A Look at How Hybrid Cars Work
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The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) also known as the hybrid car is quite the economic wonder. Even as a work in constant progress, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology has truly done a lot to improve the gas-dependence situation. Hybrid cars has also saved consumers from having to spend so much on fossil fuels and has even helped save some taxpayer money.
What is it under the hybrid car hood that is seems to set it apart from the other cars? Let’s take a peep and try to take a look at just how these wonders called the hybrid cars work.
A Combination
The keyword in all of this is the word “hybrid.” An HEV basically brings out the best in both electrical power and fuel. By incorporating both an electrical motor and a gas engine, it allows the vehicle to switch back and forth between energy sources. Of course, the usual case is that the car really depends solely on the battery and electrical motors to run the vehicle.
So what is the gas for? Well, the vehicle will still need fuel to run a motor that charges the battery which in turn runs the whole car. But the beauty of this set up is that not much fuel is needed to charge up those batteries; thus, hybrid cars really only need so much fuel to fill their significantly smaller gas tanks and therefore it saves people from having to spend so much money on gas.
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Go The Distance
To fully comprehend and appreciate how a hybrid car works, a spin in one with a full tank to compare results in terms of mileage and distance would be required. Definitely, you will see a lot of difference in vehicles running on electric motors. Going long distances is achieved in the way how a hybrid car operates. Generally-speaking, there are 3 technologies that allows this to happen.
The first innovative technology used in hybrid cars is the regenerative braking that applies resistance to the drive train. This in turn causes the wheels to slow down. The energy from the wheels turns the engine which in real time acts as generator which converts the energy wasted during coasting and braking into electricity. The electricity is then accumulated in a battery until such time when it is needed by other functions in the electric motor.
The next hybrid car technology used is the elect motor assist which gives additional power to aid the motor in acceleration like in speeding up or ascending higher terrains. This simply means that the smaller engine or electric motor is used. This motor is more efficient that the internal combustion engine that needs and uses up more gas.
Another hybrid car technology is the automatic start and shutdown. When a hybrid car stops for a stoplight, the whole engine shuts down as well. This helps the engine in conserving energy and fuel from running idle. When the vehicle is accelerated again, the engine automatically starts up. When combined, these three hybrid technologies create a vehicle that is simply to reckon with!
Planning to get your own hybrid car? Find out more how hybrid cars operate or get more independent hybrid car reviews from Anton Rowd now.
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The History of Electric Cars
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We’ve all seen the commercials talking about how technology was all going to be about flying cars and cold fusion. In reality, though, we have our very own science-fiction-turned-fact in looking at hybrid vehicles which are taking over. They truly are efficient and are money-saving at some levels, but most consumers assume that the concept of electric motors is brand new, but the first experiments with electric motors began in the mid-1800s. Going as far back as 1832, locomotives and carriages were already using electric motors, considering that lead-acid batteries were already being used.
In the 1890s, though, the first electric cars were actually built at home in the U.S. and actually shown to the general public. To thank for that first electric car we have William Morrison, whose electric car was one of the first to be successfully tested. By the time 1893 had rolled around, there are already several models of electric-powered cars that were showcased in Chicago.
If you have the impression that electric cars are solely known to the public as the new economic fad, think again. Made by Pope manufacturing company in New York City, 1897 saw electric taxis around the city. In fact, by 1899, Thomas Edison was also involved with these ideas, even though he never saw his developments come to fruition.
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In 1900, 28% öf vehicles in the U.S. were powered by electric motors, and over one-third of the driving populations in New York City, Boston and Chicago were actually driving electric cars. Had Henry Ford’s new automobile, the gas-powered Model T Ford, not come along eight years later, the electric car could have possibly been the more common vehicle. Unfortunately, Henry Ford’s Model T had taken over electric cars by far by the 1920s.
Around 1966, environmental awareness actually became a concern, prompting the US Congress to actually pass legislation regarding pollution, air cleanliness concerns, not to mention rising gas prices. As a result, the popularity and demand for electric cars has increased.
While most consumers think of old hybrids as being the 1998 Toyota Prius, the first actual hybrid vehicle was constructed from a Buick Skylark by a man named Victor Wouk in 1972. The Federal Clear Car Incentive Program in 1970 brought forward this need for hybrid cars, and Wouk’s hybrid was no different, having been built specifically in response to this Act. Later, in 1974, Vanguard-Sebring built an electric vehicle known as the CitiCar, and was another attempt to respond to the Incentive Program. Unfortunately, the company and program were both out of the picture by 1980.
