Hybrid vehicles were the stuff of dreams centuries ago. Nobody ever thought that creating a vehicle independent from fuel was possible. Fortunately with the continuing development of hybrid technology, more efficient and practical vehicles have been created. In the recent years the campaign for global warming has brought the attention of the public. Hybrid cars are now becoming steadily popular available in different types from compact sedans to SUVs.

Environmental issues are not the only reason that has made the public favor hybrid cars. Rising gas prices is also one of the major reasons why people prefer hybrid cars than conventional ones. Its also practical in suburban environments where you don't really need horsepower but gas mileage.

Hybrid vehicles

There are different types of hybrid vehicles. They can vary from the simplest wheelbarrows to ships. No matter what form they are, these vehicles help in reducing greenhouse and noise emissions. Although these vehicles are expensive due to their unique structures, developments will continue to provide more alternatives to the public. These cars may not compare to conventional ones with a 200 horsepower but why would you need that if you only need 20 in the streets?

The simplest hybrid would be the single wheeled vehicles. These are wheelbarrows famously depicted with sails. This can be seen in Chinese sailing carriages.

The next is two wheeled vehicles. These are usually cycle type vehicles. The best example would be the Moped and electric bicycles. They are powered by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine in combination with the rider's muscles. This concept was also used in the 1800's by motorcycles. The electric bicycle can either be a parallel or a series hybrid.

Hybrid vehicles are not just limited to private cars. There are also hybrid power trains used by heavy vehicles. There are diesel or turbo electric buses, railway locomotives, heavy duty vehicles, hydraulic machinery and ships.

In ships a diesel engine drives the electric generator or hydraulic pump which in turn powers one or more hydraulic or electric motors. Sails and engines were early forms of hybrids which may be used again due to rising fuel costs.

More developments are continually being made in hybrid structures and systems for efficiency. Today buying a hybrid car is expensive but it will be beneficial in the long run. It does not just save fuel costs but also removes pollution that can harm the health of the people and take whatever it is left of the environment.

Do you know how many types of vehicles there are in all? Since the creation of the first crude automobile, several models and types have been created to suit the needs of people. These were developed in order to provide a safe, efficient and economical means of transportation. Some are built for luxury, others for practicality and some for environmental purposes.

Cruder Forms

Vehicles were first made thousands of years ago. The earliest forms of vehicles were actually living things like horses, elephants and camels. With the invention of the wheel around 3000 B.C., chariots, carts and horse-drawn carriages came into existence. The wheel has certainly paved the way for modern transportation as it is still very much present today.

Cycles were created around the 19th century which comes in many forms. Bicycles are one of the most common types of vehicles available today. There are also tricycles, quadricycles and unicycles. These vehicles mainly use a chain that goes around the wheels for propulsion. Cycling is a very important action in order to keep the transportation balanced. Later on, motorcycles were invented which incorporated a motor engine instead of manual pedals.

Origin of Alternate Fuel Sources

Electric vehicles or EVs were invented in the 1830's which uses one or more electric motors. The rotary or linear motors propel the vehicle through the wheels. Linear motors are used by tracked vehicles such as trains and MRTs. There are several sources of energy used to move the vehicle like an on-board RESS or rechargeable energy storage system, batteries, on-board super capacitors and direct connection to energy-generating plants. Fuel cells and nuclear energy have also shown to be very viable in propelling vehicles.

Steam engines are another alternate fuel source which uses an external combustion engine or ECE. ECEs are less efficient compared to ICEs but proper configurations can be made for the fuel burner in order to emit very low amounts of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other harmful gases making it environmentally friendly in the process. Steam cars do have a problem when starting from cold leading to the development of flash boilers.

The Automobile

Automobiles are the most common type of vehicle. The majority of automobiles today are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. Automobiles use an internal combustion engine or ICE which can be highly polluting due to the constant burning of harmful gases. This type of vehicle has shown to be very powerful, convenient and aesthetic as well making it the most popular of all time.

Gasoline engine vehicles are lighter and able to work at optimum rotational speeds. The invention of the electric starter has boosted its popularity beating steam and electric cars in the process. Carburetor and fuel injection are some of the most useful discoveries in enhancing automobile performance.

There are various innovations in the engine allowing exhaust gases to be less harmful. Others combine efforts to minimize the greenhouse effect by reducing emissions to zero. Gasoline engines are capable of running with different ethanol concentrations. Some may run on 15%, 85% or even 100% ethanol. Fuel burn efficiency of gasoline engine vehicles are around 27%.

