Hybrid Vehicles Rise To The Top Of The Car Market

For many years people have often owned or driven cars that are not only to help for transportation purposes but are also there for improving the overall mobility experience.

In recent past times, people also drove cars to show off or flaunt their status symbol or just for the sake of casual and fun joy rides.

But those good times are turning into rare dreams now. For every motorist, it's really getting harder and harder each day. Almost everybody, may it be a student or a retired senior person, is troubled and concerned about the zooming up gasoline or oil prices.

Given the constantly rising increases in gasoline prices, which come almost on a weekly basis, there is no wonder why people are forced to limit the use of car to a basic necessity.

Hybrid vehicles

During the start of the new millennium, giant car manufacturers had heralded great news about the development of modern cars that would significantly cut oil consumption.

Japanese car makers Toyota and Honda started with their research on alternative fuel efficient transmission systems and soon became the pioneers in this particular endeavor. Their United States and German counterparts followed the trend soon.

That was the emergence of hybrid vehicles in the now sluggish global car industry.

But what exactly are hybrid vehicles? Literally, the word 'hybrid' means a crossover or integration of two systems or components. Applying this term for vehicles, it means a combination of two types of cars, the gasoline powered cars and the electric powered cars.

Before understanding the hybrids further, let's get familiarized with the two mentioned car types.

The gas-powered and electric-powered vehicles

The gas-powered cars are the predecessor of all the other types of cars that came after it. The first invented car and all the other cars and modifications that follow it until the end of the 20th century are all gas-powered cars.

Gas powered cars are, you guessed it right, run by gasoline or oil. These cars have made oil exported fro the Middle East and other nations valued like gold, because of its volatile pricing.

Many years of research and development has enabled the manufacturers to add key improvements in the newer models of the gas-powered cars. Some of them are truly superior over the others. However, their owners and users have always been complaining about their increasing bills for oil consumption.

At the same time, the environmentalists are complaining about such cars' air pollution. They are raising strong concerns over the combustion process that produces bi-products that are harmful to nature.

The first attempt of car makers to address the increasingly rising and agitating concerns about higher oil prices and depleting ozone layer in the atmosphere was that of electric cars.

But alas, on practical grounds, those efforts were proven futile and non-feasible. Electric powered cars were turned down as impractical because their mileage and speed would not match the capacity of the gas-powered vehicles by a great margin.

A powerful combination

So, if the gas-powered vehicles were too expensive and pollution causing to maintain but really fast and reliable, and if the electric cars are not fast and reliable, but significantly cut costs of oil expenses and reduce pollution, why not combine both?

Smart integration and the 'meeting half way' option for the electric and gas powered cars paved the way for the rise of the hybrid vehicles.

Hybrid vehicle system consists of both gas powered engine and battery set powered motor, and a fine balance of the two power sources to manage the transmission. It truly combines the strength of both car types and addresses the concerns arising from each car types too.

However, many experts and car fanatics are still disappointed with the hybrid car's inability to reduce oil bills as massively and tremendously as anticipated by the public before its introduction to the market.

A big concern is about the purchase price for hybrid vehicles. It's still way, way higher. Also, due to their complex designs, many people fear that their maintenance costs will be significantly more than the gas powered cars.

It has been just a few years since the emergence of hybrid vehicles. In the future, very soon, as the production cost would go down, the prices of hybrid cars would certainly be dragged down to an affordable level.

To collect your free book that will provide you with all the information you'll need to know about hybrid vehicles and electric cars visit: what are hybrid cars. To read more articles about hybrids then go now to: facts about electric and hybrid cars.

How To Get 100 MPG With Your Hybrid Car

Getting 100mpg can seem like a pipe dream to many, but this is no longer one of those mythical numbers. It?s already being done, right now, in vehicles you see on the road today.

