If you are in the market for a new car, you will undoubtedly have heard about the list of hybrid cars. These vehicles use gasoline power and electricity to run the vehicle. They combine the best of both fuel systems. They can be good choices for those who are concerned about the environment.
A hybrid car is one that uses two or more different sources of power, including electric motors when surfaced and gasoline engines when submerged. In many cases, they use the same amount of gasoline as their electric motor, but they generate enough electricity to run the motor on battery power. Some examples of this technology include the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic. Other ways to store extra energy include compressed air in gas hybrids and hydraulic clutch systems in electric vehicles. Gasoline engines, however, are still the most popular on modern vehicles. Most hybrids come with a gasoline engine mounted beneath the hood.
An Overview
Hybrid cars use gasoline but burn gasoline at a higher compression. The high compression means that the gasoline burns faster than it would in a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. For this reason, fuel efficiency is improved with these cars.
Since fuel efficiency is also improved with hybrid vehicles, they are often preferred over other fuel-efficient cars. However, many consumers have concerns about the increased cost of gas, particularly during the current economic crisis. The price of gasoline is currently around three times what it was just a few years ago. As concerns about fuel efficiency and the cost of gasoline become more acute, the use of hybrid cars may become more common in the future.
Because these vehicles use electric motors and gasoline in combination to generate the power needed to drive the vehicle, they tend to be more energy efficient than standard internal combustion engines. Electric motors are able to produce higher horsepower and torque which allow them to accelerate at greater speeds. They also have lower emissions than gas powered vehicles. Because of this and other benefits, electric cars have a leg up on fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Benefits
In addition to increased fuel economy and reduced emissions, hybrid cars are predicted to have better predicted reliability. Many manufacturers of hybrid vehicles have increased the expected reliability of their vehicles by 10% over the expected life span of the vehicle. Standard vehicles tend to experience greater problems with general wear and tear over time. Hybrids are less likely to experience these problems because they are designed to function more effectively under certain conditions.
Consumers looking for information about the various types of hybrid cars should research information on fuel economy, expected reliability, general performance, and styling among other factors. Many consumers want to know whether they will receive the same level of performance from their vehicle as other vehicles on the market. Some drivers want to drive an electric vehicle that has the same appeal as a gasoline-powered vehicle. By researching all of the options available, individuals are better equipped to determine which vehicle best meets their needs.
The Future
The current technology used in modern hybrids is also expected to improve in the future. The improvements will allow future vehicles to achieve greater fuel efficiency. Consumers who are interested in purchasing fuel efficient vehicles should learn more about the anticipated changes to fuel efficiency and the benefits of hybrid cars.
Hybrid cars have different fuel efficiency ratings depending on their engine size. List of hybrid cars also compare internal combustion engine to electric motor. The biggest difference between the two is the weight of the electric motor. Since the electric motor is smaller than a combustion engine, it requires a smaller space to carry around. Because of this, most hybrid cars can only be driven in very tight parking situations.
Conclusion
One of the most notable features of most modern hybrids is the presence of a plug-in hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid system is one that features an electric motor that is attached to the front or rear of a vehicle. The electric motor allows the vehicle to use the energy produced by the battery. Many plug-in hybrids cars feature a memory mode that allows the driver to tailor its settings to suit different driving conditions. Most Prius models are among the most fuel efficient vehicles in the production line.
The list of hybrid cars offered by Honda contains a few interesting models. The Honda Civic already received a major boost to its sales with the introduction of the i-enda. The i-enda uses Honda’s existing battery technology to power its electric motor, rather than the more energy efficient lithium ion cells that most plug-in hybrids cars use. The increased efficiency of the i-enda makes it more affordable for consumers who need an economy car with a decent amount of fuel efficiency.
