Lightning Hybrid Cars » Hybrid Cars

The Facts Why Hybrid Automobiles Tend to be So Well Liked

lightning — Tue, 25 May 2010 04:53:16 +0000

By hybrid automobiles we refer to any vehicle of which contains 2 distinct energy resources for propulsion which make up the hybrid engine. You will find all sorts of alternative energy sources among which we can count wind, natural gas in liquid or compressed form, rechargeable units, wood, coal and the like. The concept of hybrid car designates electric vehicles that adapt the usage of an internal combustion engine to that of the electrical batteries.

As mentioned above, there are more hybrid vehicles beside hybrid automobiles we’ll mainly deal with here. Mopeds and electric bicycles make the most relevant of cases here. These are the most basic varieties of hybrid vehicles. They combine the power from an internal combustion engine or electric motor with the power of the rider’s muscles. Then there are hybrid heavy vehicles like railway locomotives, buses, heavy goods vehicles, ships or mobile hydraulic machinery. Normally, when looking at a hybrid car comparison, the actual term hybrid car-vehicle will be used to pertain to hybrid electric vehicles. This category includes the next kinds of cars: AHS2 (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, Saturn Vue), Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and many others. A gas-electric hybrid car typically gets its energy from an internal combustion motor (gasoline or diesel engine) and an electrical battery.

The beginning of the hybrid car can be discovered in the early 1900s when David Arthurs made the first hybrid ever. Besides the hybrid auto as mentioned above, which makes use of 2 or more distinct propulsion devices, there’s also vehicles which employ distinct sources of energy or input types but only one engine. Although there is a particular similarity to a hybrid car, distinctions do can be found. Actually the latter should be more correctly known as dual mode vehicles (electric trolleybuses, dual mode buses, flexible-fuel vehicles, etc).

A hybrid car provides numerous benefits from your green viewpoint and there are 2 sides to take into account here. First of all, you get to do something for the atmosphere and mankind, but you additionally cut costs on gas. These two rewards and advantages as a result of the hybrid car are tributary to at least three elements in the design: the combination of gasoline and the electric motors, a battery with plenty of storage capacity and the possibility to re-capture important amounts of energy, which are normally wasted while braking.

Hybrid Cars

The Zap Alias Hybrid Car

lightning — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:28:51 +0000

The Zap Alias team is one of 28 competing in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, down from 43 teams last year. In the Shakedown stage, vehicles will be tested on braking speed, lane change ability, acceleration and refueling/recharging time, among other elements. ZAP’s shakedown will occur May 2-8 at MIS. This is a non-elimination event ahead of a Knock-Out Stage taking place in June.

You can put down $1,000 dollars for a reservation on the Alias production series all electric hybrid car.

According to their website the Alias can hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds with a maximum speed of 75+ mph and a range of 100+ miles.

Aerodynamic contours, low profile, wide stance with double-wishbone suspension, sport styling – are only a few ways to describe the all-new Alias from ZAP.

Under the “hood” of this three-wheeled machine is a compact, yet powerful AC24LS high efficiency, air-cooled, AC induction motor running at 216 volts.

The Alias is 100% electric, 100% of the time. Recharging is simple and effortless via any 110V outlet at home or on the road. Be the first. Reserve yours today.

Hybrid Cars

The Very Best Approaches to Making A Hybrid Car Comparison

lightning — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:18:10 +0000

Hybrid cars tend to be hot nowadays. This is not a fad which will drop its lure later on, with the technologies, gas mileage, and overall environmental issues which it in unison attempts to resolve.

So before you dash to the dealer, start studying the several hybrid cars and trucks available on the market currently, it will be well worth the effort to make a hybrid car comparison making use of several factors.

We could begin with a few of the hybrid cars models now available and are worth comparing. There is a Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, the Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Honda Accord Hybrid. Fundamental essentials 4 major hybrid cars and trucks available at dealers in your place today.

Your options are also a great deal improved with the availability of the Ford Escape Hybrid. This was the first hybrid suvs obtainable. But you also have a option with Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander plus the Mariner Hybrid.

Primary Consideration Will be The Gas Mileage

Automobiles sold in the united states nowadays, around the average, will get a combined highway and city EPA gasoline use estimation of some 20.4 miles per gallon (mpg). All hybrid cars, you’ll find, possess EPA number well above than what specified previously.