Diesel engine vehicles are more cost-effective compared to gasoline engine ones because of their 50% fuel burn efficiency. However, power and performance is also compromised due to less concentration of fuel. Diesel also releases exhaust gases into the atmosphere from soot particles. 100% biodiesel has been developed to improve the downside of these vehicles.

Other Transports

A train is a series of vehicles moving along a guided track or rail. A separate locomotive provides power to propel the entire train. Diesel or electricity is the usual energy source of trains while older versions were dominantly powered by steam engines. There are special kinds of trains with special tracks like rubber-tired underground, high-speed and monorails. Some trains can have more than one locomotive or coach.

A road train has a prime mover pulling one or more trailers. Trucks are the simpler version of this. Since the weight and maneuverability are a challenge, these vehicles often require several wheels for more control. Speed should also be watched meticulously to make travel as safe as possible. Diesel engines usually power big heavy trucks and road trains for fuel efficiency and power.

Other unique types of vehicles are amphibious vehicles and snowmobiles. Amphibians can run on both land and water making them very versatile. There are amphibious bicycles, cars, trucks and ATVs developed for passenger and official use.

The advantages provided by amphibians made them very useful for military operations. Snowmobiles are propelled by a built-in track made of Kevlar composite or rubber in order to effectively move through snow. These are also powered by a motor engine that consumes gas for fuel. Tanks use the same mechanism as snowmobiles by running on steel tracks.

Hybrid electric vehicles are means of transportation that incorporates the use of an electric system in the main engine. Since gasoline engines have caused a variety of environmental pollutants, people are now starting to rely on electric power which has zero emission and are more fuel efficient. Here is an overview about hybrid electric vehicles.

What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle?

A hybrid electric vehicle or HEV is a vehicle that is a combination of a rechargeable energy storage system or RESS and a traditional propulsion system. It saves more fuel and also covers more distance compared to battery electric vehicles since charging is done through a variety of methods instead of a lone external source. The propulsion power systems of various hybrid electric engines may be composed of the same parts or subsystems.

Usual hybrid electric models have an ICE or internal combustion engine as well as electric batteries that support the main electric motors. The mechanisms of the HEV have improved significantly with the discovery of regenerative braking wherein kinetic energy can be stored. Fuel is conserved more and emission is minimized as much as possible. Drivers get to cover longer ranges as well without worrying about speed and performance.

The combustion engine too can generate electric power through a spinning electrical generator. The energy either provides power directly to the motor or recharges the battery. The internal combustion engine automatically shuts down when idling but immediately restarts as necessary. The engine is also considerably smaller which is more efficient.

Do HEVs Still Use Gas and Diesel?

Gasoline engines will most likely remain in the hybrid vehicle scene for years to come since it generates power like no other discovered or affordable material can. Petroleum gasoline is considered as the main fuel source but can be mixed with different concentrations of ethanol from other energy sources. HEVs use up around 15% bioethanol like other internal combustion engines but manufacturers are currently finding ways to improve ratios for increased fuel efficiency and decreased emission.

There are diesel electric engines wherein a diesel engine is mainly used to provide power. Diesel can prove to be more efficient than gasoline although speed and noise may not be its best features. Diesel can be better-performing and can provide power for long periods of time without wearing much.

Gas mileage is also better due to its high torque while using biodiesel. The need for petroleum is minimized depending on the type used. Although diesel are usually known to drive bigger transportations like trucks, SUVs and vans, hybrid diesel-electric vehicles have also appeared in smaller versions like sedans and other passenger cars.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Types

Hybrid diesel-electric motorcycles have been created having a top speed of around 800 mph with a very affordable retail price of $500. Several known automobile manufacturers have also joined the bandwagon like Honda, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota. These big names are currently innovating to continuously provide well-performing vehicles with all the advantages.

HEVs have been very specific in being made available for future taxicab models. Since these vehicles are usually on the go all day long, fuel and emission can be improved through automatic engine shutdown, regenerative braking and idling. There are plug-in models in which taxicabs can conveniently recharge batteries at designated stands throughout the city. Plug-in hybrid electric models are also available in the form of sedans and mini-cars.

Hybrid-electric buses and trucks are also circulating due to the many advantages offered. The diesel engine is smaller which means that it is more efficient. There is also a 1.9-liter diesel engine instead of the 7.0, emitting less harmful gases. Emission reduction has been reported to be around 30% while fuel efficiency is around 40%. Some hybrid-electric buses have gas turbine generators. More efforts are exerted to convert other means of transportation like trains.

