Hybrid Cars Efficient Vehicles

2011-03-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Wonders of the Toyota Prius Hybrid AutomotiveThe Wonders of the Toyota Prius Hybrid Automotive - A full report on possible delays to hybrid car production as a result of the March eleven earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Now there may be phrase of the first actual delay: Toyota says the new Prius V-the larger model of the most well-liked hybrid hatchback-shall be delayed from its planned April rollout in Japan.Does that mean the Prius V will not go on sale in the United States in late summer season 2011 as deliberate? Not necessarily. “This hasn’t been determined,” stated Toyota spokesman Mike Michels. The Prius V has 50 % more cargo house than the present Prius, while delivering forty two miles per gallon in metropolis driving and 38 mpg on the highway. Pricing has not been announced.Motor Traits Automobile of the Yr for 2004, North American Car of the Year in 2004, 2004 International Engine of the Yr, 2005 European Automobile of the Yr, 2006 Energuide Award within the Midsize section, this and more are the accolades given to the Toyota Prius Hybrid Car. Undoubtedly probably the most widespread and most regarded competitor within the ever rising hybrid automotive segment, the Toyota Prius has definitely made a marked in the motor industry.The Toyota Prius is a Hybrid automotive that makes a bold statement against environmental points and the rising fuel prices. It is usually the primary ever mass-produced hybrid car for commercial purposes. Its title itself means first.The Toyota Prius hybrid automotive was first sold in Japan in 1997 before it was distributed everywhere in the globe four years later in 2001. Its recognition was boosted by environmentalists touting it because the automotive for the future to save our planet from air pollution. Sales in North America ws sturdy and growing annually. By fall of 2006, the Toyota Prius hybrid car had the strongest demand and has the longest preorder and waiting record there may be presently.Toyota sees the Prius as a venue that would supply the shoppers with a vehicle that might produce much less air pollution and to be very energy efficient. And Toyota definitely reached that goal. They created the Prius from the underside up resulting to a true hybrid car that is beloved worldwide.Toyota engineers got here up with a couple of methods to develop the Toyota Prius hybrid car to be not like other previous concept electrical automobiles, the Prius doesn’t ever must be plugged in for recharging. The two electrical motor turbines get its power from the fuel engine, recharging while the engine power is being used. Additionally, through regenerative braking, a process that recovers kinetic power when the automobile brakes and reworking it to electrical power to recharge the batteries.By 2004 a second technology of Toyota Prius hybrid automobile was launched on the market. Capitalizing on the event of the brand new Hybrid Synbergy Drive know-how, the earlier Toyota Hybrid System was changed in the new generation Toyota Hybrids. Many enhancements have been developed and infused within the know-how making the Toyota Prius hybrid car even higher than before.Apart from the engine, Toyota added extra room to the Toyota Prius hybrid automotive making it wider and taller permitting for taller folks to take a seat erect contained in the car and allowing more views of the road.Because of the success introduced by the Toyota Prius hybrid car and the general public awareness it has developed, Toyota has extended its Hybrid lineup to their different vehicles. This contains the Toyota Camry hybrid and their top of the road Lexus marquee with the Lexus RX400H.As a new model-one which answers the wants of hybrid consumers who've been seeking extra passenger and cargo room-the Prius V was already prone to be in high demand and quick provide in 2011. The present bounce in gasoline prices-hitting a nationwide common of $3.56 and $3.96 in California this week-has intensified demand for hybrids, whereas the results of the earthquake have at the least temporarily crimped production.Those impacts are solely now hitting U.S. hybrid dealers. Final week, Mike Sullivan of the L.A. Car Guy-reported to be the nation’s number one seller of hybrid cars-advised HybridCars.com, “Hybrid sales are very good, however there’s no panic purchasing.” He stated that his dealerships are working a forty five-day inventory. “That will likely be high-quality, after which in around forty five days, the inventory will take a hit.” Actually, the Toyota Prius hybrid automotive has gone a long way. Its engineering superiority and its wonderful repute has made it an important choice for many people. Even numerous notable famous individuals have bought themselves a Toyota Prius hybrid automobile to point out their help to environmental awareness.Toyota has positively hit the nail in the head with the Toyota Prius hybrid car and we are able to expect to see extra of this technology in the future. With Toyota’s dedication to this endeavor, we will make sure that we are able to lastly lower down on gas consumption and save our planet.This could mean normal costs and deals in March and April, followed by temporary ready lists and supplier mark-ups in May. After which by summer, inventories may return to normal, just because the Prius V enters the market. “We can be positive long run,” Sullivan said. “Our concern now is Japanese families trying to regain any sort of normal life." The L.A. Automotive Man dealership group established an identical fund with its seven-hundred employees to lift at the very least $50,000 in reduction funds.

2011-03-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

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The Hystory Of Classic Sport Cars

2009-08-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

A Classic Sports Car Story

Classic sports cars

Those threesome words come up together to form an image of grandeur, pace and extravagance. For who crapper afford artist sports cars? Only the affluent of course! But for the cipher “Joe” who dreams of having his possess artist sports automobile and hopes to know more about it, this article is meant to provide information on this amazing “king of the road”.

First know the foremost brands of artist sports cars.

1. Lotus

Lotus is famous for coming up with the Lotus Elise 11S, Lotus Elise Motorsport, Lotus Elan, Lotus Europa Twin Cam, Lotus Super Seven S4, Lotus Elan SE Turbo and Lotus Super Seven Replica by Birkin.

2. Austin Healey Sprite

Only Austin Healey Sprite crapper come up with the Bugeye Sprite Race Car with an outstanding 250 horsepower! The 1960 Speedwell Sprite Vintage Race Car is added force to reckon with, as substantially as the 1962 Austin Healey Sprite MK.

3. Austin Mini

Austin Mini boasts of the Mini Cooper that comes in excellent colors and for $13,000, it is quite a steal!

4. TVR

The TVR has this elite collection of artist sports cars like the TVR Tuscan Challenge Race Car, TVR S2 Roadster, TVR Taimar Coupe and TVR 2500M.

5. Birkin

Classic sports automobile is almost synonymous to the brand Birkin, as it is made famous with Louts Super Seven replicas and offers Birkin S3, Birkin C-S3 Street, among other roadsters that come with the Ford ZETEC engine, four-wheeled round brake and a heavy-duty aluminum body.

6. Jaguar

Jaguar is the ‘mighty’ artist sports automobile that men cannot get enough of. With the Jaguar E-type Coupe, Jaguar X-Type Track Car and Jaguar C-Type replica, this is the brand that really pushes artist sports cars several ‘to the limit’.

7. Triumph

Jaguar-engined Triumph roars just as a artist sports automobile is expected to do. Classic models like the 1969 Triumph Spitfire MK III and 1960 Triumph TR3A stand for what Triumph is every about - sophistication and power.

Here are some books that inform the reader on how to keep the artist sports cars in tiptop shape: \"Classic Car Restorer's Handbook,\" \"Fun and Profit Buying, Showing and Selling Vintage and Classic Cars,\" \"Restoration of Antique and Classic Cars,\" \"Budget Auto Restoration: Low Cost, Step-By-Step Tricks\" and \"How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car.\"

The artist sports automobile exudes action and nobility. No wonder, it never goes discover of style.

Tips on Buying Secondhands Sports Cars

2009-08-20T03:23:00.000-07:00

Tips on Buying Pre-owned Sports Cars

Sometimes the best buys are made with pre-owned products. This is particularly genuine in the case of sports cars. Many people would like to hit a sports automobile mainly for the performance but whatever may poverty to simply experience the sheer enjoyment that only a sport’s cars crapper give. Buying a brand new sports automobile may be too much expense for many people, that's why a pre-owned or second hands sports automobile should be considered.

Here whatever good advice in the purchase of pre-owned sports cars.

1. Set expectations
Many people go discover to buy a pre-owned sports automobile with a brand new automobile in mind. Buying pre-owned sports cars is most getting the best value for your money. Knowing your needs and preferences is also a staleness in purchase pre-owned sports cars.

2. Set a budget
Buying a sports car, modify pre-owned ones crapper be expensive Researching through internet feeding or purchase “buy and sell” automobile magazines crapper provide a buyer a general feeling most the underway prices of different sports automobile models.

3. Examine carefully
A buyer staleness be careful in inspecting the pre-owned automobile and take his time doing so. There are four essential elements of the automobile that should be thoroughly inspected: the interior, the body, the engine, and the papers. A well-maintained sports automobile is worth buying.

Open the cowl and examine the car's engine. Many people may not undergo too much most automobile electronics but inspection will provide a buyer a general feel of how the automobile has been maintained by the preceding owner.

Check the inside of the tailpipe. If it is greasy, that means that there is a problem with the engine compression.