For some people, getting 100mpg is as simple as getting a Moped. Sure, there?s nothing really magical about a 50cc gasoline engine, but the very lightweight Moped can be great if you live in a city with heavy traffic and a lot of bike lanes (usually a Moped can drive in lanes for bicycles). I have a friend who lives in Boston, and he tells me that his little scooter is the best way to get around town since it can drive on the road like a regular car, and then take bike lanes to get through traffic backups quickly.

But for the rest of us who need an actual car to get somewhere, 100mpg is in a car that can drive on the highway is possible. While they aren?t rolling of production lines, a person with a little know-how and some ingenuity can achieve the mythical 100mpg by starting with a car you can get from your dealer right now ? a Toyota Prius.

For those who like to tinker, and if you live in an area with a lot of sunlight, you might consider installing a solar panels on your rooftop so that while your car is parked while you?re out and about, the electric battery is being recharged. While this isn?t the most efficient way to use solar panels (the roof of your house is a much better place for them), on some trips you may be able to hit 100mpg.

Then there?s what many would consider the more sensible conversion ? taking your current Prius Hybrid and converting it into a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The conversion will run you in the neighborhood of $5,000-$6,000 if you like to do things yourself or you can have a conversion company do it for you for about $10,000-$12,000.

Converting your Prius to a PHEV can help you hit the 100mpg mark when taking your daily commute since you?ll be relying mostly on the electric motors to do all the work. And if you?re taking short trips, the gasoline engine may not need to fire at all, which means you?ve used no gasoline for that trip.

And if you?re feeling flush with cash, you live in Southern California, and you want to say goodbye to gasoline forever, you can get yourself a Tesla Roadster ($95,000). This vehicle is 100% electric, requires no gasoline, can do 0-60mpg in 4 seconds (about what a Porsche 911 Turbo can do), and has a range of over 200 miles. This vehicle gets the equivalent of 135 miles per gallon and costs only 2 cents/mile to drive (even the most fuel efficient non hybrid cars cost at least 8 cents/mile to drive)

Gary Ruplinger is the owner of FuelSavingZone.com. Be sure to get his free report with 61 gas savers. Also, save 5% on all your gas purchases by getting the best gas card on the market.

The Benefits Of Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars: The vehicles of the future? With the price of gasoline hiking up to astronomic proportions, a lot of motorists are resorting to different ways to save on fuel. Some of them use alternative diesel. Others resort to using bikes, which can also contribute to the clean air program. Some who cannot do away with their rides, however, chose to buy hybrid vehicles. What exactly is a hybrid car? Primarily, a gasoline-electric hybrid car is a combination of an electric car and a gasoline-run vehicle. To make things clearer, it is first necessary to distinguish the characteristics of those two kinds. A gas-powered vehicle is equipped with fuel tanks, which gives gasoline to the engine. The engine operates the transmission, and the transmission operates the wheels. Meanwhile, an electric car is equipped with a set of batteries which gives electric power to a motor. The motor then operates the transmission and the wheels.

Now the hybrid car is a mix of the two. The reputation of hybrids is that they add to the car's mileage with fewer emissions usually coming from cars run by gasoline, while eliminating more or less the disadvantages that comes with electric cars. Motorists usually take three considerations in mind when judging the usability of a vehicle. These are: -it should run at three-hundred miles at least between fuel stops. -Should be easily refueled, in the minimum amount of time. -It should catch up with the other vehicles zooming on the road. The thing is, a gasoline-powered car has all these features, but it produces lots of emission plus the mileage is poor. On the other hand, an electric car gives off almost zero pollution, but the speed is relatively slow, and can only run 50-100 miles between battery charges.

What are the parts of hybrid cars?

1. Gasoline engine Compared to the engine of other cars, hybrids use smaller ones and is more technically advanced in order to maximize fuel and lessen emissions.

2. Fuel tank This serves as the device for hybrids to store energy for the gasoline engine.

3. Electric motor The motor present in hybrids is a study in sophistication. It can serve as both generator and motor.

4. Generator Much like an electric motor, but its only purpose is to provide electrical power.

5. Batteries Acts as the storage device of energy for electric motors. The advantage of hybrid car motors is that they can charge the batteries with energy as well as get energy supply from them.