Several other types of HEVs are available today and are being used in various projects. The military uses diesel-electric hybrid trucks which has a fuel cell auxiliary power and diesel electric unit. The United States Army began using hybrid electric drives for all vehicle systems and subsystems. Other notable trucks have also found their purpose in commercial sectors, scientific projects and mining endeavors.

Hybrids are planning to use electric propulsion systems which prove to be very efficient and also environmentally friendly. There may be various approaches and methods in order to accomplish movement using electric power but the main idea is still the same. These systems are already working and will further help develop alternate fuel.

What is Electric Propulsion?

Electric propulsion is the acceleration of gases in order to produce propulsive thrust through electric and magnetic body forces, electric body forces or electric heating. The electric propulsion system is usually incorporated in rocket science wherein it manages energy enough to produce a powerful thrust. An electric propulsion system is an alternative to nuclear propulsion system. The total thrust is less powerful compared to a nuclear rocket but still enough to produce effects.

According to a number of studies, any engine used as a primary source of such powerful propulsion must produce exhaust velocities of around 10 to 20 km/s. There are also storable chemical systems used in rockets with an exhaust velocity of around 5 km/s but overall is less efficient.

Propulsion systems that do not require energy through chemical reactions are still needed. There are electric propulsion thrusters able to produce exhaust velocities of around 10 to 20 km/s which increases payload and reduces propellant mass. The consequences however, are less powerful thrusters consuming larger quantities of power.

The 3 Categories of Electric Propulsion

Electro thermal propulsion is when the propellant is electrically heated then isentropically expanded through a C/D or convergent/divergent nozzle. The system works as electrical energy heats propellants that produce gases as a result. The gases are sent through the C/D nozzle creating thrust. Catalyzed hydrazine or another neutral gas is used in thrusters like arc jets and resistojets.

Arc jets can also be used to heat the propellants via an electrical arc discharge. The arc in the arc jet is a beam of electrons produced from the cathode tip then gathers at the anode. Since an arc jet has a cathode and an anode, a constrictor is also present which is a narrow pathway between the two charges.

Electrostatic thrusters are also called ion thrusters. These use an ionized propellant accelerated through electric fields applied directly like gridded ion thrusters and Hall thrusters. The technique of propulsion is also known as ion propulsion technique since ions are mainly used in the process. Electrostatic energy is used to produce propulsion.

The electrons from an atom are stripped off then converted to ions. The ions are accelerated by electrical forces to high temperature without needing thermal energy producing thrust. The atoms after losing electrons become positively charged.

Electromagnetic thrusters produce thrust using electric and magnetic forces that interact with charged plasmas like ions and electrons. An example of these is the magnetoplasmadynamic thruster or MPD. The system heats the propellant to a plasma state before being accelerated. A large current is passed by electromagnetic forces through gas in order to ionize the propellant. Plasma is the ionized propellant which is then accelerated by Lorentz force, an electromagnetic force producing thrust.

Effect on Fuel

Decoupling engine speed and power output from the propeller will provide the opportunity to improve propeller efficiency. Since electric forces and electromagnetic forces kick in for support, gasoline and diesel propulsion systems in vehicles will decrease the chances of wasting a huge part of power and energy.

The chances of engine overload are eliminated resulting to better fuel economy and better gas mileage. In addition, there is higher efficiency over longer distances and various speeds and loads.

A study conducted to check how much electric propulsion systems can help diesel and gasoline engines showed that at least 10% fuel savings is achieved by simply allowing the engine to move along with the load reducing inefficiencies due to low load with high speed. Larger propellers can also save as much as 7% of fuel compared to traditional models.

With the total load split between multiple generators, as much as 20% of fuel can be saved plus another 13% by matching the power produced by the engine to the power required by the propeller. A variable-speed generator will help accomplish this. Overall, 30% to 50% can be saved compared to a very efficient diesel-electric or gasoline-electric system.

Rated to run from 20 mpg to 60 mpg, hybrid cars are designed for maximum fuel economy. But aside from its second source of power, what other factors can influence gas mileage? Here are those factors,

Size of the engine. It is quite ironic that the more powerful your engine is, the larger and heavier it becomes. So much of the additional power will be used just to carry the extra weight of the engine. Hybrid solves it by putting a small engine with an electric motor. Moreover, small engine has small cylinders that consume less fuel both at stop and while cruising. This makes hybrid cars more fuel efficient. Hybrid car engines are smaller and are significantly lighter, thus reducing the total weight of the car.