Honda Insight was specifically made for getting the best mileage, making it the undisputed best hybrid car in terms of fuel useage. The original manual transmission hybrids have EPA quotes of 60 mpg within the city and 66 mpg on the highway. The automatic version conversely has transmission rated somewhat lower at 57 city/56 highway.

The second best option is the latest type of the Prius at 60 city/51 highway. It can be seen that the city estimate is greater than the highway estimation due to this hybrid car’s capacity to perform on battery power alone at low rates of speed.

Size Does Count

An additional factor to consider with hybrid cars will be the size. With earlier styles, hybrid cars only came in 2 sizes. First is the small size car. The second is the significantly scaled-down size. However hybrid manufacturers are presently reacting to consumer’s particular needs. And because these suppliers somehow realize that the consumers had realized how to compare hybrid cars, all of them are making upgrades.

But let’s return to the size factor. When considering size of a certain hybrid vehicle number of passengers as well as common loads you will be transporting.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a stream-lined sedan. It offers five seats and has a general look similar to that of non-hybrid Civic. The inside is the same size, although the trunk of this hybrid is marginally smaller to accommodate the battery.

The Prius models have five traveler capacity, and was recently redesigned and evolved in to a mid sized category auto. This relatively larger release includes a versatile hatch back.

The Appearance

The last consideration will be the appearance. You are able to choose a hybrid vehicle that looks like the other available models, or you might want to be completely different. In any case, this can be one of the number of reasons why hybrid cars are hot today and was able to penetrate the Us marketplace effectively within a short period of time.

Hybrid Cars

Some Of The Reasons Why Hybrid Automobiles Are Usually So Popular | Hybrid Automobiles

lightning — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 04:14:49 +0000

Hybrid automobiles are vehicles that employs 2 or even more distinct sources of power to get powered with the hybrid engine. Amongst the actual power options for a hybrid automobile there are gasoline or diesel fuel, on-board or out-board rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS), hydrogen, wind, compressed or fluid natural gas, solar, coal, wood or other solid combustibles, etc. The term hybrid car or vehicle is employed normally to refer to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) by which an internal combustion engine is merged with one or more electric motors.

As stated before, there are more hybrid vehicles beside hybrid automobiles we will primarily deal with here. Just think of mopeds and electric bicycles. These types of will be the rather basic varieties of hybrid vehicles. The combination between a gas engine or a battery and the physical power of the muscles is definitely superior. The heavy hybrids cover the industrial or supply vehicles such as ships, hydraulic machines, buses, locomotives and so on. Usually, whenever reading through a hybrid car comparison, the actual term hybrid car-vehicle is used to pertain to hybrid electric vehicles. This range comprises of the following types of cars: AHS2 (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, Saturn Vue), Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and many others. A gas-electric hybrid car ordinarily gets its power through an internal combustion motor (gasoline or diesel engine) and an electric battery.

The roots of the hybrid car are to be found in early 1900s whenever David Arthurs made the very first hybrid ever. Other than the combination of gasoline motor and electrical engine, there are other propulsion options applied, mainly a single motor only. They’re additionally regarded by many people for being like the hybrid car. Actually the latter ought to be more correctly called dual mode vehicles (electric trolleybuses, dual mode buses, flexible-fuel vehicles, etc).

A hybrid car presents many benefits from your environment perspective and there are 2 factors to take into account here. First of all, you get to do something for your atmosphere and mankind, but you additionally cut costs on gasoline. Both of these advantages and advantages as a result of the hybrid car are tributary to at least three elements in the design: the combination of gasoline and the electric motors, a battery with plenty of storage capacity and the possibility to re-capture important amounts of energy, which are normally wasted while braking.

Hybrid Cars

The Top Quality Produced Toyota Hybrid Cars Stand Out From The Others

lightning — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:17:53 +0000

Toyota hybrid cars were among the first manufactured in their categories. After decades of quality gas-fueled vehicle manufacturing, Toyota Motor Corp. redirected its creative efforts in an environment friendly direction. The first model from the Toyota hybrid cars was Prius that made a true revolution in the world of automakers.

The next hybrid vehicle introduced to the Japanese market place (after the Prius) was the Toyota Estima hybrid minivan. This minivan was introduced in Japan in 2001, as being the initial mass-made four-wheel drive hybrid.

