Filed under: hybrid cars
When people say hybrid, they automatically think of a technology that combines a traditional internal-combustion engine with an electric motor to propel a car. But, the truth is that there are numerous other technologies that can be used in order to create a hybrid car. However fuel efficient and less damaging for the environment the petroleum/electric hybrids may be, they are still using some form of polluting fuel. Some hybrid owners are not entirely concerned about the environmental impact. The truth is that green cars have gained in popularity because fuel costs increased dramatically. The hybrid gained acceptance when they were advertised as eco-friendly solutions.
Nowadays, several technologies have been developed and numerous others are being researched in order to create a new hybrid car, a high mileage vehicle. The current methods include a combination of electricity propulsion and various alternative fuel solutions, such as ethanol, compressed air, or liquid propane. Perhaps the most amazing of all the hybrid vehicles developed is the water-powered hybrid.
Water electrolysis, which is the foundation of this concept, is a process that was researched, documented and demonstrated by William Nicholson and Johann Ritter in 1800. The process would be used to separate chemical components using electricity in numerous applications. In hybrid cars, it is about separating hydrogen from oxygen using a direct current. The product which results from water electrolysis is oxyhydrogen, which is the cleanest fuel ever produced.
When a fuel is assessed to prove its use for propelling a vehicle, there are two main considerations:
- If the fuel is used for a conventional internal combustion engine, what is the byproduct that results after its combustion?
- How much energy can be produced using a particular amount of fuel compared to other existing fuels?
The first consideration evaluates environmental impact. When it comes to water, the byproduct of combustion would be steam and that can, by no means, represent a threat to the environment. The second consideration is the financial part. Normally, gasoline is used as a benchmark to compare other fuels as far as energy efficiency. How much energy can be contained in the same amount of hydrogen compared to gasoline? The answers vary from 50 to 70%, but it must also be remembered that this is a technology that is still in its infancy. The best things are yet to be discovered, but the fact is that cars can be propelled using water and that makes water the hybrid technology of the future.
March 26, 2012
Hybrid cars, just like all other types of vehicles, can fall under a certain category depending on their body style. Therefore, there are hybrid vehicles that can be considered sedans, coupes, pickups, SUVs, luxury, as well as vans. Here are some important tips on which models are mostly appreciated in each category.
Sedan Hybrid Vehicles
Nissan Leaf is considered the world’s first affordable and zero-emissions vehicle. An electric motor that generates 80KW and 280 Nm, and lithium-ion batteries that generate 90kW power it. It can be charged at 80% of its capacity in less than 30 minutes. It has a driving range of 100 miles and it is characterized by a V-shaped aerodynamic design.
Chevrolet Volt is a series hybrid that is completely different from a parallel hybrid. It has a driving range of 40 miles and can be recharged on 110V power in 8 hours and in 3 hours at 220 V power.
The same category of hybrid cars includes Toyota Prius Liftback, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, Lexus Ct 200h, and more.
Coupe Hybrid Cars
Honda CR-Z Hybrid falls in line with 35 mpg city and 39 mpg highway as far as fuel efficiency. It employs the hybrid system called Integrated Motor Assist, specific to the manufacturer. An electric motor is integrated between the engine and transmission.
In the same category of vehicles, you have Mitsubishi iMiEV, Fisker Karma, and others.
Pickup Hybrids
GMC Sierra Hybrid. Although hard to imagine a pickup as a hybrid vehicle, the GMC Sierra can be a big surprise. It comes with the same system that is used on the Chevrolet Silverado. The pickup is propelled by a 6.0 liter V8, 322 HP gasoline engine, a two-mode transmission, with a 300 V nickel-metal battery. The transmission of the GMC is referred to as an electrically variable transmission or EVT and is responsible for most of the fuel efficiency. The EVT consists of two electric motors with a 60 kilowatt power output for each of them.
In the same category you can check out the Ford Transit Connect (electric), Ford F150, and Chevrolet Silverado.
SUVs Hybrid Vehicles
Ford Escape Hybrid is a SUV that has a 155 HP, 2.5-liter lean burning gasoline engine under the hood. In addition, it also comes with a permanent magnet motor which generates 94 HP. A planetary gear sends the combined output to the continuously controlled transmission that moves the front wheels.