Although there was an actual act passed by Congress to research and develop hybrid vehicles in 1976, General Motors didn’t actually start its research on their first hybrid vehicle, the EVI, until 1988. Thankfully, the entire country got a kick in the pants when California passed a Zero Emission Mandate in 1990 that required at least 2% of vehicles be ZEV compliant by 1993, and then 10% of those vehicles by 2003. Unfortunately, both of those goals had not been met by 2003, which still left the country in a position to research hybrids.
Finally, in 1997, Toyota was able to make a breakthrough, and the Toyota Prius was released to the commercial mass-market, selling over 18,000 vehicles in one year alone. It didn’t take long after that, and in the next three years, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and GM began to release hybrid vehicles, but they were full of kinks and problems. By 2004, most of them were scrapped and recycled.
In 2006, hybrid vehicles began to see a resurgence in production. This time, the kinks were worked out and now, hybrids will soon become the new standard. The fact of the matter, though, is that while the packaging may be new, the actual technology behind the hybrid has spent a century being developed.
To learn more about hybrid cars visit hybridcarchat.com and join the hybrid car forums.
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Buy a Hybrid Car: Why You Need to
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For the past years, people going out to buy a hybrid car are increasing. Considering the many reasons for the decision, this buying trend is not surprising. Still, there are many who believe that the technology is actually too expensive to invest in and that hybrid cars are just not powerful or spacious enough for their needs. So when is it really the right time to invest in a hybrid car?
The Price Of Gas
Gas fuels almost everything that moves. We all know we need it. But we also know that it is fast becoming a depleted resource. Personal vehicles these days can consume up to 140 billion gallons of gas and diesel fuel in a year and these numbers don’t seem like they are falling at all.
Gas prices, contrary to its availability, is always increasing, though. This should be the cause of concern for anybody who owns a gas-powered vehicle. This is one of the signs that should trigger the notion that more people should buy into the idea of hybrid cars.
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Emissions And The Environment
So your current car is not much of a smoke belcher. This is not enough of an argument to go against the fact that there are dangerous emissions that are released as your car burns the fuel it needs to move. To buy a hybrid car means that you will be making a world of difference especially with the way your driving is affecting the air around you.
Hybrid car emissions promise zero carbon monoxide emissions. This means that you can start driving around without worrying at all what your car is contributing to the pollution situation of the world. This is due in part by hybrid cars running on less gas and more electricity. This is another reason why you should really think about investing in a hybrid vehicle.
Purchase Incentives
In most cases, purchasing a hybrid car will generally means great savings for you in the future. A number of incentives offered by the government are another reason why more people should purchase hybrids.
A new incentive for hybrid car users came in 2006 in the form of full-dollar tax credit. This made it even more valuable for car buyers to buy hybrids when compared to the reductions of taxable income when purchasing regular cars. More specifically, buyers who purchased, for example, a Toyota or Lexus hybrid before October 1 2006 qualified for a 100 percent tax credit. Those who bought Toyota hybrids after that date received a tax credit equal to 50 percent of the amount that they spent.
The biggest reason to get into the hybrid trend really is that it is a life-changing experience in more ways than one. You not only get to contribute to positive changes in the worlds environment, but you also get the privilege of driving cars straight of the future with technologies that make it more convenient for everyday transport. Still not convinced? Buy a hybrid car and you’ll see what it means to own one.
See the latest updates before you buy a hybrid car. See more hybrid car comparison and reviews online.
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Discover The Latest Developments In Electric Cars
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Cars pollute, kill the planet and generally are not that green are they not? Here is the latest news from the world of the eco-friendly electric cars trying to prove the car hater wrong. The limited edition Micro-Vett electric 500 is an electric, eco version of the famous Fiat 500. This little green-mobile has a maximum speed of 60mph, a range of 70 miles, and takes 6-8 hours to charge.
Transmission is manual 5-speed but there is an automatic option. It weighs around 1050kg, has four seats, and standard kit includes a radio, CD, MP2 player, Bluetooth and USB, air con, remote central locking, ABS with EBD, 15-inch alloy wheels, drivers airbag, drivers knee airbag, passenger and window airbags. You can also pay extra if you want auto climate control, an electric sunroof, reverse parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a metallic paint finish to your motor. As with many electric cars price unfortunately is on application. But if you have to ask, you clearly cannot afford.