Driving condition (with respect to the hybrid car's internal structure). A hybrid car can either be parallel or series. With a parallel drive train, the car runs more fuel efficient on the highway. Series hybrids on the other hand work well in stop-and-go traffic.

Car Design/Aerodynamics. When driving at high speeds, the car's engine works more because it has to push the car through the air. This is called aerodynamic drag. And the faster the car is, the greater the aerodynamic drag it has to overcome. Hybrid cars work well both at slow and high speed because it's design to cut through air that reduces the drag, thus increasing fuel economy. Low-rolling resistance tires, which are stiffer and inflated to higher pressure can further cut the drag and increase the fuel mileage of the car.

Vehicle Weight. When the car is heavy, the engine has to inject more fuel to the cylinder in order to push it forward. So in order to increase fuel economy, hybrid cars are made with lighter materials such as magnesium and aluminum or composite materials like carbon fiber.

Driving habits. Whether you are driving a hybrid or not, driving habits can definitely influence the gas mileage of your car. Hard braking and abrupt acceleration wastes a lot of energy. Even if your hybrid has the regenerative braking system, the maximum amount of energy cannot be recaptured back to your battery. Abrupt acceleration on the other hand requires more power from both the electric motor and the combustion engine which equates to more fuel consumption. To increase gas mileage, anticipate braking distance, step on the brake softly, and accelerate gently.

Hybrid cars were not created equal. Some produce more power. Some are designed for maximum fuel efficiency. Some are built for city driving; others are made to turn heads. Most have unique features that further improve the quality of driving and fuel economy. When you are shopping for one, take note of the following features.

Regenerative braking system. In conventional gasoline-powered cars, all the kinetic energy (energy in motion) is lost and wasted during braking. Hybrid cars recapture this kinetic energy through the regenerative braking system back to the battery for future use. The regenerative braking system increases fuel economy and reduces wear to the brakes.

Low-rolling resistance tires. Tires are often not seen as a major factor in increasing the fuel economy. But in hybrid cars, they use low-rolling resistance tires to improve gas mileage. These stiffer, narrower, and inflated tires reduce the drag against the ground.

Fuel economy. Not all hybrids are fuel efficient. Some are made to perform. And even if the hybrids are made to get the longest miles out of every gallon of gas, some are still better than others. For example, the Ford Escape Hybrid runs 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on highway. Toyota Prius runs 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid runs 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. When choosing what hybrid car to buy, take note of these differences.

Periodic engine shut off. Idling consumes fuel too. So, most hybrid cars automatically turn off its combustion engine temporarily during stops. A hybrid car with this feature is most ideal if you drive in stop-and-go traffic most of the time.

Smaller and more efficient engine. Logically, the car does not actually need a V6 or a V8 in order to run because most of the time, your car only requires 20 hp to move. The extra horsepower is only needed during acceleration. This is the reason why hybrid cars are so efficient. They use smaller engines.

Safety, Comfort, and Space. These are 3 issues that are questionable to hybrid cars. In general, hybrid cars are as safe, as comfortable, and as spacious as their non-hybrid counterpart. But if you are more concerned about not getting these 3 in a hybrid car, you should not have a problem. There are several hybrid cars on the market today that focus on these 3 areas.

Gasoline powered vehicle

As the name implies, a gasoline powered vehicle uses a combustion engine as a source of power. It has a fuel tank that supplies gasoline to the engine which drives the transmission and turns the wheels.

Pros

With a single full tank, a gasoline-powered vehicle can run several times longer than an electric car.

A gallon of gasoline is much denser than batteries in terms of energy. For example, 1 gallon of gasoline (7 pounds) produces the same amount of power as 1000 pounds of batteries.

It can keep up with the traffic on the road.

You have the widest car options. From compact to full-size sedan, from pickup trucks to SUVs, from minivans to luxury cars, you can jump from one car dealer to another and still get the best car varieties.

You can also choose from different types and sizes of engines.

Cons

With the soaring prices of fuel, getting a gas tank full is very expensive. Combustion engine wastes a lot of energy and consumes a lot of fuel. It also emits pollutants that contribute to the depletion of the environment.

Electric vehicle

An electric vehicle has a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, which then drives the transmission and turns the wheels.