6. Transmission Acts the same as conventional car transmissions.

There are two ways in combining the energy sources found in hybrid cars. The first one is the parallel hybrid, which is equipped with a fuel tank that provides gasoline to an engine, and a battery set that supplied energy to the electric motor. The second one is the series hybrid. In contrast, the generator is powered by the gasoline engine, and the generator is capable of either energizing the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that starts up the transmission.

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The 2 Types Of Hybrid Cars

Many automobile companies have spend millions of dollars each year in research and development of more efficient fuel consumption for cars. Each year more and more cars are rolled out the production plants and there is an urgent call by consumers and environmental groups to reduce the fuel consumption of automobiles.

With the increasing cost of fuel and the environmental concerns regarding harmful emissions of toxic gases into our atmosphere, automobile companies are forced to developed radically different types of cars. One of which is the hybrid car

A hybrid is powered by conventional fuel as well as uses electric energy. Hybrid cars have lower fuel consumption and are more environmentally friendly.

All hybrid cars are powered by two engines : a gasoline engine and a electric engine. Typically, they work in tandem with each other. The gasoline engine is used during starting and stopping the car. Once the car is travelling at a certain speed, the electric engine will take over automatically.

In the current market, there are 2 types of hybrid car. The first type is the series. Typically, the gasoline engine is used to start and stop the car. Once the hybrid car has attained a certain speed, the electric engine will take over. The gasoline engine is also used to charge the electric engine?s batteries. As you can see, both engines are used in tandem with each other but never together.

The second type is called the parallels. It has the same physical configuration of the series hybrid however the operation is quite different. Both the electric engine and the gasoline engine can be used to start and stop the car. The electric engine is used to boost the power of the car when required. Parallel hybrid cars are more suited for long distance travelling.

Usually, hybrid cars are built using very lightweight materials in order to reduce the load on the hybrid car when travelling. This help to save fuel by requiring less energy to move the vehicle. The tires are made more rigid than conventional vehicles with higher tire pressure to increase fuel efficiency.

In on whole, a hybrid car consumes 50 to 60 percent less fuel than a conventional car. The only obstacle is the high cost at the present moment but I am sure as consumers start to recognize the benefits of hybrid car, the prices will start falling and become more affordable.

Ricky Lim is a hybrid car owner who contributes hybrid car technology and hybrid car manufacturers articles regularly.

Toyota Prius Hybrid Car Review

Toyota has long been a front runner in the technology of cars. Powered by their Japanese business sense, this car company has introduced some of the largest and most important innovations that the world has ever seen when it comes to the cars of the world and the public has always treated this company well. Toyota is one of the few car companies that has never really been in trouble from the financial stand point, and the lines of cars that they have produced has been light on the disappointments. Some of the first Toyotas that were ever created are still on the road, which is an impressive testament to this companies commitment to quality in the cars they produce. This is why the Toyota company was the first to introduce a mass produced and marketed hybrid automobile, the Toyota Prius. They used the existing technology that was still years in the making and turned it into a car that the masses have been impressed with enough to make it one of the fastest and best selling hybrids on the market.

Using the normal styling Toyota has become known for, the Prius uses the very best in hybrid technology to bring about one of the most fuel efficient cars on the market today. This is all coupled with the fact that they are also very appealing to the eye and there is no loss of power on any level, which is something that many car companies struggled with over the years. Everything on the Prius has been integrated into one smooth motion. There is no need to tell the car that you want the electric assist motor to kick in as it will do it automatically when the time is right. Then you will find that a lot of the features that you have come to know and love, such as power steering, have become integrated in the system as well. Rather then using the less efficient hydraulic based power steering system, the Prius uses the electric version, which takes less energy and fuel to push.

Thanks to the new advancements in this hybrid technology people now can switch between the two motors at their leisure. If the time comes when you do not need as much power you can simply turn off the gas engine and run on total electric. If you find that the batteries are getting a little bit low, then you can turn off the electric portion and run on gas alone.