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Lotus introduces an electric car that ROARS! The wonders of modern technology, a car that glides seamlessly along with hardly any noise at all. Well that is great if you are the driver or the passenger, but the quiet hybrid or electric cars of today are not so good for pedestrians as people simply do not hear them coming. Lotus has decided to create a technology to bring that oh so thrilling sound, the roar of a well tuned engine, to eco conscious drivers.
The car manufacturer explains that its safe and sound hybrid technology simulates the growl of a combustion engine, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion. It has already put the system into a Toyota Prius, which is one of the most popular hybrid cars on the market. The system produces a pitch and frequency designed to help pedestrians identify the speed and distance of the car. Lotus claim their technology increases pedestrian safety, while retaining the environmental benefits of electric cars.
Shown off at the 2008 motor show, the Lighting car is designed to turn all the heads. Why because it is fast and it is electric. The company claimed the Lightning GTS, which is built in the UK, claims the Lightning can hit 60mph (97kmph) in under four seconds. Instead of one single motor, each wheel has its own giving the most effective power.
Special batteries are used to give the car the power when it needs it rather than a constant speed and you will be able to do a fast charge in around 10 minutes to get you back on the road. The CEO of the company said they are trying to change the perception of what people expect from electric cars. The car will cost around 120,000GBP when it goes on sale so it is up against some real supercar competition.
Shaun Parker is an expert on electric cars and provides eco-friendly advice on all aspects of the motor industry.
Article from articlesbase.com
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Pros and Cons of Owning a Hybrid Car
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You hear every day about hybrid cars from their proponents. But have you ever heard about it from the other side? Only if you are seeking information on the pros and cons of owning a hybrid car, will you become aware that there are cons too that many manufactures don’t want you to know about. Here is the list of the top 8 pros and cons of owning a hybrid car that will help you to better understand what your really getting yourself into when you purchase a hybrid car:
Pro: Better gas mileage – Hybrid vehicles will take you twice as far as the conventional vehicle for every gallon of fuel. With gas prices escalating this should sway the buyer towards the hybrid car just to save money on their gasoline purchases.
Con: The mileage, in reality, is 10% less than what the tag claims. This can come as a setback to owners with financial constraints. Claims on the tag apart, the fact is that hybrid cars are only 25 to 30 percent more efficient than the new gas-saving vehicles on the market which may opt to be a better choice in the long run.
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Pro: You’ll save a lot more money in the long run- If you own a hybrid you’ll save approximately ,300 over a ten year period which is really nothing to sneeze at when it comes to saving money.
Con: The cost of hybrid cars ranges from ,000 to ,000 compared to conventional fuel-efficient vehicles that cost anywhere between ,000 to ,000. Hybrid cars don’t pay for themselves although many manufactures would like you to think they will.
Pro: Hybrids are more fuel-efficient and better for the environment- Hybrids are built specifically to be environment friendly. They reduce the amount of gas you need by utilizing instead. Hybrids cut the amount of emissions from your car by 25% to 30%.
Con: If you’re a jump-start driver and you speed all the time, your eco-friendly hybrid vehicle will not live up to its name. Speeding and starting too quickly from a light is a waste of gasoline in any car, even a hybrid. A hybrid uses gasoline products and a bad driver can cause harm to the environment so it really depends on what kind of driver you are when it comes to being more fuel-efficient and better for the environment.
Pro: Regular maintenance and repairs are just like getting a conventional car fixed- Hybrids are just hybrids. They have many of the same parts as conventional vehicles that can be serviced by any qualified mechanic.
Con: Regular maintenance and repairs are no problem, but hybrids have their own unique problems – a complex system requiring two motors, ancillary systems, computers, a heavy battery and a generator that must all work together. The complexity and newness of hybrids will surely see owners paying bigger repair/service bills besides spending more time sitting around the repair shop.
Learn everything you can about a vehicle before purchasing it and spare yourself from some nasty surprises.
You might also want to check out how do hybrid cars work and discuss it in the hybrid car forum
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Top 7 Disadvantages of Electric Cars
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Soaring gas prices and environmental concerns, electric cars are becoming popular as an answer to some of the problems of the auto industry. However, do electric cars have a spotless reputation?
The following are their disadvantages of EVs voiced for some time now.