Pros

Since it does not consume fuel, an electric vehicle emits no toxic fumes which is good news for the environment.

Although the battery pack is expensive, electric power is cheaper as compared to pump prices.

Cons

The battery can power the car short distances on a single charging.

Batteries of an electric car take several hours to charge.

Electric cars cannot keep up with the traffic.

Its top speed is slower than gasoline cars.

Hybrid Car - Problem solved

Hybrid cars get the best of both engines. It uses both an electric motor and a combustion engine to drive the vehicle. That means that a hybrid can either run on an electric motor and use the advantages of an electric car, or run on a combustion engine and use the edge of a gasoline powered car. Or, it can run on both at the same time. Depending on the type of hybrid car, you can have the best fuel efficiency with a performance similar or even better than its non-hybrid counterpart.

People may be surprised to know that the idea of electric and hybrid vehicles have been present even before the gasoline engine was invented. A lot of people with their brilliant ideas revolutionized modern transportation as it is today. With the rise of health-threatening pollutants, new age electric and hybrid vehicles are truly becoming a reality.

When Electric Cars Ruled the World

Robert Anderson from Scotland created the first electric carriage during the 1830s. Professor Stratingh of Groningen from Holland designed a simple electric car. Christopher Becker was Stratingh's assistant who built the model in 1835. In 1842, Thomas Davenport from the United States and Robert Davidson from Scotland built more advanced electric vehicles with the use of non-rechargeable electric cells. Gaston Plante from France improved the storage battery and created a better model in 1865. Sixteen years later, Camille Faure continued to improve the storage battery.

During the late 1800s, several European nations like Great Britain and France began the spread of electric vehicles while constantly innovating for better design and performance. Electric cars did not need gear changes. The United States followed with the creation of electric tricycles. At the turn of the century, electric cars were selling better compared to their gasoline engine counterparts due to less vibration, noise and pollutants. In 1916, Woods invented the first hybrid consisting of an electric motor and combustion engine.

The cost of electric vehicles was somewhat expensive so only the people belonging in the upper class were able to afford them. Prices would reach $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the interior and materials used. Production peak for electric vehicles were from 1910 to 1912. During the 1920s, road systems were significantly improved so people needed vehicles that traveled farther than electric cars.

The price of gasoline also decreased making it more affordable for everyone. Charles Kettering invented the electric starter for gasoline cars taking away the tedious hand crank. Henry Ford and his idea of mass production at lower costs continued to reduce the popularity of electric cars. Gasoline cars at this point were only about one-third the price of an electric vehicle.

Decline and Regrowth

From 1935 to 1960, electric vehicles were slowly fading from the scene. However, people began looking for alternative fueled vehicles in order to solve problems on pollution and the growing price of gasoline. More practical models of electric vehicles were proposed.

A number of actions were also imposed in the United States and across the globe to exert effort in improving electric vehicles. Some great works were the U.S. 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment as well as the U.S. 1992 Energy Policy Act. Other states required vehicles to have zero emission. Some of the largest automobile manufacturers as well as the U.S. Department of Energy collaborated to start making hybrids. Mileage, speed and performance were greatly enhanced in these newer models.

Recent electric and hybrid models are able to generate energy through special energy-converting systems. Hybrid models had special dual engines running on both gasoline and electricity which helped conserve a lot of fuel aside from being environmentally friendly. Sedans, SUVs and trucks were quickly built using the newly discovered technology. The method of running on electricity had various approaches but the main idea of being conservative and green was present in all models.

Hybrids: The Pollution Solution

Gasoline engines were proven to be reliable and powerful. However, the constant burning of gasoline released a variety of harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. These are also known as greenhouse gases which trap heat in the atmosphere instead of allowing it to go out into space. The result would be global warming wherein surface air temperatures and sub-surface temperatures in the ocean would rise.

Although there are also natural causes to global warming, vehicle emission significantly multiplies the rate spurring the creation of alternative fuel sources. Electric and hybrid vehicles have shown to be very promising in reducing the greenhouse effect. Pollution will be minimized greatly if more and more people will start relying on these newer models which do not emit any harmful gas at all. These vehicles are also very economical since there is no longer a need for crude oil which constantly is growing in price.

You probably own a gasoline- or diesel-engine car. You may have heard of electric vehicles too. A hybrid vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a combination of both. Hybrid vehicles utilize two or more sources of energy for propulsion. In the case of HEVs, a combustion engine and an electric motor are used.