In the same category of hybrid SUVs you have the Lexus RX450h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and others.
March 15, 2012
Hybrid cars are especially known for fuel efficiency and low emissions. These are two aspects that people associate hybrid vehicles with; and they are correct. However, very few actually know the mechanisms that trigger the efficiency behind hybrid cars. Here is some important information on hybrid cars, their benefits, and how they do it.
- Hybrid vehicles are the perfect combination of a smaller size conventional engine and an electrical motor. What makes the hybrid an incredible achievement is the fact that it can use both engines to accomplish the most power when needed. It basically generates power by choosing between the most appropriate solutions given the driving circumstances.
- The battery is essential for the hybrid car. The electric battery not only stores, but it absorbs energy that it reuses when called for. Energy is additionally generated from braking and it is stored in the battery for future use. The battery becomes the perfect tool to generate electricity when needed.
- Most hybrid vehicles shut down the engine in traffic stops. In addition, they do the same in any other idle periods such as coasting. Thus, electricity use is maximized and fuel efficiency as well.
- As you probably noticed, hybrid cars have a special design. Aerodynamics or the shape of a car, makes it go slower or faster through the air and thus consuming more, or less energy. Adequate aerodynamics can maximize fuel efficiency and optimize car performance.
- Tires play a great role in hybrid cars. They are carefully chosen to provide low rolling resistance. Just like aerodynamics, tires can slow down a car. If a car slows down, you need more energy to propel it. More energy is fuel, no matter what the power source. Therefore, hybrid car manufacturers are choosing low rolling resistance tires that allow the car to drive smoothly on the road using the least amount of fuel.
- Reducing mechanical losses by adopting a smaller engine. That is a first and most important issue. The same mechanical losses are reduced by using various auxiliaries as needed and when needed. Therefore, air conditioning system, power steering, and others are used when necessary and at the optimum level required by the existing circumstances.
These are the features that contribute to the efficiency of hybrid cars. It is obvious that particular models have specific techniques to become efficient. Still, most hybrid cars work in a similar fashion and employ the same means to be efficient. How efficient they are is what eventually differentiates them.
March 15, 2012
Everybody knows of the existence of hybrid cars. They are generally catalogued as expensive but highly efficient. Although hybrid car technology is still in its infancy, the industry is taking important steps to take the hybrid technology to the top.
The Power Trains of Hybrid Cars
The main difference between hybrid cars and traditional cars is that a hybrid car has two power trains: an electric motor and a gas-powered motor. The purpose is to use the electrical motor in low-power situations and the traditional motor in high power situations. The electrical motor derives its energy from a battery, while the traditional engine works with fuel.
Recharging of the Battery
It sounds great but how does it actually work? The car switches to the traditional engine once the battery is depleted or when driving conditions are difficult and require more power. The battery is recharged by the rotation of the traditional motor. There are hybrid car models which use the braking momentum and turn it into electricity through generators attached to the breaking system. This energy is then redirected to the battery which is thus recharged.
The Differences Between Power Trains
Unlike the internal combustion motors, the electric motors can produce maximum power from a full stop. They can also stop the car without using the brakes. A vision for decades, the electrical motor is very efficient when accelerating. However, in order to be powerful and provide energy for high power situations, they require huge, heavy and expensive batteries. Technology is advancing and it is highly probable that some invention will reduce battery size.
Meanwhile, hybrid cars provide the best of both electric engines and traditional engines. Naturally, hybrid cars are initially more expensive than conventional cars simply because they have two motors and large battery packs. On the long term, the fuel and maintenance savings make up for the higher purchasing price.
Types of Hybrid Cars
There are two main types of hybrid cars, depending on whether they can drive by relying entirely on electric power.
- Full hybrid cars are mainly relying on the electric motor and they only use the traditional engine when the situation demands higher acceleration. They start off silently and they are very efficient as far as fuel consumption. The engine can even turn itself off at low speeds.
- Mild hybrids on the other hand are working just the opposite and are using electric motor just to supplement power to the traditional motor. They are not as efficient as full hybrids as far as fuel consumption goes and they are a bit more expensive, as well.