1. Charging Woes: Electric powered vehicles require charging stations, and for people to travel long distances there needs to be a network of such stations located strategically. Also recharging of batteries often takes about 3 hours, which nowhere matches efficiency of a gas refuel. And of course there’s the charging equipment you need to carry along.
2. Travelling distance (Range): The cars can travel only about a 100 miles on an average, and on a single charge. The technology of Chrysler’s proposed EVs is supposed to have the cars run longer, though.
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3. Lack of power: In general electric cars are still behind gas powered vehicles in their ability to to accelerate and climb quickly.
4. Overloaded batteries: At the heart of electric automobiles are the car’s batteries. At the same time, as all other car accessories viz. radios, car air conditioners, etc. use up electric power from batteries, they’d drain quickly. And recharging them takes time!
5. They are expensive: Batteries that power these cars are a costly affair. Consider this: The promising and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries cost about US,000 each, which for the most part make these cars expensive. And if the batteries last only about 4 years, they could add to the maintenance costs.
6. The cause pollution: Yes, the ‘clean & green’ electric cars cause pollution too, albeit indirectly. While themselves being clean, there are toxic elements within batteries and which could spew toxic fumes. Further, the car’s engines are powered by electricity, and all of which isn’t generated from renewable energy sources. Which means electric power production per se entails pollution.
7. They’re Heavy: Batteries are what makes these vehicles heavy. A battery pack of an average electric car can weigh up to a 1,000 pounds or 450 kg (approx.) This a disadvantage because weight puts pressure on batteries and they drain out faster.
While the prospect of electric vehicles seems promising, electric vehicles don’t appear to be a pancea and have their own share of shortcomings. Consequently, a purchase decision in favor of EVs or hybrids might not be all that simple.
Fred is a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though, as a professional he’s reported on myriad topics, his favorites are the auto and the healthcare industry. Two platforms he’s previously worked on are Themedica and Automotive-Online. He now blogs at: Automobile Hotspot.
Article from articlesbase.com
Abc of the Electric Car
Abc of the Electric Car
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Electric Car Conversions – How To Turn Your Gas Guzzler Into a Green Machine
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Odds are, you probably own a gasoline or diesel powered vehicle. If you are considering making the switch to an electric car, there are some things you should consider before getting started.
Should I Buy a New Vehicle?
If you are in the market for an electric car, the easiest option is to simply go new car shopping. There are a few production electric cars out there right now. Be aware that while an electric car is more expensive up front, if it suits your commuting needs you can save a lot of money in the long run on fuel costs. Most production electric cars have more limited range than a gasoline vehicle, but as long as you don’t drive more than 50 miles on a daily basis, they will be just fine. Along with the electric car, you will usually receive a power station for your home, where you plug your car in to recharge overnight. Remember, power isn’t free, and has to come from somewhere. You can expect a rise in your electricity bill, but usually you are still saving money over a gasoline vehicle. And check the laws in the state you live in! California, for instance, offers some very nice incentives to owners of green alternative fuel vehicles. This includes electrically powered vehicles.
Converting Your Existing Vehicle
If you just don’t want to give up your gas guzzlers style or storage capacity, it is possible to convert your vehicle to run on electricity. Just be aware from the get go that this is an expensive project that is definitely not a do-it-yourself deal. Pretty much every active component of your vehicle will have to be replaced with versions designed for electric vehicles. But the costs will probably not be much more than purchasing an electric vehicle, and you may like the results much better.
Get in touch with some companies that specialize in alternative energy sources, such as solar power or fuel cells. Even if they can’t help you with your specific project, they can probably point you towards someone that can. The company that you finally settle on will have quite a few issues to discuss with you, such as the battery types, or whether to go pure electric, or hybrid. Electricity-generating fuel cells are another option, but can be expensive to maintain. There are many different ways to go when talking electric car conversions, and many need to be worked out with someone who knows what is what.
It’s All Worth It
But once you actually perform the conversion, you will be amazed at the difference. Electric vehicles are nearly silent, and you’ll never have to pump gas again. They have a very futuristic feel about them, with computerized systems and displays as finishing touches. And they produce no emissions whatsoever, so you are doing a major favor to the environment. Imagine how much less smog there would be in your city if everyone drove zero emission electric cars.
Abhishek is an avid Environmentalist and he has got some great Alternative Fuel Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 70 Pages Ebook, “Energy Conservation And Alternative Fuel” from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/643/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
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