Check for scratches or dents on the cars body. Of course, do not forget to check the car’s title, etc. Missing writing will cost the buyer additional money or prevent the purchase.

4. Test Drive
Before a purchase, the buyer should take the automobile for a test drive. This is a “must” for all cars, not only for pre-owned ones. An assessment of the over-all handling and performance of the automobile should be made during the test drive.

Buying a pre-owned maybe the best choice in purchase a sports car, especially when one is visaged by budget constraints. Pre-owned sports cars hit the potential to provide the same excitement and fun that brand new ones crapper give. Choose and buy wisely and hit fun while doing so.

Purchasing a Brand New Sports Car

2009-08-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

Purchasing a Brand New Sports Car

Driving around municipality in a sort new sports automobile may be digit of the prizewinning experiences for a driver. Sports cars don't only give superior driving performance and comfort; they also give confidence to the owner of the car. Sports cars crapper be seen as the ultimate “eye candy” in the automobile world.

Buying a sort new sports automobile crapper also be a scary thing because of the money involved. How do you digit class for a sort new sports car? Here are whatever helpful tips in doing so:

1) Think about it a hundred times
There is a big disagreement in acquire a sports automobile and a sedan. There is also a big disagreement in between a sort new help and an senior one. A vendee staleness carefully assess his needs several times before deciding to buy a sort new model. This is particularly true if the budget is quite tight. But even if digit crapper generously afford a sort new model, he staleness remember that money that is put in the wrong automobile is wasted money.

A vendee should also consider inactivity for a little while if he is looking at a particular help which is new but is on the bounds of being taken off the \"brand new\" list. This move could save him a lot of money while getting the same value that he would have gotten a some months back. This is an effective strategy if he intends to keep the automobile for a long time.

2) List and Check
A vendee should make a checklist of what he wants in a sports car. He should then compare the top scorers in his list. Factors such as size, comfort, engine performance and other details may be the deciding factor for the purchase.

3) Mind the Sticker Price
Always bear in nous that the sticker price is the maximal price that the market crapper put on a particular model. Negotiations crapper bring the price down if done correctly.

4) Financing First
A vendee staleness make viands for financing before making a purchase. Banks may be the prizewinning choice for automobile financing but the approval impact crapper take whatever time. A vendee staleness also set extra money divagation for peripheral expenses such as taxes and documents processing.

A sort new sports automobile is a dream for everyone. When someone has the capacity to realize the dream of acquire a sports car, he staleness be wise and careful in doing so. A good acquire module make the sports automobile undergo much more pleasant for the buyer.

2009-08-09T03:15:00.000-07:00

BMW Sports Cars

BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke has long been conceived all over the world as \"The Ultimate Driving Machine.\" The company has proven this statement true in the past years.

The current models of BMW sports automobile will attest to that statement.

Here are whatever of the current models of BMW, with their corresponding characteristics.

-BMW M3 2006

Engine specifications:

BMW M3 has an in-line, 3.2 litre capacity engine with a compression ratio of 11.5. It has quaternary valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 248 KW power and 333 HP at 7900 rpm (SAE).

Brake Features:

The automobile has electronic brushwood distribution, brushwood assist system, quaternary round brakes with airy disks, cornering brushwood control, and four-wheel ABS.

Handling Features:

BMW M3 is armored with unchangeability control, immobilizer and restricted slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine direction control the electronic traction.

Aerodynamics Exterior features:

The automobile has 0.35 drag coefficient, body side moldings, and 3771 lbs. edge weight.

-BMW M5 2006

Engine specifications:

The BMW M5 2006 automobile has a V10, and 3.2 litre capacity engine with a compression ratio of 12. It has quaternary valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 373 KW power and 500 HP at 7750 rpm (SAE).

Brake Features:

The automobile has brushwood assist system, quaternary round brakes with airy disks, electronic brushwood distribution, cornering brushwood control, and four-wheel ABS.

Handling Features:

The BMW M5 is armored with unchangeability control, immobilizer and restricted slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine direction control the electronic traction. It is also armored with a responsive suspension.

Aerodynamics Exterior features:

The automobile has 0.31 drag coefficient and 4012 lbs. edge weight.

-BMW 6-Series

Engine specifications:

The BMW M5 2006 has a V8, 4.8 litre capacity engine with a compression ratio of 10.5. It has quaternary valves per cylinder. It promises to deliver 268 KW power and 360 HP at 6300 rpm (SAE).

Brake Features

The automobile has electronic brushwood distribution, brushwood assist system, quaternary round brakes with airy disks, cornering brushwood control, and four-wheel ABS.

Handling Features:

BMW M3 automobile is armored with unchangeability control, immobilizer and restricted slip differentia at the rear. The ABS and engine direction control the electronic traction. It is also armored with an adjustable responsive suspension.

Aerodynamics Exterior features:

The automobile has 0.3 drag coefficient, and 3814 lbs. edge weight.

With all the features these cars have, BMW truly is the \"Ultimate Driving Machine.\"

Sports Cars Possess

2009-08-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

Sports Cars Possess

Cars, in general, both with form and function. Designers do not compromise aesthetics with performance.

However, there is something about sports cars that make their defense to find when it comes to beauty. And we are not talking about the features out there.

There are more physical features like, sleekness of the car, which determines its beauty.

Here are some characteristics that endear sports cars to car enthusiasts.

- Sports cars have attitude at first glance.

Sports cars speak the attitude that they possess. They are not like mere cars whose presence crapper be ignored. They captivate the eyes of those who see them. They show that thrill and

enjoyment van be expected when their hands are those that control the wheel.

Sports cars defence above other cars, that are seen very day, primarily because the designs show what they are confident of doing. A sleek look really matches a automobile with sleek activities.

- Sports cars possess greater power.

Their power comes from their more powerful engines and has other specifications than other the cars have. A sports automobile crapper do more than ordinary tasks because of the features that only

they possess.

- Sports cars are made for dynamical pleasure.

Ordinary cars make dynamical monotonous and boring, while on the other hand, sports cars primarily intend to give the drivers a \"high\" opinion of speed and control. Only sports cars crapper

provide that need for drivers who essay adventure.

Sports cars bring the thrill back to driving. They express what other cars crapper not. Sports cars are not designed just for practicality, but for pleasure too.

- Sports cars are made for drivers who savor their ‘wild side’.

Drivers do have the need to express this ‘wild side’. Sports cars make any road a venue to satisfy those needs. Only sports cars crapper match the “wildness\" that drivers innately have. For

that reason, sports cars perfectly compliment the child in every driver.

- Sports cars have evolved and improved through the years.

Drivers revalue the improvements that have been made to sports cars. You could say that sports automobile profession has infinite possibilities. The stereotypes of sports cars have long been

debunked. Those limits have been crossed. The only thing that automobile enthusiasts crapper do is to watch as these improvements unfold before their very eyes.

- Sports cars make their owners feel good about themselves.

Sports cars are lifeless. They cannot feel proud because they are beautiful, but their owners take pride in having them.

With all these things said about the inbuilt and extrinsic beauty that sports cars possess, only a person who does not revalue their beauty and/or speed will not opt to get one.

Structures of Hybrid Vehicles

2009-07-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Structures of Hybrid Vehicles

Global warming has become a major issue in the past year. Although environmental issues are recognized, they are not given that much attention on a wider scale. Now, more and more people are becoming aware of how much mankind has affected the planet. The need for solutions is recognized more than ever to address environmental issues. Due to this hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular to consumers.

The shift from conventional cars is not just because of environmental concerns but also due to soaring gas prices. Hybrid vehicles bridge the gap between using an SUV and caring for the environment. There have been lots of improvements in the hybrid technology as the millennium came and it will be just a matter of time before it dominates the fuel dependent dominated automobile industry.

The hybrid vehicle drive train

Hybrids come in different types depending on their structures. Although they may differ in some aspects all of them are made with the same purpose. These vehicles are designed to reduce fuel consumption, reduce pollution and noise emissions and provide an alternative for customers.

They come in three structures. The parallel hybrid system has a diesel engine and an electric motor that is connected to a mechanical transmission. A large electrical generator and a motor are combined to replace the starter motor and the alternator.

A series hybrid system has a similar design with a electric battery vehicle. It is also referred to as the Range Extended Electric Vehicle. The difference is the diesel engine drives the electric generator instead of the vehicle's wheels. The electric generator in turn charges the battery and powers the electric motor which propels the vehicle. A super capacitor or a flywheel can be added to recapture braking energy which reduces the losses in the battery.

The combined hybrid system, as it names suggests is a combination of the parallel and the series system. It is incorporated with power split devices so that the power paths placed from the engine to the wheels can be either electrical or mechanical. This is done to decouple the power supplied by the diesel engine from the power needed by the driver.