How it works depends on the type of drive train it has. A hybrid vehicle can either have a parallel or series or parallel-series drive train.

Parallel Hybrid

The parallel hybrid car has a gas tank, a combustion engine, transmission, electric motor, and batteries.

A parallel hybrid is designed to run directly from either the combustion engine or the electric motor. It can run using both the engine and the motor. As a conventional vehicle, the parallel hybrid draws its power from the combustion engine which will then drive the transmission that turns the wheels. If it is using the electric motor, the car draws its power from the batteries. The energy from the batteries will then power the electric motor that drives the transmission and turns the wheel.

Both the combustion engine and the electric motor are used at the same time during quick acceleration, on steep ascend, or when either the engine or the motor needs additional boost.

Since the engine is directly connected to the wheels in a parallel drive train, it eliminates the inefficiency of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and back. This makes a very effective vehicle to drive on the highway.

Series Hybrid

The series hybrid car also has a gas tank, a combustion engine, transmission, electric motor, and batteries with the addition of the generator. The generator can be the electric motor or it can be another separate component.

The series configuration is the simplest among the 3. The engine is not connected to the transmission rather it is connected to the electric motor. This means that the transmission can be driven only by the electric motor which draws its energy from the battery pack, the engine or the generator.

A hybrid car with a series drive train is more suited for city driving conditions since the engine will not be subjected to the varying speed demands (stop, go, and idle) that contributes to fuel consumption.

Series-Parallel Hybrid

The series-parallel configuration solves the individual problems of the parallel and series hybrid. By combining the 2 designs, the transmission can be directly connected to the engine or can be separated for optimum fuel consumption. The Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape Hybrid use this technology.

Most hybrid cars are made for fuel efficiency but you can further squeeze extra miles out of a gallon of gasoline buy adapting the same good driving habits you do in your gasoline-engine vehicles.

1. Go easy on the brakes. Your hybrid car has the regenerative braking system that recaptures the energy lost from braking and stores it back to your batteries. If you brake slowly, you give your electric motor more time to store power thus, recovering more energy back to the batteries. If you brake hard and abrupt, the regenerative braking system will not be able to recapture much of this energy and your brakes will take most of the work.

2. Drive at slow speed. When you drive at a slow speed, you are running the electric motor. This saves a lot of gas. Also high speed driving requires your engine to produce extra power to drive the car forward and push it through the air. This consumes more gas just to overcome the aerodynamic drag. (Take note: the air is much denser on snowy, rainy, and slushy conditions. This makes the engine consumes more fuel to push the vehicle through the air.)

3. Avoid quick acceleration. The electric motor can only give your car a certain amount of power. When you require more speed and step on the gas pedal, the combustion engine kicks in to provide that extra speed you need, thus consuming more fuel. Quick acceleration in gasoline- or diesel-engine car wastes a lot of energy and so with hybrid vehicles. If you need to accelerate, do it gradually if possible.

4. Check your tire pressure. Tires are made to improve safety and the quality of the ride. It is not actually made for efficiency but you can actually use the tire to significantly improve your gas mileage. Use and maintain the maximum recommended tire pressure for your car on the sidewall and not the psi supplied by the manufacturer on the doorframe. Also use low-resistance tires for better mileage.

5. Avoid rush hour. Stop-and-go traffic consumes a lot of gas.

6. Use low octane gasoline. Not only it is cheaper, vehicles are actually designed to run well on low octane gas. Check your manual.

7. Glide. If you are comfortable with driving back and forth to neutral, you can get the best out of your speed. Coasting in neutral gives you a longer cruise and better use of energy.

Planning to go green and buy a hybrid? You have to know a few things first to make sure that you're getting an efficient one that best suits your needs. Hybrid vehicles come in many forms today and also operate through various means and mechanisms. Here are some guidelines which will help you select the right one.

What Technologies are Available?

1. Idle-off capability is when the engine automatically shuts down when the hybrid vehicle is braking, idling or coasting. The engine can also easily turn back on once the driver releases the brake and steps on the accelerator.

2. Regenerative braking is when the electric motor takes over when the car is slowing down. It also doubles as a generator in which energy lost while the hybrid vehicle is braking can be converted into electric power that recharges the battery.

3. Power assist and engine downsizing is when the electric motor kicks in to help move the car during acceleration. The size of the engine is virtually smaller since both the electric motor and engine combine in providing power.

4. Electric-only is when the electric motor solely provides power for the vehicle when running at low speeds or when starting.

