you may seem many different designs coming to the consumer soon. After choosing a great design, they also choose lighter and stronger materials and reduce the sidewall to reduce flexing of the tire. The tires are made to run without air pressure. Most of them can still be used for up to 50 miles with no air pressure whatsoever. This is an amazing trait of these tires. With tires that can run without air pressure, you really have no need to carry around a jack or other tools for changing tires. You would have plenty of time to get to the mechanic shop or home before your tire would be useless.

Studies have shown that using low-rolling resistant tires on your vehicle can save on your gas budget. These efficient tires are fitted for each vehicle, which in turn will make your vehicle run smoother and more efficiently. It is estimated that you can save up to 6% on gas usage when using low-rolling resistance tires on your car. When considering these tires, which tend to cost about $40 more than regular tires for a complete set, think about what you could save at the pump. You may be spending a little more when purchasing the tire set, but you will save more than you are spending in the long run.

Although these great tires can save you bundles, low-rolling resistance tires have had a few complaints. Some drivers don't like the way they handle on the road. But most low-rolling resistance tires have great tread, if you are a wild driver, they may not be as great for handling. However, slow or cautious drivers have seen no negative change. It is more of a personal preference when it comes to how they handle.

Consumers are taking the benefits of the new low-rolling resistance tires very seriously. California has even passed legislation that requires all replacement tires sold in the state to be as efficient as tires on new vehicles, which are mostly low-rolling resistance tires. This is a huge step toward the low-rolling resistance trend. More states are considering legislation as well.

When looking for new tires for your hybrid, be sure to check out the low-rolling resistance options. It is likely that your old tires were low-rolling resistance tires, so you will be used to the features they offer, whether or not you knew about their benefits before. You may be spending a little more in the beginning, but you will make up the upfront cost in gas savings almost immediately.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get auto parts at http://www.car-parts-plus.com/

How Hybrid Cars Work

From the first moment you step into a hybrid car, you will notice that a multitude of things are vastly different than your conventional vehicle. Turn the ignition key, and you will notice just how quiet these things are. For example, if you happen to be sitting in a Toyata Prius the car's electric generator will quietly fire up the conventional internal combustion engine, or "ICE". As the ICE comes up to operating temperature it will automatically be shut off, which brings the car's electric motor completely online. The gasoline engine will remain in a dormant state until it is further needed. The Toyata Prius will remain completely in electric mode as long as speeds fall under the 15 M.P.H. limit. As long as you don't exceed that speed, you are driving an entirely electric powered vehicle which is using absolutely no gasoline, nor releasing any harmful emissions from its exhaust system. Obviously, if you drive a bit more aggressively, or exceed 15 M.P.H. the ICE will again come online to produce the necessary, additional power required. A computer is constantly calculating the power requirements and sending this data to a device called a power split, which connects the electric and gasoline engines through a series of gears.

Things work slightly differently if you happen to be in a Honda Insight. The gasoline engines in these vehicles remain online from first start until they reach operating temperature, and come to a first stop. The ICE will become completely dormant at that point. As soon as you remove your foot from the brake pedal, shift into gear, or depress the accelerator the combustion will again come online to provide additional power as required. The variety of available transmissions in the Honda line of vehicles has made it necessary to utilize a bit more elaborate system of engaging and disengaging the electric motors. The dash panel will keep you constantly informed of the amount of electrical assist that is being provided. All the while a computer is in the background calculating how much power is required, and allowing the electrical assist to occur. This type of system allows for near conventional car performance, while achieving much greater fuel economy.

The nickel metal hybrid battery systems in these vehicles are quite fascinating. Again, a computer is constantly making calculations, sending power from the batteries to the electric motors when required. When the vehicle is in braking mode the electric motor begins to act as a generator, supplying the batteries with their needed charge. The computer is constantly monitoring the amount of charge in the batteries and maintaining a 30% - 80% charge at all times. These minimum and maximum levels are what allow these batteries to last in excess of 200,000 miles. That's a quite impressive lifecycle for battery technology, and a great thing as hybrid car batteries are quite expensive.

While this is a very simplistic overview of a very complex system, it does give you a basic understanding of the inner workings of the hybrid cars of today, and will hopefully be of assistance as you continue your quest of buying a hybrid car.

Thomas Manning is a highly experienced automotive technician and author, who frequently contributes to the hybrid cars information website http://www.hybrid-rides.com

I Hate Hybrid Cars!