Toyota hybrid cars stand out from among the other models on the market by their multi-leveled superiority: the engine, the mph rate it gets within a few seconds and all the road conditions it provides are some of the best, not to mention that the reliability of the concept and the price are equally profitable for car owners.

The cylinders were also improved with the Toyota hybrid cars but the upgrades have not reached the maximum development point. Not everybody is ready to embrace vehicles in the green line, and this is the reason why the production as such remains pretty limited. People interested in Toyota hybrid cars find info and assistance with local dealers, and they are the ones to intermediate the purchase. Before going for the purchase, check the technical data and even compare them together with a pro in the field .

The bad part is that more advanced Toyota hybrid cars are worth a fortune, and they are far from the reach of the average user who cannot afford to buy up to $165,000 for a car even if it has a much lower fuel consume. The future model expected to be unveiled in January 2010 is the one to keep the consumers hopes up. New Toyota hybrid cars will be designed as a more powerful and larger vehicle with an engine growth to 1.8 liters. The range of all-electric fuel-free driving option will be created without making Toyota models bulkier.

Even if the future Toyota hybrid cars will undergo some upgrading, they will still operate on the nickel metal hydride batteries without offering any plug-in choice. The Prius design to be launched will be available in several models from the wagon and the pickup to the compact and mid-sized SUV. The new Toyota hybrid cars owe a great deal to the first Prius models with the all-electric mode available for anything below high speeds. Then, the joint power engine of the gas and hybrid engine devices will allow you to enjoy the speed of a comfortable ride while saving on fuel.

Hybrid Cars

Enjoy The Advantage Of Owning Hybrid Suvs

lightning — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:42:17 +0000

It seems that when we say hybrid suvs we actually make a mistake, as it sounds like an oxymoron. Why is that? SUVs are expensive vehicles and whoever purchases one probably has enough cash to maintain and fuel it.Yet, with the oil prices hitting the roof, more economic vehicles are necessary, and hybrid SUVs happen to match the requirements. Besides, there is this tendency and policy all over the world to make people aware of the importance of our planet’s resources which we have been using wastefully. Therefore, we should all be concerned about having hybrid vehicles which are more fuel-efficient.

These were the premises for the transformation of the power SUV vehicles in to hybrid SUVs. When you decide to buy hybrid SUVs, keep in mind the fact that not all of them are advantageous when it comes to the costs, which means that you have to do some research before picking up among the diverse hybrid SUVs. To be of help in this matter, analysts at automotive-cost tracking Web site IntelliChoice.com ran a study for CNNMoney.com, in which they investigated and put side by side projected 5-year ownership costs for hybrid vehicles the average expected costs of which were similar to SUVs. The elements followed in this study were fuel, maintenance, finance costs and depreciation. Analysts wanted to learn whether specific costs measured up to their expectations. They also compared the difference amounts between non hybrid and hybrid SUVs. The research revealed that hybrids beat expectations with approximately $4,000.

Among the hybrid SUVs advertised on the market at present, we could count a number of vehicles like Lexus hybrid, Acura RD-X, BMW X5 Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Durango, Ford Escape, Lexus RZ 400h, Saturn VUE, to name just a few of them. So, as you can see almost all the big automobile companies have become interested in doing something about the environment and finance and have already come up with a number of hybrid SUVs on the market.

How much can a hybrid engine save in terms of fuel? All the data available are statistical as the calculations are approximated and influenced not only by the initial price but also by the driving specificity of every owner. All in all hybrid SUVs, and hybrid vehicles in general, though bulkier, seem to bear their bigger weight better than conventional vehicles, and this is apparent if we consider the problem of fuel efficiency and costs. Consequently, choosing from hybrid SUVs types is a true pleasure; take a driving test and see for yourself. Hybrid SUVs are definitely worth paying for.

The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars

lightning — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:42:40 +0000

To smirk? or NOT to smirk? That is the question!

When hybrid vehicles first came out, they made a statement about the owner. They said “I am ecologically aware”. They said “I am an environmentally superior because I have invested in a new technology, and I am single handedly changing the pollution problem”. They screamed that they would all run off and join ‘Greenpeace’, if only the Prius could float. I wanted one in the worst way. I was in the market for my current car, and I really, REALLY wanted a Prius. I did my homework, as much as could be done because the test drive portion of the car shopping experience was unavailable due to a lack of inventory at all the dealerships in my area. All I could do was read about how awesome they were, and how great it was to be driving a car leaving a lesser carbon footprint. I suppose this is where I should say that I was, in fact, raised by environmentalist parents.