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Mercury Mariner Hybrid Car Review

It is no secret that the Mercury brand of cars is part of the Ford Motor company. Mercury, like its cousin Lincoln, started out as independent companies but were bought out by the Ford company under the direction of the founder on his quest for domination in the world of automobiles. Since that time the name of all three makers has been with every dealership in the world. What most people fail to realize is the fact that Mercury is less of a work horse maker then Ford. For many years Mercury has released the higher trim levels of all their models, which are similar, but just a lot nicer then most of the Ford models that are released. This is the exact reason why so many of the Mercury models, while they seem to be duplicates of the Ford models, are so much more expensive. They are shall we say the higher class of Ford and the people who drive them expect something a bit more.

This can be seen easily in the Mercury Mariner. This hybrid SUV is closely related to the Ford Escape. Most often the models of the same type that are released by Ford and Mercury together are very similar, but there are many differences that are on going. Strangely enough most people cannot see the differences in the two models but they still lean towards the more expensive Mercury Mariner, whose sales have been far more brisk then that of the Ford Escape. In many respects from the mechanical stand point the two SUVs are identical. They both use the same motor and the same electric assist motor, but that is where the similarities stop. The interior of the Mariner is far more appealing to the higher class. Leather seats come standard with this model, as does on board tracking and a high end stereo system. The seating arrangements are even more complicated. The rear seats of the Mariner are automatic and can be folded down at the split to make room for cargo.

The Mercury Mariner has long been held as the best SUV hybrid on the market. The price difference between the two models of Ford and Mercury is great. There is little that one would not love about this model. You are getting all the fuel efficiency of the Escape with the high class styling that most have become accustomed too.

SouthEastDealers.com provides Automotive Information, Car Dealers and leasing contact information with around 40,000 listings from United States and Tips on dealing with Car Dealers, Saving Money with Insurance Premiums. Please visit http://www.southeastdealers.com for more information.

Renault Kangoo Hybrid Car Review

Renault is a car company that has been around the block and back again since their creation. Not all of the history of this company is great. In the early 1980's the Renault company produced some fairly disappointing models, most of which were built in conjunction with other car companies like was the practice of the time. This proved to be one of the largest down turns in the entire world for some of these car companies. Most of the merging was on the part of Dodge, who was seeking a way to cut costs. These cost cutting measures included a partnership with Renault which ended up nearly bankrupting both companies in the end. The cars that were produced at this time of the world were nothing short of terrible. The engines were second rate and most people found that they would not be happy with them because of the major problems that most would find. The problems were then solved as the companies ended the partnerships and today Renault is a highly respected car company all over the world.

The Renault Kangoo is a rather interesting hybrid version. It has been produced constantly since 1997 and has always been pushed as a standard activity vehicle and not one for the every day driving. This has not stopped the sales of this rather strange looking cross between a car and a minivan, just the opposite actually. Viewing this vehicle makes one think of the older style cars from the UK and the other European nations. The box type cargo area is strange looking but it is also very impressive in the amount of room it offers. There is also the matter that most of these vehicles that are produced come standard with four wheel drive. This has made this one of the more popular hybrids in the foreign markets around the world where four wheel drive is much more important. The Kangoo has the electric assist hybrid system that has become standard with most of the vehicles in its class.

The Kangoo is popular with the crowd of mobility impaired persons because there is more then enough room in the vehicle to add a lift and store for wheel chairs and other such devices. This is coupled with the fact that the ride height on this vehicle has been increased, making the extra weight from the lift not even a factor as it has been in other cars.

SouthEastDealers.com provides Automotive Information, Car Dealers and leasing contact information with around 40,000 listings from United States and Tips on dealing with Car Dealers, Saving Money with Insurance Premiums. Please visit http://www.southeastdealers.com for more information.