Drivers in the U.S. are buying hybrid vehicles, not because they want them, but because they can't afford to drive any other type of car. With gas prices setting all-time records and heading toward $4 per gallon, consumers are forced to drive a car that gets the most miles per dollar spent. That's an overpriced hybrid car.

The truth is that hybrids may get better mileage than a traditional car, but it's nothing to write home about. First, hybrids cost more. The slightly better mileage means that if you keep your hybrid car for from 3 to 5 years you may make up for the higher cost. That doesn't seem like such a good deal, does it? But it's all we have and that's why folks are buying the darn things.

The good news is that big improvements are on the way. AFS Trinity Power Corp. has been awarded a patent for a new flywheel technology that is expected to be used in second-generation flywheel/diesel hybrid trucks and buses.

This new flywheel within a flywheel technology is expected to make possible two key functions in both automobile and stationary power systems that utilize fuel cells and/or micro turbines. The problem is that these gadgets are constant power output devices, which means they can't speed up fast enough for acceptable acceleration and passing. The new flywheel gizmo may correct that.

Is this the huge breakthrough in automotive propulsion that we've been waiting for? Probably not, but it's an indication that a bunch of really smart people are working on the problem of developing a car that gets a million miles per gallon... or something like that.

President Bush recently signed a federal energy bill that encourages the use of fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles and offers substantial tax breaks. The bill proclaims that high-efficiency vehicles, either hybrid or diesel, will receive credits on a sliding scale based on efficiency. Let me translate - "credits" mean MONEY! The maximum credit for light-duty vehicles is expected to be about $3,400.

When Uncle Sam starts handing out cash, two exciting things begin happening. Number One: Lobbyist begin shoveling it into their pockets. Number two: Lights go on in garages all across the country as inventors strive to solve the problem. You might say they are burning the midnight oil - one of the few fuels that is not necessarily in short supply.

Some point out that there is already a system to make biodiesel from vegetable oils for as little as 70 cents a gallon. This fuel does not contribute to global warming, has no obnoxious odor and is overall pollutant-free. Did you know that years ago Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine to run on peanut oil? Nutty, huh?

Another alternative mentioned from time to time is alcohol fuel, or ethanol. It is usually made from fermented corn; it blends as much as 85 percent alcohol and 15 percent gasoline and runs gasoline engines very nicely. Oh, it has a minor drawback, if you consider being highly explosive a drawback. That stuff could turn a Morris Mini into a rocket ship!

Yes, I hate the hybrids... of today, but I just can't wait to see what's coming tomorrow.

Mark Walters writes about hybrid vehicles at http://www.hybridvehiclestar.com and offers a free course titled Car Buying Tips.

Facts You Need to Know About Hybrid Cars

Hybrid car has become immensely popular after Honda Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation introduced these cars in the US market in 2000. The US Government offers incentives to those willing to buy hybrid car and many corporations are willing to provide free parking. Why have these hybrid cars become so popular?

You need to know some facts about the hybrid car as to why it has become so popular. However one must understand the meaning of hybrid. Hybrid means that something additional has been mixed with the original. A hybrid car has a gas engine as well as an electric motor which runs on batteries. These batteries get automatically charged when the vehicle is running. There is thus no extra effort required to charge the batteries separately.

Almost all the hybrids primarily use gas engine, but is also fitted with an electric motor, which is activated when more power is needed. Anyone of them or both of them can be used to run the car. When the car stops the gasoline engine also stops automatically. As soon as the gas pedal is pressed again the engine comes back to life immediately. During the off condition of the engine, essentials such as lights, radio, etc are kept on with the help of battery. The off state being extremely silent can deceive the driver as well as the parking attendant. Fortunately, lighting indication is provided to show the idle condition of the engine.

There are numerous direct and indirect advantages of hybrid cars. The most talked about advantage of hybrid cars is its fuel economy and a higher mileage. Secondly, the hybrid cars use less fuel and are environmental friendly because there are less pollutants being emitted into the atmosphere. Hybrid cars are lightweight because they are made of aluminum and plastic.

The manufacturers have taken care of the safety measures of the hybrid cars by providing specialized shaped panels to the body of the car, which provides strength to withstand impact of any kind. The main advantage of the hybrid car is that it reduces the overall cost of running a car and keeps the atmosphere clean and healthy for everyone of us.

You will be wiser about the hybrid car provided you knew the facts you needed to know about the Hybrid Car. These are the reasons sufficient for you to decide in favor of hybrid cars and discharge your responsibility of being a responsible citizen besides saving substantially on your monthly fuel bill.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get patented car care products at http://www.stopwaxing.com