Wednesday, March 30, 2011

How Hybrid Cars Work


Gas is up.  So, I understand when consumers say that we need an alternative.  Electric cars are all the rage, with vehicles in high demand.  The only question is, how do they work?  We embrace the idea, and today we’ll provide some insight on how hybrid engines work. 

Hybrids use traditional gas engines and an alternative power plant.  There are two types: electric hybrids and hydrogen hybrids.  Electric hybrids use an electric motor as their alternative energy source. Hydrogen hybrids extract the element from water and add the hydrogen to the fuel-air mixture of the vehicle.  So how do hybrids help the environment?  It’s important to know that oil is a limited resource; also carbon dioxide is produced when it’s burned.  In addition, the oil that is extracted from the Earth damages the environment from drilling.  Although hybrids still use gas, they achieve higher gas mileage than a regular vehicle because of the secondary power source.  The average estimate is a five-mpg improvement in fuel economy. 

One way the improved fuel economy numbers are achieved is through stop/start technology that is fitted to the vehicle. A stop/start system allows the engine to be shut off when it is not needed, such as when the vehicle is stopped at a red light or the vehicle is coasting. The technology allows for the engine to be restarted quickly so that the driver does not experience any hesitation. 

Hybrids are great for the environment.  They produce less noise pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.  Innovation and technology will continue to change and adapt to the times making hybrids a great alternative. 

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