Daihatsu Hijet Hybrid Car Review

Some car maker names do not ring a bell with the people of the United States and that is normal because there are so many and they do not always actively market their cars in the US as a matter of slow sales and export taxes that found their way into the world of today. This is the case with Daihatsu and their models like the Hijet. Unlike the other car companies from Japan, the Daihatsu company is completely independent of anyone else other then in their sales range. The cars that they produce are made solely by their factories since the early 1960's. This would stand until the early 1990's when the company merged with super giant Toyota to create one of the largest foreign born car companies in the entire world. This has served both of these companies well as they work towards building the best there is in cars for the people in need of a better mpg rating.

The Hijet has been in existence since the early days of Daihatsu and was actually their first model to hit the market. The models include pick up trucks, cargo vans and mini cars, all of which are highly popular in Japan as they meet all of the requirements for the tax credits on small, fuel efficient vehicles in the country. For this reason the company decided to make the Hijet into a hybrid vehicle to perhaps gain some world wide appeal to the models. This has served them well and the company is now reaching a much wider market with the Hijet since it became the first pick up truck to be listed as a mild hybrid and receive the highest mile per gallon rating of any model in its class. The style and design of the hybrid version of the Hijet is very similar to the gas only version. They made very few changes in the manner of how the vehicle looks as opposed to how it performs when on the road.

The Hijet unit is very different then a lot of the hybrids that are currently on the road. The electric motor and the gas motor are built as one unit rather then two separate ones which is the norm for these kinds of vehicles. The electric motor resides behind the gas motor and attaches to the transmission, which is the concept that was created by Toyota for their line of hybrids, like the Prius.

SouthEastDealers.com provides Automotive Information, Car Dealers and leasing contact information with around 40,000 listings from United States and Tips on dealing with Car Dealers, Saving Money with Insurance Premiums. Please visit http://www.southeastdealers.com for more information.

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/

Hybrid Cars - Technology Of The Future Or Passing Fad?

 

Hybrid cars have been getting a lot of buzz the last three or four years, and now with the soaring cost of oil and gasoline, hybrids are expected to get hotter than ever. Here are some Questions and Answers about hybrids.

1. What is a hybrid car?

A vehicle is a hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power. Hybrid cars almost always have a gasoline engine and an auxiliary electric motor system that runs off rechargeable batteries.

We normally assume that the point of hybridization is to save fuel, and that is definitely the case with most of the smaller compacts and sedans. But in fact some of the more upscale hybrid models are more concerned with boosting power and "performance" without the usual loss in fuel efficiency.

2. Do you have to plug your hybrid in at night?

You may assume because a hybrid car runs part of the time off its battery pack, that it is necessary to plug it in at night and recharge the batteries (like a golf cart!). But this is almost never the case. Hybrid cars recharge their batteries "on the fly" by making use of unused energy which is normally wasted during normal driving.

For instance, most have a system that captures some of the energy used while applying the brakes, and converts it to electrical energy to charge the battery. This is called "regenerative braking".

If hybrids had larger battery packs that you could plug into the electricity grid, they would be able to transfer more of the vehicle's power requirements over to the electric motor(s), and use even less gasoline. But most auto makers have been unwilling to go this route, arguing that today's batteries could not take the extra load and more extensive usage.

3. Do you have to replace the batteries?

The short answer is No. Hybrid batteries typically have an 80,000 - 100,000 mile warranty. The U.S. Department of Energy tested them to 160,000 miles and stopped testing because they still performed almost like they were brand new. Some taxi drivers have gone more than 200,000 miles in a Toyota Prius without battery problems.

In any event, since hybrid battery packs have hundreds of cells, individual cells or modules could be replaced if there was a problem.

The best way to keep nickel metal hydride batteries performing at their peak is to keep their charge between 40% and 60% -- never fully charged and never fully drained to zero power.

4. How long have hybrids been around?

Alternatives to the ICE (internal combustion engine) in automobiles have been around since at least 1900. The first patent for a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle was filed in 1905. Alternative fuel sources were wiped out as a result of two things. First was the development of the electric self-starter (in 1913) that made gasoline driven cars much easier to start.