If a consumer wishes to convert his or her vehicle aftermarket kits are available. The owner has the option of buying a glider and a hybrid or an electric motor from the automaker. He or she will then receive the vehicle installed with the hybrid drive train structure.

Midsize Hybrid Cars on the Market

2009-07-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Midsize Hybrid Cars on the Market

There are 4 competing midsize hybrid electric vehicles on the market: Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry, Lexus GS 450h, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

Honda Accord Hybrid.
Even before the release of the Hybrid, the Honda Accord was the second best selling car in the country. But the Accord Hybrid did not live up to the title "best-seller". After soaring success in 2005, car sales plummeted when its rival the Toyota Camry Hybrid hit the market. In 2007, the hybrid version of the Accord was discontinued.

However, buying an Accord Hybrid will give you a good 30mpg/37mpg fuel rating. Accord is run by a powerful 3.0 L engine that produces 240-hp and 232 lb.-ft at 5000 RPM of torque. The electric motor is 16-hp with 100 lb.-ft at 840 rpm of torque. The sticker price of the Honda Accord Hybrid is approx. $30,000. You cannot buy a brand new Accord Hybrid from Honda but that's not the only place where you can buy a car, right?

Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Camry is known for its comfort, safety, and dependability. And surely, these characteristics are carried out with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Powered by 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and 105-kW electric motor and 244-volt battery pack, the Camry can deliver a total of 192 horsepower. It promises to run 33mpg in the city and 34mpg on the highway. The Camry's sticker price is at approx. $25,200. (The second generation Toyota Prius is classified as a midsize car.)

Lexus GS 450h.
If you think that a hybrid should have a small engine, then, the Lexus GS 450h will change the way to think. This hybrid has 24-valve, 3.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 297-hp. That's just the half of it. The electric motor-generator produces 197 hp giving the driver of this car the power and sheer adrenaline rush. But don't be fooled, the Lexus GS 450h may perform like a sports car but it definitely has the luxury features you want in a midsize car. And why not? At the price of $55,000, you surely have to set high expectations.

Nissan Altima Hybrid.
If you don't like the Toyota Camry and can't afford a Lexus GS 450h, then you can go for the Nissan Altima Hybrid. It is powered by a large 2.5-liter engine that produces 198 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft at 2800 RPM of torque. The Altima is only available in selected states including Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and California. Fuel economy is impressive considering the size of the engine. It is rated at 35mpg/33mpg and priced at approx. $25,100.

The Best Sport Cars

2009-04-08T02:19:00.000-07:00

The Best All years sports cars

Sports cars are fascinating vehicles. Their features make them defence discover among other automobile types. But there still is rivalry among sports cars. It is fascinating to speech about these sports cars and why they defence discover above their contemporaries.

Here are some of the 2009 vehicles that made the list of prizewinning sports automobile and the qualities that made them above average.

- Audi A3 2.0T

This automobile goes beyond the beauty of its exterior. Car enthusiasts appreciate the car's responsiveness and agility.

Audi A3 2.0T comes with an intercooled, turbo charged engine with 2.0 litre capacity and 16 valves. The automobile promises to have power up to 197 mph at 5100 rpm.

Other features include a sextet speed manual transmission, front-wheel type of driveline, 101.5 in. wheelbase and edge weight of 3300 - 3350 lbs.

- Chevrolet Corvette

The car's V-8 engine (7.0 liter) with 16 valves allows for greater speed, and because the automobile is lighter than regular cars, the Chevrolet Corvette is capable of accelerating up to 125 mph in 12 seconds within one-fourth of a mile.

The car's braking system is impressive. The car's reflex is also astounding.

The automobile comes with the following specifications: rear-wheel type of driveline, and edge weight within 3100 - 3300 lbs.

-Honda Accord

The automobile comes with its fresh look: revised interiors, rear and front styling, and better sound-minimizing capability.

Honda Accord still boasts of its qualities such as high value for resale, excellent construction and reliability.

V6 Accords are equipped with a new stable system and improved suspension.

This automobile also has the following specifications: front- wheel type of driveline, 3100 to 3600 lbs. edge weight, up to 107.9 in. wheelbase and 5 or 6 speed manual transmission.

- Porsche Boxster

The Porsche Boxster speaks substantially about its balance. Pair this calibre with an increase in power delivered by its 24-valve DOHC engine with 2.7 liters capacity.

The braking system is as remarkable as is the car's over-all aggressive appeal.

Other features of the automobile include:

A rear-wheel type of driveline, 95.1 in. wheelbase, and edge weight within 2900 -3100 lbs.

Truly, sports cars did evolve and they module continue to evolve as long as there is competition. Car enthusiasts can expect more remarkable features in sports cars as years go by.

Main Issues You Should Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car

2009-03-31T02:57:00.000-07:00

Main Issues You Should Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car

Price. One of the biggest issues of people who want to buy a hybrid car is the price. Buying a hybrid car can cost you several thousand dollars more than its gasoline-engine counterpart. The cheapest hybrid is around $20,000 while the luxury models are well over $100,000. It is predicted that the cost of hybrid vehicles will go down in the coming years as the production cost will decrease and the supply will increase.

Fuel Economy. A hybrid car is known for fuel economy. In fact, if you drive a hybrid, you can save as much as 60% on fuel. A fuel-efficient hybrid car can run from 35 to 50 miles on a gallon. However, high end hybrid models such as Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and those from Lexus that are built for performance still offer relatively good fuel economy.

Vehicle Option. Hybrid car models are very limited today. If you can't live by the available options, you can wait a year or two as many manufacturers have announced the release of newer hybrid cars.

Maintenance Cost. With a more complicated internal structure, the common belief is that hybrid cars are more expensive to maintain. The fact is, maintenance cost for hybrid cars is comparable to conventional vehicles. Many also fear that the battery replacement is very expensive. While the cost of battery replacement is said to be between $2,000 and $5,000, there has yet to be a report of a battery needing to be replaced due to defect or malfunction.

Apart from environmental factors pollution can also greatly affect the health of the general public especially in the suburbs. Gas prices have also soared. Due to this people have turned to hybrid vehicles instead of the conventional four-door and SUV. Hybrid technology has developed greatly in the recent years

Safety,Hybrid cars are in general, as safe as conventional cars but there is a concern that electric shock can happen. This is a possibility but hybrid cars have been around for 10 years and there are no reports of this incident.

Luxury and Convenience. Since the price of a hybrid car is 25% to 50% higher than its gasoline counterparts, most hybrids are upscale and involve the latest gadgetry and luxury amenities.

Interior Space. Hybrid has almost become synonymous with the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. As a result the word "hybrid" is perceived as cars with small interior space and the use of electric motors and gasoline engines. While the latter is true, the former is not entirely accurate.

Since the first release of the Prius, the market has seen several hybrid cars with more interior space. The Honda has Civic and Accord (discontinued) have a good interior space. So with Toyota's Camry, Highlander (SUV), and second generation Prius (midsize), Ford Escape hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid among others.

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Hybrid Plug In Vehicles

2009-03-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Plug-In Vehicles

Vehicles are important tools for transportation. Unfortunately they have harmful effects on the environment, health and wallets of the people. The continuing rise of gas prices and campaigns on global warning make you want to ditch that SUV for a bike. Fortunately other power sources and fuels are being developed to serve as an alternative. Hybrid vehicles are a compromise between using a car and caring for the environment.

There are different types of hybrid vehicles. Each of them differs by what type of power source they are using. Although these cars may not run as fast as a conventional car on the highway, it's convenient for the suburban environment where traffic is normal.

Plug and play

Hybrid vehicles can be charged by using an external source. Although this was one of the earlier developments which made it one step ahead of conventional cars, it's not as practical as it sounds. Due to this plug-in hybrids were created. These vehicles have batteries which can be recharged through a standard wall socket.

Important developments weren't made until 2002. Plug-in hybrids were not sold commercially until 2003. The vehicles power source still operates the same way as a conventional hybrid but modified for the owner to be able to recharge it like an iPod.

These vehicles operate in 4 different modes. Charge depleting mode relies exclusively on electricity until the battery reaches a predetermined level. There is a predetermined level that automatically signals the car to stop running on electric power and switch to charge sustaining mode. The variation of this is the blended mode used by cars that cannot run at high speeds by using electric power alone and uses the diesel engine for help.

In charge sustaining mode it uses the combination of a diesel engine and its battery so that the vehicle will not exceed the predetermined level. This type of mode is used by conventional hybrids. In mixed, all of the modes mentioned are used and the vehicle switches between the four during the trip.

The disadvantage of the hybrid is the battery. Battery packs are expensive and can be large and heavy. Customers without garages will not be ale to recharge their cars because of the absence of an electric wall socket. Although emissions are reduced by the car it will be replaced by the plants that produce electricity. On the positive side pollution will be taken away from cities and the suburbs where it has a harmful effect on the health of the general public.

