Hybrid Cars Electric Fuel Efficient Advantages

By: John Lester
Staff Writer
Published: Jun 27, 2009

Articles - How Hybrid Cars Work

There are several advantages developed in hybrid cars in comparison to conventional gasoline vehicles. A hybrid car includes a small fuel-efficient gasoline engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. While some of these gas engines are four-cylinders, they include new technologies that give it a boost.

Some of the new gas engines found in hybrid cars have the power of a V6 engine. The engine can do any combination of the following: charge a battery, charge a capacitor, directly power the electric motor. The main improvement in fuel consumption over a conventional vehicle with the same performance is possible.

The number one reason why consumers will not purchase a hybrid car is the battery. Some consumers fear that in two years, or three years, the battery will need replacing. The cost of replacing a battery could be anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the type and model.

However, some of these reasons not to buy a green car are myths. For example, a typical hybrid car battery will usually last around 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. This is far longer than the typical car battery that operates the accessories and lights on a conventional automobile. Most of the original 1997 and 2004 Toyota Prius vehicles are still using their original hybrid batteries.

Hybrid cars are not really a new technology. The first hybrid actually dates back a few centuries as people looked to steam as a way to power a vehicle. A hybrid is the combination of two or more power sources aimed at achieving a particular goal.

For example, a hybrid train is a rail vehicle that uses an on-board rechargeable energy storage system, placed between a diesel engine and the traction transmission system connected to the wheels. Mopeds are also a form of hybrid as power is delivered by an internal combustion engine and the rider as they peddle.

There are several factors that come into play when deciding between a hybrid car or a conventional vehicle,. It certainly does not make the decision any easier. However, if you want to save on gas and maintenance, the hybrid electric is the best alternative.

No one really knows for sure when gas prices will spike like they did unexpectedly in 2008. The sudden surge to a near $5 per gallon was totally unexpected. The top foreign countries that sell oil agree that the price is still very low.

When gas prices soared in 2008, OPEC claimed that the price of oil was still too low. They claimed that they were trying to do a correction, and if successful, the price per gallon would be around $8. Could you imagine paying $8 per gallon for gas?

A neighbor of mine recently purchased a hybrid car. He uses it for quick trips to buzz around town and has not purchased gas in over a month. He still has three-quarters of tank left.

You might picture his car as a small golf cart, but it isn't. It's actually a 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid car. It seats five passengers, has good acceleration, and the car uses its battery on most trips, since he travels at speeds under 40 mpg.

Hybrid Cars are fun to drive

I borrowed the Prius for a day to drive to work. It handled nice and it wasn't any different to me than a conventional vehicle. What I mean is, I had good acceleration on the highway, it handled very well, and I was surprised.

When I returned the hybrid, I was sad. I really wanted that car. You can read the complete journal from our upcoming Monthly Newsletter.

If you are shopping for a new hybrid, make sure you ask about the warranty. Most warranties on hybrid cars will cover the battery for 8 to 10 years. The warranty also should cover all hybrid components.