There was one economist out of the billions who were weighing in on this topic. Should consumers buy hybrids? Should they not? Only one that I heard rationalize it the best. If you want one, NOT because they will be superior cars, or because they get great gas mileage. Of course these are benefits, but if you want those, cars with proven track records are readily available. However, if you want one for the pleasure of driving an environmentally friendly car, that would be the right reason. If you wanted to be on the cutting edge of vehicular history, that was a reason to buy one. That made me want one even MORE!!

Of course, most of the time, you don’t want to be the consumer guinea pig. You don’t want to buy the model where someone says ‘Ooopsi Daisies’ when your car spontaneously combusts, due to a faulty design of some sort-that they now know needs a design fix for the next model year. Then again, the early model Prius cars didn’t have ‘sticky floor-mats’, (referring to the current Toyota recall that any day now, will include the Prius) so that proves that the ‘Oopsi Dasies’ moment can come at any time.

The pros and cons became even more defined when, a few years ago, the price of oil spiked, and gas shot up to 5 dollars a gallon. THEN the Prius owners had to try really hard not to smirk all the time. I really wished I could have been smirking with them.

The pros and cons are pretty well documented, but the pros and cons list that makes the biggest difference, is if you are a smirker- or a non smirker. If you have no interest in smirking, then a high efficiency car would probably suit you just fine.

Hybrid Cars

Gasoline Proficient Plus High-Class Lexus Hybrid Cars

lightning — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:18:49 +0000

Lexus hybrid vehicles are the consequence of better than 10 years of major scientific endeavors and specialized changes that eventually proved rewarding. The improved Lexus hybrid vehicles include the GS 450h saloon performance, the RX 400h SUV and the LS 600h saloon luxury flagship; all the three styles are a major mark to the consumer market that low emissions, ride proficiency, high power and energy benefits are possible in our century.

the top design from the Lexus hybrid models is the 1st type of car within its category not to mention that it also scores the record as the very 1st back wheel drive hybrid auto. This kind of car translates as little stress in the natural environment, yet also more rewards for person who rides it.

The fuel-powered engine works in combination with a quite sophisticated electrical engine that takes care of the operation of the auto from standstill to instant motion. Even if the engine is the 6.-liter model,

The Lexus hybrid engine proves outstanding by means of the quite low emission range. Apart from the environmental advantages that electrical vehicles stand for there are the major results and goal achievements of hybrid and electrical vehicles in general, and Lexus hybrid models also bring an large degree of enjoyment that is just specific to luxury vehicles such as the reclining ottoman or the Shiatsu massage system.

The power button in a Lexus hybrid will only activate the electric power system, and although you’ll be pressing the acceleration, there are no gas emissions whatsoever

the most important accomplishment in the creation of the Lexus hybrid vehicles is that the 2 power sources, electrical and fuel-based can be capable to work as one single system. This is reflected in the way the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission works allowing smooth acceleration possible without the inconvenience of changing gears several times. This kind of transmission equipment has a crucial impact in the saving energy properties specific to Lexus hybrid vehicles.

Furthermore, the noise level changes to very low levels, you’ll be operating a quiet vehicle that will not bother either the occupants or the neighbors.

How long can an electrical battery work properly? That is the main problem for anyone purchasing a Lexus hybrid. The manufacturer states that the battery power is designed for extended life usage: it is a 288V Nickel Metal-Hydride device that is located in the back part of the car so as to ensure a good weight distribution in the economy of the vehicle. eventually, a Lexus hybrid car are more silent and energy saving from acceleration to slowing down. When slowing down and you press the break pedal, the engine becomes a generator. motion power that is reduced and lost is captured and transformed into electrical energy that is sent back to the battery recharging

Hybrid Cars

Toyota’s Creates a Solar Powered Vehicle

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:38:16 +0000

One of the most popular Hybrid cars on the market today is the Toyota Prius. It is both compact and economical, with a starting price of just $22,400. This price puts the Prius within the realms of possibility for the average, although environmentally-conscious, individual.