An electric vehicle has a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, which then drives the transmission and turns the wheels. Since it does not consume fuel, an electric vehicle emits no toxic fumes which is good news for the environment.Although the battery pack is expensive, electric power is cheaper as compared to pump prices.

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Hybrid Engines

2009-03-24T02:23:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Engines

Hybrid vehicles were a concept of the past. Fortunately through the advancement of technology these vehicles are now available in the market. These vehicles were originally designed to help the environment. Nowadays due to rising gas prices, consumers are buying them instead of the conventional cars. The demand has prompted companies to design quality cars that also takes style and looks into consideration.

Hybrid vehicles are now available in compact sedans but also SUVs. The Ford Company has redesigned their Ford Escape to be able to please the environment conscious customer who also wants a stylish car. Hybrid technology is continually being developed so that it will be more accessible and affordable to the public.

What makes a hybrid work?
Hybrid vehicles work by using two different power sources. Although it runs on an electric motor for fuel efficiency and less emissions, it also has a diesel engine that works when needed for high speeds. It also serves as a back-up when the electric power has been used up.

The first hybrid vehicle that was sold commercially was the Toyota Prius. It was then followed by the Honda Insight. A breakthrough came when Ford released the Ford Escape. SUV's have been known to guzzle gas with high greenhouse emissions. This time the Ford Company was able to figure out a way to redesign their famous SUV to be able to cater a stylish, environment friendly and fuel efficient vehicle.

There are different types of hybrid vehicles by the engine that makes the work. Although they may differ in structure they all work by the same purpose, reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

Hybrid electric petroleum vehicles work by having two power sources. An internal combustion engine (usually a diesel engine) and a rechargeable energy storage system are used by the vehicle. The vehicle is run by electric power most of the time and recaptures energy when braking. The diesel engine helps when more power is needed for acceleration.

Battery electric vehicles rely on battery packs which can be recharged, motor rollers and an electric motor. Unfortunately this type of vehicle is limited to battery capacity. It also tends to be more expensive.

Hybrid vehicles also operate in dual mode. Other vehicles use different types of fuel and power source.Vehicles were first made thousands of years ago. The earliest forms of vehicles were actually living things like horses, elephants and camels. With the invention of the wheel around 3000 B.C., chariots, carts and horse-drawn carriages came into existence. The wheel has certainly paved the way for modern transportation as it is still very much present today.

Cycles were created around the 19th century which comes in many forms. Bicycles are one of the most common types of vehicles available today. There are also tricycles, quadricycles and unicycles. These vehicles mainly use a chain that goes around the wheels for propulsion. Cycling is a very important action in order to keep the transportation balanced. Later on, motorcycles were invented which incorporated a motor engine instead of manual pedals. Trolleybuses can switch between a diesel engine and an electrical power. Flexible fuel vehicles use a mixture of biofuels and petroleum.

Related Post :

How to Conserve More Fuel with Hybrid Cars?

2009-03-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

How to Conserve More Fuel with Hybrid Cars?

Most hybrid cars are made for fuel efficiency but you can further squeeze extra miles out of a gallon of gasoline buy adapting the same good driving habits you do in your gasoline-engine vehicles.

1. Go easy on the brakes. Your hybrid car has the regenerative braking system that recaptures the energy lost from braking and stores it back to your batteries. If you brake slowly, you give your electric motor more time to store power thus, recovering more energy back to the batteries. If you brake hard and abrupt, the regenerative braking system will not be able to recapture much of this energy and your brakes will take most of the work.

2. Drive at slow speed. When you drive at a slow speed, you are running the electric motor. This saves a lot of gas. Also high speed driving requires your engine to produce extra power to drive the car forward and push it through the air. This consumes more gas just to overcome the aerodynamic drag. (Take note: the air is much denser on snowy, rainy, and slushy conditions. This makes the engine consumes more fuel to push the vehicle through the air.)

3. Avoid quick acceleration. The electric motor can only give your car a certain amount of power. When you require more speed and step on the gas pedal, the combustion engine kicks in to provide that extra speed you need, thus consuming more fuel. Quick acceleration in gasoline- or diesel-engine car wastes a lot of energy and so with hybrid vehicles. If you need to accelerate, do it gradually if possible.

4. Check your tire pressure. Tires are made to improve safety and the quality of the ride. It is not actually made for efficiency but you can actually use the tire to significantly improve your gas mileage. Use and maintain the maximum recommended tire pressure for your car on the sidewall and not the psi supplied by the manufacturer on the doorframe. Also use low-resistance tires for better mileage.

5. Avoid rush hour. Stop-and-go traffic consumes a lot of gas.

6. Use low octane gasoline. Not only it is cheaper, vehicles are actually designed to run well on low octane gas. Check your manual.

7. Glide. If you are comfortable with driving back and forth to neutral, you can get the best out of your speed. Coasting in neutral gives you a longer cruise and better use of energy.

How Does Hybrid Electric Vehicle Work?

2009-02-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

How Does Hybrid Electric Vehicle Work?

You probably own a gasoline- or diesel-engine car. You may have heard of electric vehicles too. A hybrid vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a combination of both. Hybrid vehicles utilize two or more sources of energy for propulsion. In the case of HEVs, a combustion engine and an electric motor are used.

How it works depends on the type of drive train it has. A hybrid vehicle can either have a parallel or series or parallel-series drive train.

Parallel Hybrid

The parallel hybrid car has a gas tank, a combustion engine, transmission, electric motor, and batteries.

A parallel hybrid is designed to run directly from either the combustion engine or the electric motor. It can run using both the engine and the motor. As a conventional vehicle, the parallel hybrid draws its power from the combustion engine which will then drive the transmission that turns the wheels. If it is using the electric motor, the car draws its power from the batteries. The energy from the batteries will then power the electric motor that drives the transmission and turns the wheel.

Both the combustion engine and the electric motor are used at the same time during quick acceleration, on steep ascend, or when either the engine or the motor needs additional boost.

Since the engine is directly connected to the wheels in a parallel drive train, it eliminates the inefficiency of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and back. This makes a very effective vehicle to drive on the highway.

Series Hybrid

The series hybrid car also has a gas tank, a combustion engine, transmission, electric motor, and batteries with the addition of the generator. The generator can be the electric motor or it can be another separate component.

The series configuration is the simplest among the 3. The engine is not connected to the transmission rather it is connected to the electric motor. This means that the transmission can be driven only by the electric motor which draws its energy from the battery pack, the engine or the generator.

A hybrid car with a series drive train is more suited for city driving conditions since the engine will not be subjected to the varying speed demands (stop, go, and idle) that contributes to fuel consumption.

Series-Parallel Hybrid

The series-parallel configuration solves the individual problems of the parallel and series hybrid. By combining the 2 designs, the transmission can be directly connected to the engine or can be separated for optimum fuel consumption. The Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape Hybrid use this technology.

How to Conserve More Fuel with Hybrid Cars?

2009-02-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Honda Civic Hybrid

2009-02-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Honda Civic Hybrid

Hybrid technology has come a long way since Toyota released the Prius. Sales substantially picked up in the market prompting other automobile companies to make their own hybrids. Following in the footsteps of Toyota in 1997 Honda made its own hybrid. The Honda Insight was a moderate success. Although it was a fuel efficient car it had different technology under the hood. The hybrid technology was new at that time and the public perceived the Insight to look to odd to be driven around the city.

Honda then turned to one of its famous compact sedans. The Honda Civic was released in a hybrid version in 2003. The design was pretty much the same with the conventional Honda Civic incorporated with Honda's own hybrid technology.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The first generation Honda Civic hybrid came out in 2003. It operates with a different hybrid technology compared to the Toyota Prius which is the basic template for all hybrids. Instead of the hybrid synergy system, the Honda Civic hybrid uses an Integrated Motor Assist system that was also used in the Insight.

The first generation was produced from 2003 to 2005. It has a 1.3 liter lean burn internal combustion engine with Honda's VTEC cylinder cut-off system. This allows 3 cylinders to stop operating while decelerating which reduces friction losses. This in turn creates a more effective way of regenerating energy. It has a 15 kW permanent magnet motor which also serves a generator for recharging the batteries. It also has a 120 V nickel metal hydride battery, 5 speed manual transmission, regenerative braking, electric power steering, and low rolling resistance tires.

The second generation was also equipped with the same thing with a few changes. A high profile camshaft was added, fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist and third stage VTEC and Variable Cylinder

Management replaced the previous ones. It has a satellite-linked navigation system and an audio system that supports mp3 and WMA. It also comes in with an average fuel consumption regulator. An idle stop feature automatically shuts off the engine in idle periods.