March 9, 2012
The fact that hybrid cars are somehow more expensive than conventional cars makes people forget the efficiency of hybrids in general. In fact, the initial cost of a hybrid car is soon paid off by the fuel efficiency of the car on the long term. Hybrids are conceived to use less fuel whether that fuel is diesel, gasoline or ethanol. In fact, the very essence of a hybrid and the very purpose of a hybrid are to reduce fuel consumption and thus the impact on the environment.
How Does It Save Gas?
The hybrid car requires two power trains in order to propel the car. The point is to use the less powerful, but non-pollutant and energy-saving electrical motor when the driving conditions do not require exceptional power. The electric engine uses the electricity stored in the batteries thus saving a lot of your gas consumption. This is how the hybrid usually saves gas:
- The gasoline engine turns off at red lights and when coasting or idling, diminishing the amount of gas used to propel the car.
- The electric engine takes over in low-powered traffic situations and thus it reduces the fuel consumption.
- The brake momentum energy is stored by a generator and used to power the batteries of the electric engine.
- The electric engine provides full power right from the start without having to accelerate and consume fuel in order to reach a certain power level.
Things to Know About Hybrid Cars and Fuel Efficiency
The hybrid car is saving gas by definition. The simple fact that it has an electric engine that supplies part of the driving force is enough for the hybrid to be considered a fuel-efficient car. Naturally, hybrids can save more or less fuel depending on the type of technology they are using and your driving habits.
Saving Money
Fuel can be measured in gallons, but it can also measured in money. Some fuels are more expensive than others are and also prices are different from country to country and even from to neighborhood.
Some cars are full hybrids and others are mild hybrids. The full hybrid vehicles use mainly the electric engine and they are not as powerful but they are definitely consuming a lot less fuel. Mild hybrids use less the electric engine and they are not as fuel efficient as full hybrids but they are still more efficient than conventional cars. No matter how you look at it, hybrid cars are cost saving solutions when it comes to conventional and even alternative fuels.
March 9, 2012
If you have wanted to enter the field of luxury cars, but haven’t purchased one yet because you’ve been waiting for a ‘green’ car, then here is what you’ve been waiting for: the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
When people think of American luxury cars, there is Cadillac and there is Lincoln. Lincoln has a long reputation in the field of luxury cars. It makes sense that they would get around to offering an entry-level, luxury hybrid sedan.
Great Gas Mileage
The Lincoln MKZ hybrid is based on the Fusion hybrid from Ford, but it has a distinctive look and personality of its own. The large front grill announces that something special is right behind it. This car is more than eye candy however, and gets 41 miles per gallon in the city and an estimated 36 on the highway. Other than plug-in types of hybrids, the MKZ gets the best gas mileage to comparable hybrids of its type.
The great gas mileage can mean significant savings. For example, a person driving the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid who travels 1,000 each month can save about $1000 per year (at around $4.37 per gallong) when compared to the same gas-powered only luxury sedan in the same class. And, J.D. Power and Associates ranked the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the gas-only MKX among the top three in their class for durability.
The Power Plant
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.5 liter Duratec Atkinson-Cycle inline-4 Hybrid engine with 16 valves, and an electric motor that is powered by a nickel-hydride battery. The combination offers 191 horsepower. The MKZ also offers power steering, front-mounted rack-and-pinion steering. Sitting on great 17-inch, machined aluminum wheels with 9-spokes and painted pockets, the MKX also offers power disc brakes on all four-wheels with an anti-lock braking system and electronic distribution of brake force and regenerative braking. You’ll also find a rear electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors and rear window defogger.
Amenities
On the inside, you’ll find yourself in the lap of luxury. The cockpit includes wood accents and seats five adults with a roomy 37.8 inches of headroom, 42.3 inches of legroom in the front, and 42.3 inches in the back. The front bucket seats recline, have leather seating surfaces and are heated and cooled, which compliments the automatic zone climate control in the front. Other amenities include AM/FM radio, 6-disc CD changer, 9 speakers, an MP3 player and six months of Sirius Satellite radio.