5. Extended battery-electric range is when the electric motor can provide power for the vehicle when running over a distance of 20 to 60 miles. Afterwards, the battery can easily be recharged by plugging into an external electric power source. The gasoline engine kicks in after the range has been covered by the electric motor.

Learn how to define the type of hybrid vehicle you are getting. Mild hybrids use the first three technologies mentioned earlier while full hybrids use the first four. There are also plug-in hybrid vehicles that use all five but are not yet available to the general public.

There are muscle hybrids that come in the form of SUVs which are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to their conventional counterparts. Some hybrid vehicles may use only one or two technologies but still aim to improve mileage and ecological effects.

Questions to Ask

Is it fuel efficient? What is the average range that the electric motor can cover before the gasoline engine kicks in? Does it have idle-off capability? Check the gas mileage and engine size to determine if the hybrid vehicle you are getting can truly help you save more. Some hybrid vehicles are very mild in which a minor technology may only be incorporated. Saving even 1 to 2 gallons of fuel a day more can be quite cost-effective.

Is it environmentally friendly? Check the emission of the vehicle. Hybrids should have very low or zero emission which minimizes the risk of exhausting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Find out the electric motor capabilities since these are the times when gasoline byproducts are prevented and reduced. There are various sources of power available which reduce pollutants like fuel cells, hydrogen and electricity. Find out if any of these are incorporated in your vehicle.

What are its other features? Check the interior and exterior of the hybrid vehicle just as you would when buying a conventional one. Determine if the size is right for your or your family, determine the quality of the materials used if the overall structure is safe for highway driving and compare the advantages and key features with other models. Some hybrids don't look as stylish as gas models but there are also hybrids that look exactly like their conventional counterparts.

How much is it? The initial sum of buying a hybrid vehicle is usually higher compared to conventional cars. However, you will discover that you can easily make up for the initial cost by saving more on fuel. Again, you need to check the mileage, rate of consumption and possible tax deductions to see if the hybrid can really be cost-effective in the years to come. Also consider repair and maintenance expenses in the future.

Advantages to Look for When Selecting

The United States Federal government provides significant tax breaks to individuals who opt for hybrid vehicles. The tax break will depend on the tax bracket once the buyer sends a file. There are states that provide special parking areas as well for hybrid vehicles so drivers get to save more on parking fees. Some insurance policies may provide special offers to owners of hybrids on repair and maintenance too.

There are SULEVs or super ultra low-emission vehicles, ULEVs or ultra low-emission vehicles and PZEVs or partial zero emission vehicles that are very clean and quiet. Drivers get to enjoy smooth and peaceful driving without the environmental hazards and risks. Some of the largest automobile manufacturers are greatly investing in hybrids with very stylish and powerful models that can go up against the best gasoline-powered ones.

Hybrid vehicles were a concept of the past. Fortunately through the advancement of technology these vehicles are now available in the market. These vehicles were originally designed to help the environment. Nowadays due to rising gas prices, consumers are buying them instead of the conventional cars. The demand has prompted companies to design quality cars that also takes style and looks into consideration.

Hybrid vehicles are now available in compact sedans but also SUVs. The Ford Company has redesigned their Ford Escape to be able to please the environment conscious customer who also wants a stylish car. Hybrid technology is continually being developed so that it will be more accessible and affordable to the public.

What makes a hybrid work?

Hybrid vehicles work by using two different power sources. Although it runs on an electric motor for fuel efficiency and less emissions, it also has a diesel engine that works when needed for high speeds. It also serves as a back-up when the electric power has been used up.

The first hybrid vehicle that was sold commercially was the Toyota Prius. It was then followed by the Honda Insight. A breakthrough came when Ford released the Ford Escape. SUV's have been known to guzzle gas with high greenhouse emissions. This time the Ford Company was able to figure out a way to redesign their famous SUV to be able to cater a stylish, environment friendly and fuel efficient vehicle.

There are different types of hybrid vehicles by the engine that makes the work. Although they may differ in structure they all work by the same purpose, reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

Hybrid electric petroleum vehicles work by having two power sources. An internal combustion engine (usually a diesel engine) and a rechargeable energy storage system are used by the vehicle. The vehicle is run by electric power most of the time and recaptures energy when braking. The diesel engine helps when more power is needed for acceleration.

Battery electric vehicles rely on battery packs which can be recharged, motor rollers and an electric motor. Unfortunately this type of vehicle is limited to battery capacity. It also tends to be more expensive.

