Hybrid cars

Hybrid cars are all the rage right now, and do not seem to be cooling down any as far as popularity and excitement goes. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest is simply the fuel efficiency and environmentally friendliness they offer.

What is a hybrid? vehicles powered by a combination of gasoline and electricity

With hybrid cars being relatively new to the main stream market, it can be somewhat intimidating to try and purchase one, especially if you know little about them. The following is a few little tips and a few myths cleared up in order to help you better understand the new technology so that you can be wise when buying a hybrid:

Just like with any other car you are going to want to compare the relative gas consumption, mpg, and tailpipe emissions of hybrid versus conventional models. Comparing and contrasting features is the best way to choose a car. However, understanding the myths surrounding hybrids can help clear up some confusion.

Myth one: You need to plug in a hybrid car.

Because most people know that a hybrid is a combination of gas and electricity they automatically assume that hybrids have to be plugged in like the Fisher Price toy jeeps and cars that little kids drive around. However, this is simply not the case. Hybrids use this cool technology called regenerative braking. Which is basically a process where the energy usually lost when a vehicle is slowing down or stopping is reclaimed and routed to the hybrid's rechargeable batteries. It is pretty cool, and the best part means that the owner of the vehicle really does not have to do anything special to make this happen.

Myth two: Hybrid batteries need to be replaced.

Many potential buyers choose not to go with hybrids because they are worried about expensive batteries wearing out and needing replacement. This is again a totally unfounded myth, and one that should not stand in the way of car buying. The technology used only keeps the batteries partially charged so that they last longer. The standard warranty on hybrid batteries and other components is between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer and your location. Also, something you have to realize is this does not mean that at the end of the warranty period your battery will stop working, in fact, many tests have shown the batteries to still function like new after closer to 200,000 miles.

Myth three: Hybrids are a new phenomenon, and thus unreliable technology.

A lot of people want to wait to buy a hybrid until the technology has a chance to work the kinks out. In theory this is a good idea, except that hybrid technology has been around since the early 1900's. In 1905 an American engineer named H. Piper filed the first patent for a gas-electric hybrid vehicle. So why have we not seen more of these? Well, to put it simply, because of the relatively inexpensive cost of fuel, most auto engineers had little incentive to look for alternative ways to run vehicles. The oil price shocks of the 1970s, and a growing awareness of environmental problems related to automobile emissions, meant engineers started worrying about it, and thus research and experimentation by governments and car companies in the 1980s and 1990s led to the reemergence of hybrids in the U.S. in 2000.

Myth four: People only buy hybrids to save money on gas so they are not worth it.

While it is true that hybrid cars are by far the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road right now, and you can spend less at the pump and go further at the pump, this is not the only reason to buy one, and in fact a very poor reason as it would take years to recoup the extra cost of buying a hybrid over a comparable vehicle. So what are the other reasons? Well, for one, a hybrid is a great way to minimize your personal impact on the environment as it uses far less oil, and has far fewer emissions. It also is a great way to help reduce the world's addiction to oil. However, one of the biggest reasons people actually go out and buy a hybrid, is the same reason a freshman in college who is not doing anything with computer graphics buys a Mac to earn technology bragging rights. Whether you need it or not, driving a hybrid makes a statement about who you are.

Myth five: Hybrids are ridiculously expensive.

Let's start out by saying all new cars are ridiculously expensive, and thus, in a way, hybrids are no exception. However, comparatively, they are not much more than buying any other new car. In 2006, hybrids were available in 10 different models ranging in price from $19,000 to $53,000. The most efficient models-the Insight, Civic, and Prius-cost below $30,000. So, really, in comparison, they are about the same as any other comparable model. And, it is expected that soon, with more models coming out each year, and more interest in hybrids emerging, that there will be ever greater range in choice and price. This does not mean hybrids are going to cost less than conventional gasoline powered cars, as the rechargeable batteries, electric motors, and sophisticated computer controls do add to the cost of production. However, they are not likely to be off the charts in pricing either.

Also, let's be honest, even if a hybrid were to cost you $5000 more than a similar model that is not a hybrid, you would recoup those savings quickly by the federal and state tax incentives, lower maintenance costs, and extraordinarily strong resale values.

Myth six: Hybrids are small and underpowered.

Having an electric motor and batteries as part of your drive train does not mean diminished performance. In fact, in some cases you get a slightly better performance. This is unfounded, and when you compare hybrids to not, you find that statistics like "The Honda Accord hybrid is the fastest family sedan on the market," are not only true, but confound this myth.


Myth seven: Hybrids pose a threat to first responders.

This is only part myth. It is true that these high-voltage battery pack vehicles are posing a risk to first responders, but not necessarily because they are far more dangerous than other vehicles that have been in accidents, but simply because most first responders have not always been properly trained on how to respond when it is a hybrid in the accident. However, knowing a few basic things about hybrids, such as the location and construction of battery compartments, the color (orange) used to designate high voltage cables, and the location of fuses that will isolate the electrical system, is all they really need to know to be able to sae lives and remain safe in the process.

Myth eight: Hybrid technology is only a fad.

Hybrid technology is often pitted against fuel cells, diesel engines, and/or hydrogen. Of course, when compared to the efficiency etc. of these vehicles, it is true. However, hybrids are not a fad, in fact, even if a great hydrogen car came out right now, it would take years for them to take over the existing cars. Thus, while hybrid cars are not a solution to our fuel shortage problems, etc. they are far from a fad. While there are hopes for a brighter future with automobile technology, right now, hybrids are out future, and until something better actually is being produced and sold, the hybrid is pretty much your best option. So, yes fuel cells and other options may sound better, and make hybrids seem like a fad, but rather than being looked at as a fad, they should be looked at as a very important step in the right direction. You should hold no fear that should you buy a hybrid that it will be gone from the market soon, or replaced with something better. At best you are probably going to have to wait 10-15 years for something better to come along and actually be affordable to the general public.

Now that some of the myths have been dispelled, let's take a look at some simple questions about hybrids.

Why are hybrid cars so efficient?

Hybrid cars are efficient because they combine two sources of energy. However, the also gain efficiency from the following:     
1.    Smaller and more efficient engines. As mentioned above, these engines are still able to produce the same levels of performance. Think of it like a computer as it progressed through the years. At first they were huge, and now we have powerful notebooks that are smaller than a piece of paper, and not very thick.
2.    Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
3.    Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear. This saves on fuel.
4.    Advanced aerodynamics reduce drag and thus mean less fuel use.
5.    Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires. Most hybrids are equipped with narrow, stiffer tires that have less drag.
6.    Lightweight materials that are used to create the hybrid cars also aid to increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.

What hybrid cars are available?

The list is always changing as new models are released, but in general, the following gas-electric hybrid cars are available in North America:
 
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Nissan Altima
Toyota Prius
Toyota Camry Hybrid Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
Lexus 400h Hybrid SUV
Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV
Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV
Mazda Tribute compact SUV