What is it?
Hybrid car is a kind of vehicle which uses more than one energy source in order to run the engine. The most commonly used energy sources in hybrid cars are an internal combustion engine coupled with a bank of batteries. The alternative fuels used include hydrogen, liquid nitrogen, compressed air and even coal.
Why should I own it?
Eco-factors:
Hybrid cars are brilliant inventions in the field of automobiles. Hybrid cars were first introduced in 19th century. The concept of hybrid cars is really simple. It is working with a conventional gas engine and a combination of some batteries. These two energy sources provide the power to engine by working in coordination. Hybrid cars produce less smoke and thereby cause less pollution, making them environment friendly. Many states give incentives to the owners of hybrid cars, like tax breaks and permission to use the carpool lane. The dependence on gas engines and bank of batteries in hybrid cars will vary with time.
Overall benefits:
The utilization of both a gas engine and batteries lead the performance of the car to higher level and provide maximum mileage. Also, it helps improve the engine efficiency. Another great advantage is that there is no need to charge the batteries by an external source. Moreover, it helps to reduce the dependence over conventional fuels and as a result, the fuel consumption comes down. Hybrid cars can make a big difference to the economy.
The Myths:
In hybrids cars, the energy that is lost when the car slows down or stops is transferred to the rechargeable batteries. The task of transferring energy is automatic and the driver does not need to bother about the process. Hybrid batteries will be provided with a standard warranty to a maximum of 100,000 miles and you don’t need to fear that the batteries will die within this distance; they are efficient. Hybrid cars are fuel efficient systems and it will help you to save money on gas. These cars can solve problems of transportation, energy utilization and pollution.
Options Available
1. Infiniti M35h Hybrid
Manufacturer: Infiniti
Infiniti M35h has all the latest features of a hybrid system and the auto-makers named the design ‘Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid’. The output power of its V6 engine is 301 horsepower and has it a torque 258 pounds-feet. The company guarantees that the electric motor can run at 60 miles per hour. The gasoline engine will deactivate when the speed reaches 80 miles per hour. The car can accelerate upto 60 miles per hour in a maximum of 6 seconds. The steering system uses electro-hydraulic power and is efficient. Another advantage is that Infiniti M35h uses Electric Driven Intelligent Brake system.
2. 2011 Toyota Prius
Manufacturer: Toyota
The functioning of Toyota Prius is based on gas-electric hybrid system thereby providing an environment friendly car. The hybrid system is designed efficiently to provide the power of 134 horsepower. Prius has distinct models based on 5 trim levels. Each of them has different facilities and product features. One of the advantages is that every important hybrid components have a warranty of 8 years or of 100,000 miles. Toyota Prius has standard safety system including anti-lock brakes, front side impact airbags and driver’s knee airbag, tyre pressure monitor etcetera.
3. Chevrolet Volt
Manufacturer: Toyota
The functioning of Chevrolet Volt is based on one gas engine and two electric motors. One is used to power the wheel rotation and the other to generate electricity from the gas engine. It has an LCD instrument control panel. The Volt is working to improve as per users’ feedback. Volt has a variety of features for extending mileage. It includes anticipated wind-swept shape beside the front apron in order to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Volt is neither a hybrid nor an electric car. The developers call it as an extended range electric car. It has an electric motor that is used to power the vehicle when ranging between 25 to 50 miles on driving. Most Americans will drive all day at 50 miles per hour; so the Volt will function like an electric car for most buyers. The charging of battery will take a maximum of 12 hours.
