Energy conservation in vehicles is a hot topic today. The imagination sparked this topic that oil reserves will get depleted one day. The world needs to prepare for life without oil, and that has led to the proliferation of green vehicles. One of such vehicles is the hybrid vehicle. So, what is a hybrid car ?
Unlike a conventional combustion engine powered vehicle, a hybrid car is one that can use more than one type of power. For example, a car that uses both a diesel engine and an electric generator is said to be hybrid. In this case, the internal combustion engine drives an electric generator that energizes an electric motor.
Other forms of hybrid vehicles
Hybrid vehicles come in many different forms. For instance, vehicles that use more than one distinct form of fuel are also considered to be hybrid or dual mode vehicles. For example, some vehicles use a mixture of gasoline and ethanol as fuel. Others have two parallel systems of fuel feeding one engine. There are also self-charging hybrids which recharge their batteries whenever on the go, just like conventional engine vehicles. Plug-in hybrids have also become very popular these days. These hybrids have a charging point through which you can charge the car using electricity just like a mobile phone.
Examples of hybrid cars
With everyone looking forward to going green, the demand for hybrid vehicles has hit the ground running. Perhaps that is why there are several hybrid cars today, and new models are manufactured every day. Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Toyota Yaris are good examples of hybrid cars. We also have Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid as well as Lexus 450h and Lexus RX 400h models. These are petroleum-electric hybrids. Some are full hybrid while others are mild hybrid. They are powered by both gasoline or diesel engines and electric motors.
Advantages of hybrid cars
Hybrid cars leverage on the efficiency of each of the power types in producing certain forces. For instance, the electric motor is better than the combustion engine in producing a torque. On the other hand, the combustion engine maintains high speed better than the electric motor. If you can switch to the right energy at the right time, you will achieve the utmost energy and fuel efficiency. Hybrid cars also produce fewer emissions than conventional engine vehicles. They have improved aerodynamics, and their tires have a low rolling resistance, leading to a quiet, smooth ride. You can also power off the engine whenever the car is idling. Hybrids are therefore the right cars for the modern congested city traffic.
In summary, going green is the way to go. Apart from being quiet and fuel-efficient, hybrid cars are some of the best-looking cars today. Sleek and streamlined, they are eye-catching and cozy. Additionally, every new model comes with better features. For example, newer models have fewer emissions than older ones, meaning that we are soon going to the point whereby emissions will not be a problem.