Advancements in battery technology and vehicle design have made hybrids a viable alternative to traditional combustion engines. By using two power sources, the vehicles are far less dependent on the shortcomings of either one. Manufacturers tout the improved fuel efficiency and beneficial environmental impact of hybrid cars. With the promise of forthcoming technological breakthroughs and continual mass production, hybrids will become even more affordable and dependable in the future.
Types
A hybrid car is defined as a vehicle that utilizes two different power sources. In most cases these power sources are gasoline and electric. Hybrids can generally be categorized into two types. Parallel hybrids use both motors to power the vehicle at the same time. Series hybrids use the gasoline motor or battery to power the electric motor.
Power Sources
Specially designed plug-in hybrids can be plugged into an electrical outlet to recharge the battery. They still rely upon the source of electrical generation at the utility plant, whether it is renewable, like wind, or traditional power, like coal. Hybrids also rely upon a process known as regenerative braking, which will store the energy generated by braking within the battery. Sometimes gasoline alone can be used to power the electrical engine.
Fuel Economy
The most important aspect of an electric hybrid car is its superior gas mileage, which is due to its dependency upon the electric motor. Nine out of 10 vehicles topping the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 fuel economy rankings were hybrids. The Toyota Prius was the most fuel-efficient, with 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 miles per gallon on the highway. The Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan, Honda Insight, Civic Hybrid and Nissan Altima are also included on the list.
Design
Hybrid cars have smaller engines that produce far less power. According to the Hybrid Car Organization, hybrids typically produce anywhere between 60 to 90 horsepower, which is half that of the average gasoline-powered vehicle. Car manufacturers have come up with a few innovations to deal with the problem. Hybrids are designed to be more aerodynamic, so that they are cutting through air rather than merely displacing it, and they are manufactured with ultra-lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum. Rather than posing a danger to the passengers, however, lightweight materials can be designed to fold predictably. The aluminum Audi A8, for instance, earned a five-star safety rating from federal regulators.
Emissions
By reducing emissions, a hybrid car will cut air pollutants and greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by about 80 percent compared with a standard gasoline engine. One analysis by the United States Environmental Protection Agency found that if plug-in hybrids had a 30 percent market share by 2025, then they would reduce emissions of up to 11,000 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050.
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