The second development was the advent of the age of cheap oil that started around the time of the first World War. This completely removed the economic incentive to look for alternative fuel sources. This is only starting to change now, 80 years later.

5. Are hybrids expensive to purchase?

In January, 2006, there were 10 different hybrid models available from $19,000 to $53,000. The most popular models -- the Insight, Civic, and Prius -- are less than $30,000. According to auto maker announcements there should be more than 50 models available by 2010. As sales and production increase the prices should not be significantly more than for standard ICE models.

Even with the slightly higher average cost for a hybrid -- usually around $3,000 -- these additional initial costs can be offset by federal and state tax incentives, lower maintenance costs, and exceptionally strong resale values.

6. Are hybrids small and underpowered?

Initial hybrid models emphasized fuel economy, so were much lighter vehicles, and had smaller engines. The objective was to offset the loss of power in the ICE with additional power from the electric motor. This would result in essentially the same level of power while burning less fuel.

But this principle does not have to result in underpowered vehicles. In fact the Lexus Rx400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid both have a 270 horsepower power system. And the Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan is expected to have more than 300 horsepower and go 0-to-60 in less than six seconds. Taking the quest for hybrid power even further, the Toyota Volta concept venicle has a 408 hp power plant.

7. What is the main reason people buy hybrid vehicles?

Saving money on fuel is the first thing most buyers think of. But, in fact, the amount saved on fuel over the life of the vehicle may not equal the extra purchase cost of the hybrid.

There are obviously other factors at play in the gradually building popularity of hybrids. Some people want to make a "green" statement, others simply want to be the first on the block with a new and promising technology.

8. Will hybrid technology save the environment?

There's no doubt about it. Hybrids are becoming more popular. In the past five years hybrid sales in the U.S. have grown 2000 percent. Sales in 2000 were 9,500, and by the end of 2005 had grown to over 200,000.

But even this larger number is just 1.2% of the 17 million new cars sold last year. If every hybrid gave double the current fuel economy, from an average of 20 mpg to, say, 40 mpg, that would save roughly 100,000 gallons of gasoline a day. But that amount pales in comparison to the total daily gasoline consumption in the U.S. -- 400 million gallons! The savings of 100,000 gallons would bring that number all the way down to ... 399,900,000 gallons.

Not very significant. Obviously governments and auto makers will have to start getting very serious about hybrid technology before it will make a significant difference.

9. Does that mean hybrid technology is only a fad?

No it does not. Because the only way towards a sustainable future is to find a combination of fuels that will reduce our almost total dependence on oil. Hydrogen fueled vehicles will be part of that future, as will fuel cells, deisel, and alternative fuels such as ethanol.

But what is almost certain is that every promising solution will involve some kind of hybrid combination of technologies. So today's hybrid vehicles are an important and necessary step towards a much more promising and sustainable future. Rick Hendershot can give you 100 Links a Month | California Traffic School | Freesms in deutsche handynetze versenden

Why Buy A Hybrid Car?

for anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new hybrid cars are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrids are now being made by more manufacturers than ever.

Although hybrids cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new car.

Smaller, More Efficient Engines

The hybrid's fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic engine shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid's engine temporarily shuts off. The engine restarts automatically when the car is put back in gear.

Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gasoline engine backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the car is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.

With this collection of advanced fuel efficiency features, hybrids can outperform conventional cars in several arenas.

Environmental Friendliness

Another reason hybrids are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less pollution than other, non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.

Many hybrids use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrids also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated power management that contributes to fuel efficiency.

Popularity Enhances Styles And Choices

More makes and models are now being offered as the popularity of hybrid cars continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.

You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrid cars on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.

Tax Incentives Available

People who buy hybrids can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2006. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer hybrid car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid cars a good buy.

Fuel Efficiency Becomes A Reality

Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrids first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.

It's been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.Visit http://www.eco-car4u.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at http://www.ronxking.com