Other standard features of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid includes luxurious power windows, power door locks, 2 power outlet in the front, delayed power retention (for putting up windows after the ignition is turned off), tilt-steering, trip computer, cup holders, reading/map light, lighted vanity mirror, a remote tailgate release, and heated side mirrors. With awesome features of Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, everyone is going to love the luxury car.
March 2, 2012
Many people are not sure what the difference is between a hybrid car and an electric car. The confusion is understandable, since both types use electricity to propel the vehicle. A hybrid vehicle, however, uses a small conventional engine plus an electric engine. An electric car has only an electric engine and needs to be charged through an electrical outlet. There are also other kinds of ‘green’ cars as well. There are solar and natural gas powered vehicles, although they have not become as widespread as hybrid vehicles. Currently the most popular hybrid cars are the Honda Civic, Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius.
If you have been thinking of buying a hybrid vehicle, here are some points that you might want to check into and not believe everything you’ve heard about this kind of vehicle.
1. Hybrid batteries will freeze easier at low temperatures.
Actually, the opposite is true. The nickel-hydride batteries in most hybrid cars are more resistant to cold and work better than the average car battery at low temperatures.
2. When driving a hybrid car in reverse, the gas engine does not work.
When moving in reverse, the electric motor is what is doing the work.
3. Hybrid cars get astronomically high gas mileage.
Although hybrid cars do get better gas mileage than autos with conventional engines, it depends on how you drive, too. Hybrids get better mileage when driving short distances, around town for instance. Mileage drops when you hit the freeway. Most hybrids boast around 40 miles per gallon but your mileage will probably be somewhere below that since we all don’t drive under controlled situations, like the EPA does.
4. Hybrid car batteries don’t last very long and have to be replaced.
Hybrid batteries do eventually have to be replaced, just as a conventional battery does. The majority of hybrid cars come with an 8-year warranty, or 100,000 miles from the manufacturer. Hybrid cars in California are required to cover 10 years or 150,000. Driving an average of 10,000 miles a year, that’s doing to be 10 years. Most people don’t keep their car that long.
5. Hybrids have to be plugged in and charged overnight.
As mentioned earlier, only fully electric cars need to be charged. The battery of a hybrid is charged by the action of the brakes. It’s known as regenerative braking. Each time the brake peddle is pressed it charges the car’s nickel-hydride battery.
6. Hybrids are ‘gutless’ and have no horsepower.
While this may have been the case in earlier models, technology has greatly improved performance in hybrid cars. Horsepower runs from 440 to 98 horsepower. While they may not win any speed races, when you want to merge onto the highway or pass a truck, the power will be there when you want it, even with ‘only’ 98-horsepower.
March 2, 2012
For those who are looking for an eco-friendly vehicle this year, there are some great cars on the market. The benefits of these cars are astounding, and you’ll feel better for being one of the people responsible for changing the way the world works today. Read the following information to find the right eco-friendly ride for you.
Honda Civic Natural Gas: This is named the 2012 Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal of 2012. It has a short wheelbase, which leads to increased low-end torque so it is very fun to drive. It remains smooth at highway speeds, and with this car, you are eligible for using it in the HOV lane in may states. Also, it is a very low-cost vehicle as you only have to buy natural gas for it.
Nissan Leaf: According to halogenTV.com, this car has a top speed of 90 mph and a good amount of torque. It is said to have solid braking. This makes it a good choice for metro-bound consumers, as well as eco-friendly drivers.
Ford Focus Electric: This is Ford’s first all-electric passenger car. It has a top speed of 84 mph, but has limited range. To combat this, you can get a MyFord Mobile navigation app that allows the owner to remotely locate charging stations, preheat or cool the car, and start and stop the car.
VW Passat TDI: This is a clean diesel-powered vehicle. It is great for the highway driver because it handles road irregularities well and is very smooth and quiet. It doesn’t drive as well in the city because it doesn’t handle as well as other cars, but the brake system is very responsive. It has great fuel economy and only an 18.5 gallon tank.
Mitsubishi i: This car feels more stable than most small cars when cornering. The car tops out at 81 mph and has a range of 75 miles on a full charge. This car is said to be a very in-town efficient vehicle, and it has a very distinctive style.
