Benefits of Hybrid Automobiles

By: David Maillie

High fuel prices and concerns over the environment have inspired
more people than ever to go in search of alternative energy
sources. The internal combustion engine is considered to be the
biggest polluter on the planet. Hybrid automobiles have been
gaining attention and popularity as a result of these concerns.
Most manufacturers either currently offer these vehicles or are
in the process of developing them.

There are two types of hybrids: series hybrids and parallel
hybrids. The parallel kind has a fuel tank for the gas engine
and batteries for the electric motor. Both the engine and the
electric motor can turn the transmission and power the vehicle.
The small gas engine runs the car and the electric motor comes
on when needed to boost power. This is typically needed for
increasing speed, merging and passing other vehicles. Honda
currently uses this technology.

Series hybrids have a gas engine that powers the generator. The
generator then charges the batteries and powers the electric
motor. The gasoline engine doesn't power the vehicle on its own.
The electric motor runs all the time and the gas engine comes on
only when needed. This vehicle gets better mileage around town,
where the electric motor is doing most of the work. Ford and
Toyota currently use this technology.

Hybrid cars get significantly better gas mileage than the
traditional internal combustion engine. Most get between 20 and
30 miles per gallon more than standard automobiles. All hybrids
shut off the gas engine automatically when the car is stopped.
This saves fuel and is better for the environment. When you
press the gas pedal, the engine turns back on automatically. The
gas engine will also come on to start charging the batteries
when they become low on power.

Because less gasoline is burned in these vehicles, there is less
pollution causing emissions released into the atmosphere. In
addition, there is a lower level of carbon dioxide released into
the atmosphere. Many scientists and environmentalists link
carbon dioxide to global warming.

Parts of a Hybrid Vehicle:

o Gas engine: the engine is smaller and more energy efficient
than engines in traditional vehicles. o Fuel tank: the fuel tank
is also smaller and holds less gasoline. Since these cars burn
less, a smaller tank is plenty to power the vehicle. o Electric
Motor: the electric motor acts as both a motor and a generator.
The motor takes energy from the batteries to power the car for
acceleration. When you slow down, the energy is returned to the
batteries, which are then automatically recharged. o Batteries:
a series of batteries store energy needed to power the electric
motor. o Transmission: in most hybrids, the transmission works
to propel the car forward in a similar way as in traditional
gasoline powered vehicles.

Hybrids recover energy from the electric motor to the battery.
When you step on the brake, the energy from the motor is
transmitted back to the battery. This process is known as
regenerative braking. This helps to recharge the batteries and
keep them in good working order.

The aerodynamic designs of the hybrids help in their energy
efficiency. Look at pictures of the various hybrids on the
market. The shape of the vehicle is intentional. It reduces the
frontal area of the car, which reduces the drag on the car when
it moves through the air.

Lightweight materials are used on hybrid cars. This is also
intentional. The more a car weighs, the more energy is needed to
propel the vehicle forward. This is one reason SUVs use so much
more gas than other cars. Lighter materials are used to reduce
the overall weight of the car and in turn, decrease the energy
that is needed to run it.

The tires on these vehicles are specially designed to increase
efficiency. Stiffer materials are used in the construction and
the tires are inflated to a higher pressure. This ensures
optimum efficiency and conserves energy. These tires have about
half as much drag as regular tires.

Automobile manufacturers are always looking for ways to increase
the energy efficiency. Technology is being continually developed
to increase the efficiency and performance of these vehicles.
Some of the coming improvements include: increased fuel economy,
more safety features, better performance and comfort.

Your new hybrid automobile is an investment that you will want
to protect. Keep the exterior looking great with regular washing
and waxing to protect the finish of the car. Don't overlook the
headlights when performing exterior maintenance. Headlight
cleaner and restorer is now available.

About the author:
David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in
biochemical research and clynical analysis. He holds numerous
patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight
cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale:
http://www.mdwholesale.com