The second generation was also an improvement from the first one which used lean burn engine.

Honda has stopped producing Civic hybrids to replace them with smaller and affordable types to compete with Toyota. Nonetheless previous the second generation proved to be a worthy competitor to the Prius. Although they may differ in terms of technology, fuel efficiency was still attained.

History of Modern Transportation

2009-02-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

History of Modern Transportation

People may be surprised to know that the idea of electric and hybrid vehicles have been present even before the gasoline engine was invented. A lot of people with their brilliant ideas revolutionized modern transportation as it is today. With the rise of health-threatening pollutants, new age electric and hybrid vehicles are truly becoming a reality.

When Electric Cars Ruled the World

Robert Anderson from Scotland created the first electric carriage during the 1830s. Professor Stratingh of Groningen from Holland designed a simple electric car. Christopher Becker was Stratingh's assistant who built the model in 1835. In 1842, Thomas Davenport from the United States and Robert Davidson from Scotland built more advanced electric vehicles with the use of non-rechargeable electric cells. Gaston Plante from France improved the storage battery and created a better model in 1865. Sixteen years later, Camille Faure continued to improve the storage battery.

During the late 1800s, several European nations like Great Britain and France began the spread of electric vehicles while constantly innovating for better design and performance. Electric cars did not need gear changes. The United States followed with the creation of electric tricycles. At the turn of the century, electric cars were selling better compared to their gasoline engine counterparts due to less vibration, noise and pollutants. In 1916, Woods invented the first hybrid consisting of an electric motor and combustion engine.

The cost of electric vehicles was somewhat expensive so only the people belonging in the upper class were able to afford them. Prices would reach $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the interior and materials used. Production peak for electric vehicles were from 1910 to 1912. During the 1920s, road systems were significantly improved so people needed vehicles that traveled farther than electric cars.

The price of gasoline also decreased making it more affordable for everyone. Charles Kettering invented the electric starter for gasoline cars taking away the tedious hand crank. Henry Ford and his idea of mass production at lower costs continued to reduce the popularity of electric cars. Gasoline cars at this point were only about one-third the price of an electric vehicle.

Decline and Regrowth

From 1935 to 1960, electric vehicles were slowly fading from the scene. However, people began looking for alternative fueled vehicles in order to solve problems on pollution and the growing price of gasoline. More practical models of electric vehicles were proposed.

A number of actions were also imposed in the United States and across the globe to exert effort in improving electric vehicles. Some great works were the U.S. 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment as well as the U.S. 1992 Energy Policy Act. Other states required vehicles to have zero emission. Some of the largest automobile manufacturers as well as the U.S. Department of Energy collaborated to start making hybrids. Mileage, speed and performance were greatly enhanced in these newer models.

Recent electric and hybrid models are able to generate energy through special energy-converting systems. Hybrid models had special dual engines running on both gasoline and electricity which helped conserve a lot of fuel aside from being environmentally friendly. Sedans, SUVs and trucks were quickly built using the newly discovered technology. The method of running on electricity had various approaches but the main idea of being conservative and green was present in all models.

Hybrids: The Pollution Solution

Gasoline engines were proven to be reliable and powerful. However, the constant burning of gasoline released a variety of harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. These are also known as greenhouse gases which trap heat in the atmosphere instead of allowing it to go out into space. The result would be global warming wherein surface air temperatures and sub-surface temperatures in the ocean would rise.

Although there are also natural causes to global warming, vehicle emission significantly multiplies the rate spurring the creation of alternative fuel sources. Electric and hybrid vehicles have shown to be very promising in reducing the greenhouse effect. Pollution will be minimized greatly if more and more people will start relying on these newer models which do not emit any harmful gas at all. These vehicles are also very economical since there is no longer a need for crude oil which constantly is growing in price.

Hybrid Car Features

2009-02-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

Features You may Want for Your Hybrid Car

Hybrid cars were not created equal. Some produce more power. Some are designed for maximum fuel efficiency. Some are built for city driving; others are made to turn heads. Most have unique features that further improve the quality of driving and fuel economy. When you are shopping for one, take note of the following features.

Regenerative braking system. In conventional gasoline-powered cars, all the kinetic energy (energy in motion) is lost and wasted during braking. Hybrid cars recapture this kinetic energy through the regenerative braking system back to the battery for future use. The regenerative braking system increases fuel economy and reduces wear to the brakes.

Low-rolling resistance tires. Tires are often not seen as a major factor in increasing the fuel economy. But in hybrid cars, they use low-rolling resistance tires to improve gas mileage. These stiffer, narrower, and inflated tires reduce the drag against the ground.

Fuel economy. Not all hybrids are fuel efficient. Some are made to perform. And even if the hybrids are made to get the longest miles out of every gallon of gas, some are still better than others. For example, the Ford Escape Hybrid runs 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on highway. Toyota Prius runs 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid runs 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. When choosing what hybrid car to buy, take note of these differences.

Periodic engine shut off. Idling consumes fuel too. So, most hybrid cars automatically turn off its combustion engine temporarily during stops. A hybrid car with this feature is most ideal if you drive in stop-and-go traffic most of the time.

Smaller and more efficient engine. Logically, the car does not actually need a V6 or a V8 in order to run because most of the time, your car only requires 20 hp to move. The extra horsepower is only needed during acceleration. This is the reason why hybrid cars are so efficient. They use smaller engines.

Safety, Comfort, and Space. These are 3 issues that are questionable to hybrid cars. In general, hybrid cars are as safe, as comfortable, and as spacious as their non-hybrid counterpart. But if you are more concerned about not getting these 3 in a hybrid car, you should not have a problem. There are several hybrid cars on the market today that focus on these 3 areas.

Factors that Influence the Gas Mileage

2009-01-29T10:17:00.000-08:00

Factors that Influence the Gas Mileage

Rated to run from 20 mpg to 60 mpg, hybrid cars are designed for maximum fuel economy. But aside from its second source of power, what other factors can influence gas mileage? Here are those factors,

Size of the engine. It is quite ironic that the more powerful your engine is, the larger and heavier it becomes. So much of the additional power will be used just to carry the extra weight of the engine. Hybrid solves it by putting a small engine with an electric motor. Moreover, small engine has small cylinders that consume less fuel both at stop and while cruising. This makes hybrid cars more fuel efficient. Hybrid car engines are smaller and are significantly lighter, thus reducing the total weight of the car.

Driving condition (with respect to the hybrid car's internal structure). A hybrid car can either be parallel or series. With a parallel drive train, the car runs more fuel efficient on the highway. Series hybrids on the other hand work well in stop-and-go traffic.

Car Design/Aerodynamics. When driving at high speeds, the car's engine works more because it has to push the car through the air. This is called aerodynamic drag. And the faster the car is, the greater the aerodynamic drag it has to overcome. Hybrid cars work well both at slow and high speed because it's design to cut through air that reduces the drag, thus increasing fuel economy. Low-rolling resistance tires, which are stiffer and inflated to higher pressure can further cut the drag and increase the fuel mileage of the car.

Vehicle Weight. When the car is heavy, the engine has to inject more fuel to the cylinder in order to push it forward. So in order to increase fuel economy, hybrid cars are made with lighter materials such as magnesium and aluminum or composite materials like carbon fiber.

Driving habits. Whether you are driving a hybrid or not, driving habits can definitely influence the gas mileage of your car. Hard braking and abrupt acceleration wastes a lot of energy. Even if your hybrid has the regenerative braking system, the maximum amount of energy cannot be recaptured back to your battery. Abrupt acceleration on the other hand requires more power from both the electric motor and the combustion engine which equates to more fuel consumption. To increase gas mileage, anticipate braking distance, step on the brake softly, and accelerate gently.

Electric Hybrid Vehicles

2009-01-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

Electric Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles are means of transportation that incorporates the use of an electric system in the main engine. Since gasoline engines have caused a variety of environmental pollutants, people are now starting to rely on electric power which has zero emission and are more fuel efficient. Here is an overview about hybrid electric vehicles.

What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle?

A hybrid electric vehicle or HEV is a vehicle that is a combination of a rechargeable energy storage system or RESS and a traditional propulsion system. It saves more fuel and also covers more distance compared to battery electric vehicles since charging is done through a variety of methods instead of a lone external source. The propulsion power systems of various hybrid electric engines may be composed of the same parts or sub systems.

Usual hybrid electric models have an ICE or internal combustion engine as well as electric batteries that support the main electric motors. The mechanisms of the HEV have improved significantly with the discovery of regenerative braking wherein kinetic energy can be stored. Fuel is conserved more and emission is minimized as much as possible. Drivers get to cover longer ranges as well without worrying about speed and performance.

