What is a hybrid vehicle?
Monday, May 4, 2009 at 8:00AM | Hybrid Vehicle Introduction
Mankind has made a huge impact on the environment. Although science and technology are continually progressing, it is also the cause of the planet's deterioration. Natural resources are being depleted to sustain the demand of a growing population. Although we have been gifted with logic and reasoning we are also prone to excess and carelessness that will inevitably bring about our demise. Although eradicated species and holes in the ozone layer can't be restored, scientists are finding ways to help the environment and maintain whatever it has left. One of the main contributors of pollution is cars. Transportation is a necessity so this problem is not easy to solve. Scientists and automotive companies have come up with a solution for environmental conscious customers. Hybrid vehicles were created to answer environmental issues and provide alternatives for customers.
What is a hybrid vehicle?
A hybrid vehicle is a type of automobile that depends on different power sources other than fuel (ex. diesel, petrol). These vehicles are either powered by internal combustion engines, electric motors, or a fuel cell and a rechargeable energy storage system. These types of power sources can be applied to different type of vehicles for public and private transportation. Automotive companies today are continually developing hybrid vehicle technology to be able to offer state-of-the-art environmental friendly cars and deliver quality brand vehicles at the same time. They are turning to popular types of vehicles such as SUV's to expand the appeal of hybrid vehicle technology.
Hybrid Vehicles Save Fuel
Hybrid vehicles were designed to reduce emissions and save fuel. With the continuing rise of gas prices and global warming campaigns, more people are searching for alternatives to decrease dependence on fuel. Hybrid vehicle technology will also contribute to the general health of the public because car emissions pose a threat to one's health. Hybrid vehicles are able to achieve this purpose in four ways. It shuts down the diesel engine during stops or idle periods. It has a battery storage that enables it to store and reuse the energy that it has recaptured. It's able to recapture energy that is usually wasted while braking. It relies on two power sources, the diesel engine and the electric motors to reduce fuel consumption during peak power usage.
Hybrid Vehicles Reduce Noise
Hybrid vehicles are very convenient for traffic ridden areas. They also reduce noise emissions when the vehicle is operating at low speeds. Hybrid vehicles are practical and convenient cars for everyday living in the city.









Reader Comments (2)
Those consumers considering the purchase of a Toyota Camry Hybrid should be aware that it does cost more. Compared to the similarly equipped four-cylinder Camry XLE, for instance, the Hybrid costs approximately $1,500 more. The Hybrid is also a bit deficient in terms of luggage space -- trunk capacity drops from the regular Camry's 15 cubic feet to 10.6 due to the space taken up by the battery pack.
harie
Toyota Camry
Yes - costs more but eventually it will come down in price as production increases. The reduction in capacity is unfortunate. But look at the bright side: you could be driving a smart car instead. (Now that's a reduction in capacity :)