The third generation of Toyota Prius, the 2010 model, has EPA ratings of 51 miles per gallon in the city, and 49 miles per gallon on the highway. Even for a hybrid, that’s not bad, and it’s a step up from earlier years’ Toyota Prius models.

But a new pricing structure is lined up for this hybrid. The Toyota Prius I, II, III, IV, and V are reportedly already available.

The most economical model is the Toyota Prius I, which should run for around $21,000, while the Prius V starts at $27,670.

The new line of Priuses will include a range of features, but it gets better.. A solar-powered roof package is available for the Toyota Prius II, III, and IV Models – but not for the V.

The solar roof system costs between $3,600 and $4,500. It uses solar panels to supplement the vehicle’s power and to get even better mileage. This package also includes a solar-powered ventilation system, a navigation system, a power tilt/slide moon roof, and remote-control air conditioning (for those of us who just can’t be bothered to lean forward and turn the knob?)

With the combination of hybrid technology and solar power, a whole new range of fuel efficiency may be well within our grasp. The solar powered version is said to make mileages of up to 70 mpg possible, under ideal circumstances.

If you live in or often visit a sunny climate, the solar roof might go a long ways in reducing your gas bill and pollution emissions.

Under some (although somewhat theoretical) circumstances, the driver of a solar-powered Toyota Prius might never need to buy gas at all.

But at the very least, a driver of a solar powered Prius who uses the vehicle’s “eco” settings and follows basic guidelines can expect to stop for gasoline far less often – so infrequently, in fact, that he should probably take care not to forget to stop for gas at all.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how they can live greener and more environmentally friendly lives.

To learn more, visit her blog, Green Gadget.

Source Article: Solar Powered Toyota Prius

A Quick Guide to Buying a Used Hybrid Car | Buying Guide

lightning — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:46:43 +0000

So the long waiting lists and high prices for the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrids have turned you off a new hybrid? Don’t worry because used hybrids are now starting to hit the market and it may be a great chance to grab a bargain. There are some very important things to take into consideration before you jump into a used hybrid however.

Given that hybrids are new to the used car market, they have been somewhat of an unknown quantity. Figures from Kelley Blue Book are now showing that the depreciation of hybrids is significantly more than other used cars, with the Prius holding only 58% of its value after two years and 41% after five years, and the Civic Hybrid holding 60% after two years and 43% after five years. This compares to the gas-engined Civic which maintains 66% of its value after two years and 50% after five years. The good news is that buying a used hybrid will save even more money over buying a new model, however the depreciation continues and when you go to sell it, you will lose more than other vehicles on the road.

So why is the depreciation on Hybrids so high? There are a few factors at work here.

Firstly, the cost of replacing hybrid batteries is much more than other car batteries. The batteries on a hybrid store the energy that has been produced through regenerative braking, and use it when the car is running on electric. These need replacing after 8-10 years or 80,000 – 100,000 miles and it is a big investment, costing between $2000 and $5000. If you buy a hybrid car that is ready for a battery change, you may be slugged with a replacement cost that makes the savings of buying a used hybrid redundant.

Another important consideration is that hybrids are still more expensive to maintain because there are a lot fewer mechanics that are qualified to repair the completely different mechanical system. On the other hand, overall maintenance should be less than a regular gasoline car due to the reduced stress on the engine and the brakes in a hybrid.

The computer system of a hybrid is extremely sophisticated in order to manage the two engine systems and switch between them at the appropriate times. This relies on a system of sensors throughout the car and a central computer, and like all computers, things can easily go wrong. If the used hybrid is outside of its warranty period for computer maintenance, this could end up being an extremely expensive investment to repair it.

Finally, the insurance of a hybrid car is higher than other cars due to the high cost of maintenance.

Given these issues with used hybrids, it is even more important than with other cars to have the car fully inspected before you buy it, to understand exactly what you are buying and what kind of costs you will be up for. Hybrids are still surrounded by a fair degree of hype, so sellers will often be looking to add a premium just because it is a hybrid. To avoid this, be sure to research the true value of the car in Kelley Blue Book and other local selling guides and as with any other used cars, the better your homework, the more likely you are to get a great deal.

About The Author
Danielle Ali Shah is a contributor for Autotropolis, a full-range car buying and research site dedicated to providing car buyers with the information they need to navigate both the new and used car markets.

Visit the author’s web site at:
Autotropolis.com