The combustion engine too can generate electric power through a spinning electrical generator. The energy either provides power directly to the motor or recharges the battery. The internal combustion engine automatically shuts down when idling but immediately restarts as necessary. The engine is also considerably smaller which is more efficient.

Do HEVs Still Use Gas and Diesel?

Gasoline engines will most likely remain in the hybrid vehicle scene for years to come since it generates power like no other discovered or affordable material can. Petroleum gasoline is considered as the main fuel source but can be mixed with different concentrations of ethanol from other energy sources. HEVs use up around 15% bioethanol like other internal combustion engines but manufacturers are currently finding ways to improve ratios for increased fuel efficiency and decreased emission.

There are diesel electric engines wherein a diesel engine is mainly used to provide power. Diesel can prove to be more efficient than gasoline although speed and noise may not be its best features. Diesel can be better-performing and can provide power for long periods of time without wearing much.

Gas mileage is also better due to its high torque while using biodiesel. The need for petroleum is minimized depending on the type used. Although diesel are usually known to drive bigger transportations like trucks, SUVs and vans, hybrid diesel-electric vehicles have also appeared in smaller versions like sedans and other passenger cars.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Types

Hybrid diesel-electric motorcycles have been created having a top speed of around 800 mph with a very affordable retail price of $500. Several known automobile manufacturers have also joined the bandwagon like Honda, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota. These big names are currently innovating to continuously provide well-performing vehicles with all the advantages.

HEVs have been very specific in being made available for future taxicab models. Since these vehicles are usually on the go all day long, fuel and emission can be improved through automatic engine shutdown, regenerative braking and idling. There are plug-in models in which taxicabs can conveniently recharge batteries at designated stands throughout the city. Plug-in hybrid electric models are also available in the form of sedans and mini-cars.

Hybrid-electric buses and trucks are also circulating due to the many advantages offered. The diesel engine is smaller which means that it is more efficient. There is also a 1.9-liter diesel engine instead of the 7.0, emitting less harmful gases. Emission reduction has been reported to be around 30% while fuel efficiency is around 40%. Some hybrid-electric buses have gas turbine generators. More efforts are exerted to convert other means of transportation like trains.

Several other types of HEVs are available today and are being used in various projects. The military uses diesel-electric hybrid trucks which has a fuel cell auxiliary power and diesel electric unit. The United States Army began using hybrid electric drives for all vehicle systems and subsystems. Other notable trucks have also found their purpose in commercial sectors, scientific projects and mining endeavors.

Parts of the Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Vehicles

2009-01-05T02:55:00.000-08:00

Parts of the Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Vehicles

The typical gasoline powered car contains a combustion engine, fuel tank, and transmission, whereas with the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, it contains the following parts:

Gasoline Engine. The engine of a hybrid car is relatively smaller than its gasoline-only counterpart. This is because of two reasons: (1) the car doesn't require a big engine since there it uses another source of power, (2) a bigger engine means larger displacement, heavier weight, and poor fuel economy; since most hybrid cars are designed for maximum fuel efficiency, the engine has to be small. (Diesel engines for diesel-electric hybrid vehicles.)

Fuel Tank. The fuel tank is the energy storage device of the gasoline engine. The size of the fuel tank on a hybrid car may be reduced since the car has to accommodate the size of the batteries.

Transmission. Most hybrid cars use the same transmission as a conventional car.

Batteries. The batteries of a hybrid car are the energy storage device for the electric motor. The batteries perform 2 functions: they send energy to the electric motor and store energy that is being captured by the generator.

Electric motor. A hybrid electric motor is very sophisticated. It can perform as a motor as well as a generator. This means, the electric motor can draw the energy from the battery to accelerate the car or to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration. The electric motor can also act as a generator by slowing the car down and store the energy back to the battery.

Generator. The generator of a hybrid car is much the same as the electric motor but it only acts to produce electric power. Generators are mostly used on series hybrids.

Hybrid electric cars can be parallel or series. Parallel hybrid cars can use the electric motor or gasoline engine to drive the transmission which turns the wheels. Or, it can use both the electric motor and the gasoline engine to drive the transmission and turn the wheels.

Series hybrids, as opposed to parallel hybrids never directly use the gasoline engine to power the vehicle. Instead, the engine turns the generator which either powers the electric motor that drives the transmission or changes the batteries.

Be it a parallel or series structure, the hybrid vehicle uses two sources of energy to provide the same performance we expect from a passenger car and increasing fuel economy at the same time.

Hybrids Today and Tomorrow

2009-01-03T02:53:00.000-08:00

Hybrids Today and Tomorrow

Hybrid vehicles have gone through many changes over the years. Ever since the Toyota Prius came out, bigger and more equipped hybrids were released. The Ford Escape hybrid came out in 2004, which jumpstarted the production of luxury hybrid cars. Apart from Toyota, Honda and Ford other automobile companies such as Mazda, Nissan and recently Lexus and Chevrolet have manufactured their own hybrid creations.

Early hybrid vehicles were limited to manual transmissions and air-conditioning. The best thing that they could do at the time of Toyota Prius was add a multiple CD changer. Nowadays customers have more options with Sports Utility Vehicles and luxury car hybrids. Apart from comfort settings and additional accessories, more formidable propulsion management systems are used.

Hybridization in the present and what lies ahead.

Last year luxury sedans and Sport Utility Vehicles were released. These environment friendly cars were also fitted with all the trappings and perks of a luxury vehicle. Apart from having the latest technology from their manufacturers, such as the Hybrid Synergy System from Toyota, they are also decked out with touch navigational systems, surround sound with DVD and VCD supporting stereo systems, ventilation seats, and multiple CD changers on the dashboard.

Hybrid vehicles released last year have V6 engines such as the Lexus GS 450 and V8 such as the Chevrolet Tahoe. Gear-ratio steering, continuous variable transmission, variable suspension, and regenerative breaking are standard among luxury car hybrids.

Hybrids that will be released in 2008 feature the Cadillac Escalade. It is a two mode hybrid with 6 liter V8 engine with two motors. The Saturn Green Line Vue will also be in the line up that promises to 45% improvement in fuel efficiency. Ford will launch its first hybrid sedan with Mercury Milan Hybrid. Mercedes will also release the hybrid version of their S-class sedan. Porsche also plans to launch its four door coupe called the Panamera, using the same technology as the Cayenne SUV.

If your head is getting dizzy with all the prices of the luxury cars Hyundai will release a hybrid available at around $10,000. This will be the first full hybrid under $20,000. Honda will release a smaller and more affordable hybrid to compete with Toyota who dominates the market.

No matter which hybrid vehicle you will choose, expect more hybrids to come. In time as gas prices soar and the demand for higher emissions regulations are implemented, hybrids will eventually dominate the market.

How to Select the Right Hybrid for You

2008-12-29T02:51:00.000-08:00

How to Select the Right Hybrid for You

Planning to go green and buy a hybrid? You have to know a few things first to make sure that you're getting an efficient one that best suits your needs. Hybrid vehicles come in many forms today and also operate through various means and mechanisms. Here are some guidelines which will help you select the right one.

What Technologies are Available?

1. Idle-off capability is when the engine automatically shuts down when the hybrid vehicle is braking, idling or coasting. The engine can also easily turn back on once the driver releases the brake and steps on the accelerator.

2. Regenerative braking is when the electric motor takes over when the car is slowing down. It also doubles as a generator in which energy lost while the hybrid vehicle is braking can be converted into electric power that recharges the battery.

3. Power assist and engine downsizing is when the electric motor kicks in to help move the car during acceleration. The size of the engine is virtually smaller since both the electric motor and engine combine in providing power.

4. Electric-only is when the electric motor solely provides power for the vehicle when running at low speeds or when starting.

5. Extended battery-electric range is when the electric motor can provide power for the vehicle when running over a distance of 20 to 60 miles. Afterwards, the battery can easily be recharged by plugging into an external electric power source. The gasoline engine kicks in after the range has been covered by the electric motor.

Learn how to define the type of hybrid vehicle you are getting. Mild hybrids use the first three technologies mentioned earlier while full hybrids use the first four. There are also plug-in hybrid vehicles that use all five but are not yet available to the general public.

There are muscle hybrids that come in the form of SUVs which are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to their conventional counterparts. Some hybrid vehicles may use only one or two technologies but still aim to improve mileage and ecological effects.

Questions to Ask

Is it fuel efficient? What is the average range that the electric motor can cover before the gasoline engine kicks in? Does it have idle-off capability? Check the gas mileage and engine size to determine if the hybrid vehicle you are getting can truly help you save more. Some hybrid vehicles are very mild in which a minor technology may only be incorporated. Saving even 1 to 2 gallons of fuel a day more can be quite cost-effective.