Toyota Prius V: This car feels very safe and handles well. It has three distinct driving modes, or power modes, for regular driving, passing situations, and hill climbing. It is also much roomier than past models.
Lexus CT 200h: The Lexus CT is has a design similar to the Prius. However, its key feature is its Sports mode, which allows you to drive at good speeds, and adds sharpened steering and full throttle to your ride. Driving it in sport mode cuts down on its fuel efficiency, however.
Chevrolet Volt: When driving this car in all-electric mode, the ride is quiet and smooth. It is stable, solid, and has a five-star safety rating. The car has a 300-mile long range, but of course this means it costs more too.
Honda Insight EX with Navigation: Hondas have had a good overhaul this year, which makes it a good time to buy. This model is getting a lot of attention for its improved navigation system. It is also quiet in spite of having a 98-horespower engine.
Ford Fusion Hybrid: This car easily transitions between gas and electric power. If you keep the car on electric mode, you can go 47 mpg. It has also has 700-mile range. It has also been reviewed as being incredibly smooth.
February 29, 2012
The following cars were ranked as this year’s best hybrid cars by U.S. News. They were selected from hybrid cars and sedans that were generally priced between $20,000 and $30,000. Their rank is a result of in-depth analysis of all published ratings, reviews, and test drive information. The seven best on the list are as follows:
7. 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid has decent ratings on the fuel economy it provides, although it has been criticized for looking too “bland” both inside and out. It also is losing out because it generally ‘doesn’t feel as refined’ as the cars offered by competitors.
6. 2012 Toyota Prius V
Buyers looking for great fuel economy should look closely at this hybrid. It is basically a more “family oriented” form of the 2012 Toyota Prius. It has more cargo space and backseat legroom, child-safety features, and seats five.
5. 2012 Toyota Prius
This year’s Toyota Prius is the fastest and best-handling car this year. Its excellent fuel economy ratings have also made it one of the hottest cars on the market right now. This year it has had quite a few revisions to its exterior and has more standard equipment. Its new multimedia system is also winning it some attention.
4. 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid of 2012 has had a total overhaul, which now makes it one of the best midsize hybrid cars on the market. This car is said to have beaten the #1 on our list, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, in both efficiency and drivability.
3. 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
This model of car is highly ranked thanks to its good fuel economy and smooth transmission. It also has a long list of standard features. One of the best benefits is that the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is that it comes with a lifetime battery warranty.
2. 2012 Chevrolet Volt
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is has been chosen as one of the most impressive cars on the market because of its excellent fuel economy. This may be the best car to choose if you live in California. Residents in the state can drive solo in the state’s high-occupancy vehicle lanes with this car because of its low emission features, and the residents can also qualify for a $1,500 dollar rebate for this year’s model.
1. 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid
This car was given the rank of “2012 Best Hybrid Car for the Money” and “2012 Best Hybrid Car for Families.” According to TheCarConnection.com, the transitions between electric and gas power are very smooth, and it is possible to coax almost 700 miles out of one tank of gas in this car.
February 29, 2012
Whether it is a Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, or Honda Civic, your hybrid needs regular maintenance to perform as expected and last throughout the life of your loan. There are several items that you can take care of yourself and avoid a cumbersome repair bill.
The first place to start is to know what needs regular maintenance. Try looking at a repair and maintenance manual from Bentley Publishers. These manuals include step-by-step directions, real-world practical repair and maintenance procedures, along with full color technical training. Why not take the mystery out of maintenance?
One oft overlooked part is the air filter. Nothing robs fuel efficiency like a dirty air filter. K & N filters offer racing quality equipment for improved air flow. The higher airflow rate can actually boost fuel efficiency by a small percentage. These filters are also reusable. Less waste and high quality in one product.
That takes us to the spark plugs. Pulse spark plugs have been road and lab tested to demonstrate their ability to improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide output by a quarter ton per year. Enough said.
With regular maintenance, it is not unreasonable to expect your hybrid to last for at least 200,000 miles. The last place you can afford to save money is in your car’s maintenance.
December 31, 2011
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