Hybrid vehicles also operate in dual mode. Other vehicles use different types of fuel and power source. Trolleybuses can switch between a diesel engine and an electrical power. Flexible fuel vehicles use a mixture of biofuels and petroleum.

Hybrid vehicles have gone through many changes over the years. Ever since the Toyota Prius came out, bigger and more equipped hybrids were released. The Ford Escape hybrid came out in 2004, which jumpstarted the production of luxury hybrid cars. Apart from Toyota, Honda and Ford other automobile companies such as Mazda, Nissan and recently Lexus and Chevrolet have manufactured their own hybrid creations.

Early hybrid vehicles were limited to manual transmissions and air-conditioning. The best thing that they could do at the time of Toyota Prius was add a multiple CD changer. Nowadays customers have more options with Sports Utility Vehicles and luxury car hybrids. Apart from comfort settings and additional accessories, more formidable propulsion management systems are used.

Hybridization in the present and what lies ahead.

Last year luxury sedans and Sport Utility Vehicles were released. These environment friendly cars were also fitted with all the trappings and perks of a luxury vehicle. Apart from having the latest technology from their manufacturers, such as the Hybrid Synergy System from Toyota, they are also decked out with touch navigational systems, surround sound with DVD and VCD supporting stereo systems, ventilation seats, and multiple CD changers on the dashboard.

Hybrid vehicles released last year have V6 engines such as the Lexus GS 450 and V8 such as the Chevrolet Tahoe. Gear-ratio steering, continuous variable transmission, variable suspension, and regenerative breaking are standard among luxury car hybrids.

Hybrids that will be released in 2008 feature the Cadillac Escalade. It is a two mode hybrid with 6 liter V8 engine with two motors. The Saturn Green Line Vue will also be in the line up that promises to 45% improvement in fuel efficiency. Ford will launch its first hybrid sedan with Mercury Milan Hybrid. Mercedes will also release the hybrid version of their S-class sedan. Porsche also plans to launch its four door coupe called the Panamera, using the same technology as the Cayenne SUV.

If your head is getting dizzy with all the prices of the luxury cars Hyundai will release a hybrid available at around $10,000. This will be the first full hybrid under $20,000. Honda will release a smaller and more affordable hybrid to compete with Toyota who dominates the market.

No matter which hybrid vehicle you will choose, expect more hybrids to come. In time as gas prices soar and the demand for higher emissions regulations are implemented, hybrids will eventually dominate the market.

Price. One of the biggest issues of people who want to buy a hybrid car is the price. Buying a hybrid car can cost you several thousand dollars more than its gasoline-engine counterpart. The cheapest hybrid is around $20,000 while the luxury models are well over $100,000. It is predicted that the cost of hybrid vehicles will go down in the coming years as the production cost will decrease and the supply will increase.

Fuel Economy. A hybrid car is known for fuel economy. In fact, if you drive a hybrid, you can save as much as 60% on fuel. A fuel-efficient hybrid car can run from 35 to 50 miles on a gallon. However, high end hybrid models such as Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and those from Lexus that are built for performance still offer relatively good fuel economy.

Vehicle Option. Hybrid car models are very limited today. If you can't live by the available options, you can wait a year or two as many manufacturers have announced the release of newer hybrid cars.

Maintenance Cost. With a more complicated internal structure, the common belief is that hybrid cars are more expensive to maintain. The fact is, maintenance cost for hybrid cars is comparable to conventional vehicles. Many also fear that the battery replacement is very expensive. While the cost of battery replacement is said to be between $2,000 and $5,000, there has yet to be a report of a battery needing to be replaced due to defect or malfunction.

Safety. Hybrid cars are in general, as safe as conventional cars but there is a concern that electric shock can happen. This is a possibility but hybrid cars have been around for 10 years and there are no reports of this incident.

Luxury and Convenience. Since the price of a hybrid car is 25% to 50% higher than its gasoline counterparts, most hybrids are upscale and involve the latest gadgetry and luxury amenities.

Interior Space. Hybrid has almost become synonymous with the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. As a result the word "hybrid" is perceived as cars with small interior space and the use of electric motors and gasoline engines. While the latter is true, the former is not entirely accurate.

Since the first release of the Prius, the market has seen several hybrid cars with more interior space. The Honda has Civic and Accord (discontinued) have a good interior space. So with Toyota's Camry, Highlander (SUV), and second generation Prius (midsize), Ford Escape hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid among others.