Is it environmentally friendly? Check the emission of the vehicle. Hybrids should have very low or zero emission which minimizes the risk of exhausting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Find out the electric motor capabilities since these are the times when gasoline byproducts are prevented and reduced. There are various sources of power available which reduce pollutants like fuel cells, hydrogen and electricity. Find out if any of these are incorporated in your vehicle.

What are its other features? Check the interior and exterior of the hybrid vehicle just as you would when buying a conventional one. Determine if the size is right for your or your family, determine the quality of the materials used if the overall structure is safe for highway driving and compare the advantages and key features with other models. Some hybrids don't look as stylish as gas models but there are also hybrids that look exactly like their conventional counterparts.

How much is it? The initial sum of buying a hybrid vehicle is usually higher compared to conventional cars. However, you will discover that you can easily make up for the initial cost by saving more on fuel. Again, you need to check the mileage, rate of consumption and possible tax deductions to see if the hybrid can really be cost-effective in the years to come. Also consider repair and maintenance expenses in the future.

Advantages to Look for When Selecting

The United States Federal government provides significant tax breaks to individuals who opt for hybrid vehicles. The tax break will depend on the tax bracket once the buyer sends a file. There are states that provide special parking areas as well for hybrid vehicles so drivers get to save more on parking fees. Some insurance policies may provide special offers to owners of hybrids on repair and maintenance too.

There are SULEVs or super ultra low-emission vehicles, ULEVs or ultra low-emission vehicles and PZEVs or partial zero emission vehicles that are very clean and quiet. Drivers get to enjoy smooth and peaceful driving without the environmental hazards and automobile manufacturers are greatly investing in hybrids with very stylish and powerful models that can go up against the best gasoline-powered ones.risks. Some of the largest

How Did Hybrid Cars Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy?

2008-12-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

How Did Hybrid Cars Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy?

Hybrid cars can run from 20mpg to 60mpg. How do they do it? Aside from using both the electric motor and combustion engine to draw propulsion, hybrid cars have several tricks to squeeze every mile out of each gallon of gasoline. Hybrid electric vehicles have:

Lightweight materials. One of the surest ways to increase the mileage of the car is to reduce its overall weight. The lighter the car is, the higher the fuel mileage will be. So instead of steel, lightweight materials such as magnesium and aluminum or composite materials like carbon fibers are used for hybrid vehicles.

Smaller engine. The weight of the car is directly related to its fuel consumption. And because larger engines are relatively heavier, they require more energy just to propel their own weight, thus consuming more fuel. Also big engines have large cylinder displacement that requires more fuel just to stop.

Since hybrid vehicles utilize other sources of power, they do not require large engines. Instead, the smaller and lighter engine equates to better fuel mileage. The Honda Civic Hybrid, for example uses a 1.3 L iVTEC 4-cylinder engine as opposed to the typical 1.8 L or 2.0 L engine for the non-hybrid counterpart.

Improved aerodynamics. When you are driving at a high speed, most work of the engine goes into pushing the car through the air. Hybrid cars are designed in such away that its frontal area chops through the air, reducing drag and increasing fuel economy. The Honda Insight is the best example of how a car can increase its fuel mileage by using a smoother aerodynamic design.

Energy conservation. Since hybrid cars do not rely solely on internal combustion engines that run continuously even at stops, they can shut off the engine temporarily whenever do not need it. It will automatically turn on when you step on the gas pedal.

Energy recovery. Much of the energy is lost when braking, more so at high speeds. Hybrid vehicles are designed to recapture this lost energy and store it back in the battery to be used later.

Special tires. Tires are specifically used to minimize noise, provide a smooth ride, and give good traction in different weather conditions. But tires are rarely used to optimize efficiency. They cause a great deal of drag while driving. Hybrid cars on the other hand use low-rolling resistance tires. They are inflated to a higher air pressure and are stiffer which result in reduced drag and better fuel efficiency.

Gas Power and Electric Power Combined

2008-12-24T02:47:00.000-08:00

Gas Power and Electric Power Combined

Gasoline powered vehicle

As the name implies, a gasoline powered vehicle uses a combustion engine as a source of power. It has a fuel tank that supplies gasoline to the engine which drives the transmission and turns the wheels.

Pros

With a single full tank, a gasoline-powered vehicle can run several times longer than an electric car.

A gallon of gasoline is much denser than batteries in terms of energy. For example, 1 gallon of gasoline (7 pounds) produces the same amount of power as 1000 pounds of batteries.

It can keep up with the traffic on the road.

You have the widest car options. From compact to full-size sedan, from pickup trucks to SUVs, from minivans to luxury cars, you can jump from one car dealer to another and still get the best car varieties.

You can also choose from different types and sizes of engines.

Cons

With the soaring prices of fuel, getting a gas tank full is very expensive. Combustion engine wastes a lot of energy and consumes a lot of fuel. It also emits pollutants that contribute to the depletion of the environment.

Electric vehicle

An electric vehicle has a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, which then drives the transmission and turns the wheels.

Pros

Since it does not consume fuel, an electric vehicle emits no toxic fumes which is good news for the environment.
Although the battery pack is expensive, electric power is cheaper as compared to pump prices.

Cons

The battery can power the car short distances on a single charging.
Batteries of an electric car take several hours to charge.
Electric cars cannot keep up with the traffic.
Its top speed is slower than gasoline cars.

Hybrid Car - Problem solved

Hybrid cars get the best of both engines. It uses both an electric motor and a combustion engine to drive the vehicle. That means that a hybrid can either run on an electric motor and use the advantages of an electric car, or run on a combustion engine and use the edge of a gasoline powered car. Or, it can run on both at the same time. Depending on the type of hybrid car, you can have the best fuel efficiency with a performance similar or even better than its non-hybrid counterpart.

Electric Propulsion Systems

2008-12-22T02:42:00.000-08:00

Electric Propulsion Systems

Hybrids are planning to use electric propulsion systems which prove to be very efficient and also environmentally friendly. There may be various approaches and methods in order to accomplish movement using electric power but the main idea is still the same. These systems are already working and will further help develop alternate fuel.

What is Electric Propulsion?

Electric propulsion is the acceleration of gases in order to produce propulsive thrust through electric and magnetic body forces, electric body forces or electric heating. The electric propulsion system is usually incorporated in rocket science wherein it manages energy enough to produce a powerful thrust. An electric propulsion system is an alternative to nuclear propulsion system. The total thrust is less powerful compared to a nuclear rocket but still enough to produce effects.

According to a number of studies, any engine used as a primary source of such powerful propulsion must produce exhaust velocities of around 10 to 20 km/s. There are also storable chemical systems used in rockets with an exhaust velocity of around 5 km/s but overall is less efficient.

Propulsion systems that do not require energy through chemical reactions are still needed. There are electric propulsion thrusters able to produce exhaust velocities of around 10 to 20 km/s which increases payload and reduces propellant mass. The consequences however, are less powerful thrusters consuming larger quantities of power.

The 3 Categories of Electric Propulsion

Electro thermal propulsion is when the propellant is electrically heated then isentropically expanded through a C/D or convergent/divergent nozzle. The system works as electrical energy heats propellants that produce gases as a result. The gases are sent through the C/D nozzle creating thrust. Catalyzed hydrazine or another neutral gas is used in thrusters like arc jets and resistojets.

Arc jets can also be used to heat the propellants via an electrical arc discharge. The arc in the arc jet is a beam of electrons produced from the cathode tip then gathers at the anode. Since an arc jet has a cathode and an anode, a constrictor is also present which is a narrow pathway between the two charges.

Electrostatic thrusters are also called ion thrusters. These use an ionized propellant accelerated through electric fields applied directly like gridded ion thrusters and Hall thrusters. The technique of propulsion is also known as ion propulsion technique since ions are mainly used in the process. Electrostatic energy is used to produce propulsion.

Drivers Struggle with Rising Car Insurance Rates : Save Money by Maintaining Good Credit and Keeping Policies Current

2008-12-19T11:33:00.000-08:00

Auto insurance rates continue to rise, adding pressure to cash-strapped consumers. Some drivers are letting their car insurance policies lapse, by either not renewing on time or failing to pay their bills, according to Insurance.com. In light of this worrisome trend, the company is urging drivers to explore savings opportunities and payment options—rather than go without car insurance.

CLEVELAND (Business Wire EON) December 17, 2008 -- "Every day we're hearing from consumers who let their car insurance policies expire—by either not paying their bills on time, or allowing a gap between the end of their current policy and the time a new policy is acquired," said Sam Belden, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Insurance.com, the leading online independent auto insurance agency in the United States. "Not only is this dangerous, it also ends up costing drivers with lapsed policies thousands of dollars when they go to get car insurance again. Having a lapsed policy can be a red flag for insurance companies."

Insurance.com offers these ideas for protecting your rates and your credit.

Avoid a Lapse in Coverage—Never ignore you car insurance bill. Driving without insurance is against the law and you'll be personally liable if you have an accident. And, a short-term decision like letting your policy lapse will have big, long-term consequences—your rates may be 25 to 50% higher.

Explore Payment Options—Many carriers offer discounts of up to 15% if you pay your bill all at once. If you're not able to afford that lump sum payment, ask your company about monthly payment plans. There may be a small fee for a payment plan, but some carriers will waive that fee if you elect to pay by Electronic Funds Transfer.

Make a Partial Payment—If you cannot afford to pay your entire insurance bill, talk to your company about making a partial payment when your bill is due. Some companies will continue your coverage, as long as you pay something—but others may require full payment. There's no harm in asking if a smaller payment will keep your policy in force.

Shop for a New Policy—If you have not shopped for car insurance in several years, now may be a good time to compare rates. New customers reported an average annual savings of $595 when they shopped and switched carriers at Insurance.com.

Protect Your Credit —Missed payments can lower your credit rating, making it more expensive to get car insurance coverage in the future. If a credit card company or department store offers deferred billing, look carefully at the terms, so that you're not in deeper debt in the New Year.

those who are resolving to save more money in the New Year, Belden also noted that auto insurance policies can be an easy—but often overlooked—source for savings. "Many consumers are unaware of the numerous discounts offered by their insurance carriers, discounts that add up to hundreds of dollars a year in lower rates," he said. "Particularly in this economy, drivers should regularly review policies to see if they qualify for lower rates." Such discounts include:

Mileage discounts if you drive less than 10,000 miles each year. Hybrid discounts if you've recently purchased an eco-friendly car. Early shopping discounts if you renew two weeks before your policy expires. "Good student" discounts for high school and college students with a B or better average. Defensive driving course discount if you've taken a class within 3 years. Insurance.com's 3rd Quarter RateWatch for Car Insurance found that the lowest car insurance quotes, on average, were up 3% over the previous quarter, rising from $1893 per year to $1949 per year. In a prosperous economy, the hike might be shrugged off or even overlooked entirely by consumers. However, with the start of the holiday shopping season and consumers facing high grocery bills, energy costs and job losses, Insurance.com predicts that more drivers will be looking for ways to save.

ABOUT INSURANCE.COM

Insurance.com is the leading online independent auto insurance agency in the United States. Our innovative technology allows consumers to link directly to the rating systems of more than a dozen top insurance companies. We streamline the shopping process for consumers, empowering them to instantly compare rates and make the smartest decisions for their insurance needs. Since 2000, millions of drivers have benefited from using our online shopping experience or speaking with our expert, licensed agents by phone. Headquartered in Solon, Ohio on the outskirts of Cleveland, Insurance.com also offers information for life, health and home insurance.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/car_insurance/insurance_rates/prweb1765454.htm.

Different Types of Vehicles

2008-12-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

Do you know how many types of vehicles there are in all? Since the creation of the first crude automobile, several models and types have been created to suit the needs of people. These were developed in order to provide a safe, efficient and economical means of transportation. Some are built for luxury, others for practicality and some for environmental purposes.

Cruder Forms

Vehicles were first made thousands of years ago. The earliest forms of vehicles were actually living things like horses, elephants and camels. With the invention of the wheel around 3000 B.C., chariots, carts and horse-drawn carriages came into existence. The wheel has certainly paved the way for modern transportation as it is still very much present today.

Cycles were created around the 19th century which comes in many forms. Bicycles are one of the most common types of vehicles available today. There are also tricycles, quadricycles and unicycles. These vehicles mainly use a chain that goes around the wheels for propulsion. Cycling is a very important action in order to keep the transportation balanced. Later on, motorcycles were invented which incorporated a motor engine instead of manual pedals.

Origin of Alternate Fuel Sources

Electric vehicles or EVs were invented in the 1830's which uses one or more electric motors. The rotary or linear motors propel the vehicle through the wheels. Linear motors are used by tracked vehicles such as trains and MRTs. There are several sources of energy used to move the vehicle like an on-board RESS or rechargeable energy stora

ge system, batteries, on-board super capacitors and direct connection to energy-generating plants. Fuel cells and nuclear energy have also shown to be very viable in propelling vehicles.

Steam engines are another alternate fuel source which uses an external combustion engine or ECE. ECEs are less efficient compared to ICEs but proper configurations can be made for the fuel burner in order to emit very low amounts of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other harmful gases making it environmentally friendly in the process. Steam cars do have a problem when starting from cold leading to the development of flash boilers.

The Automobile

Automobiles are the most common type of vehicle. The majority of automobiles today are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. Automobiles use an internal combustion engine or ICE which can be highly polluting due to the constant burning of harmful gases. This type of vehicle has shown to be very powerful, convenient and aesthetic as well making it the most popular of all time.

Gasoline engine vehicles are lighter and able to work at optimum rotational speeds. The invention of the electric starter has boosted its popularity beating steam and electric cars in the process. Carburetor and fuel injection are some of the most useful discoveries in enhancing automobile performance.

There are various innovations in the engine allowing exhaust gases to be less harmful. Others combine efforts to minimize the greenhouse effect by reducing emissions to zero. Gasoline engines are capable of running with different ethanol concentrations. Some may run on 15%, 85% or even 100% ethanol. Fuel burn efficiency of gasoline engine vehicles are around 27%.

Diesel engine vehicles are more cost-effective compared to gasoline engine ones because of their 50% fuel burn efficiency. However, power and performance is also compromised due to less concentration of fuel. Diesel also releases exhaust gases into the atmosphere from soot particles. 100% biodiesel has been developed to improve the downside of these vehicles.

Other Transports

A train is a series of vehicles moving along a guided track or rail. A separate locomotive provides power to propel the entire train. Diesel or electricity is the usual energy source of trains while older versions were dominantly powered by steam engines. There are special kinds of trains with special tracks like rubber-tired underground, high-speed and monorails. Some trains can have more than one locomotive or coach.

A road train has a prime mover pulling one or more trailers. Trucks are the simpler version of this. Since the weight and maneuverability are a challenge, these vehicles often require several wheels for more control. Speed should also be watched meticulously to make travel as safe as possible. Diesel engines usually power big heavy trucks and road trains for fuel efficiency and power.

Other unique types of vehicles are amphibious vehicles and snowmobiles. Amphibians can run on both land and water making them very versatile. There are amphibious bicycles, cars, trucks and ATVs developed for passenger and official use.

The advantages provided by amphibians made them very useful for military operations. Snowmobiles are propelled by a built-in track made of Kevlar composite or rubber in order to effectively move through snow. These are also powered by a motor engine that consumes gas for fuel. Tanks use the same mechanism as snowmobiles by running on steel tracks.

A Brief Guide to Hybrid Vehicles

2008-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hybrid cars were the stuff of dreams centuries ago. Nobody ever thought that creating a vehicle independent from fuel was possible. Fortunately with the continuing development of hybrid technology, more efficient and practical vehicles have been created. In the recent years the campaign for global warming has brought the attention of the public. Hybrid cars are now becoming steadily popular available in different types from compact sedans to SUVs.

Environmental issues are not the only reason that has made the public favor hybrid cars. Rising gas prices is also one of the major reasons why people prefer hybrid cars than conventional ones. Its also practical in suburban environments where you don't really need horsepower but gas mileage.

Hybrid cars

There are different types of hybrid vehicles. They can vary from the simplest wheelbarrows to ships. No matter what form they are, these vehicles help in reducing greenhouse and noise emissions. Although these vehicles are expensive due to their unique structures, developments will continue to provide more alternatives to the public. These cars may not compare to conventional ones with a 200 horsepower but why would you need that if you only need 20 in the streets?

The simplest hybrid would be the single wheeled vehicles. These are wheelbarrows famously depicted with sails. This can be seen in Chinese sailing carriages.

The next is two wheeled vehicles. These are usually cycle type vehicles. The best example would be the Moped and electric bicycles. They are powered by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine in comb

ination with the rider's muscles. This concept was also used in the 1800's by motorcycles. The electric bicycle can either be a parallel or a series hybrid.

Hybrid vehicles are not just limited to private cars. There are also hybrid power trains used by heavy vehicles. There are diesel or turbo electric buses, railway locomotives, heavy duty vehicles, hydraulic machinery and ships.

In ships a diesel engine drives the electric generator or hydraulic pump which in turn powers one or more hydraulic or electric motors. Sails and engines were early forms of hybrids which may be used again due to rising fuel costs.

More developments are continually being made in hybrid structures and systems for efficiency. Today buying a hybrid car is expensive but it will be beneficial in the long run. It does not just save fuel costs but also removes pollution that can harm the health of the people and take whatever it is left of the environment.