Defining the Hybrid Car and Your Purchase Options

What is the worst of two evils: pulling up to the gas pump and breaking the bank to fill the tank or the fact that pollution is not improving due to car emissions? Walk through any city block and just take a deep breath. You can tell and smell that cars are the culprits to polluting the air. Pull up to any gas station and take a gander at the rising price of gas. Depending where you live, one might have to rethink their entire budget in order to power their next trip, or better yet, how they are going to get to work.

BREAKING THE BANK

Any conscious consumer can tell you that the ever-increasing price of gasoline is one of the top expenses on their list of most expensive budget costs. Some cars cost in excess of $50 dollars to fuel. During the travel season, with consumers driving on long trips, the budgetary costs of a vacation can factor into trip length, destination or amenities.

POLLUTION

Years ago, the work force started a campaign against the rising cost of gasoline and even the rising dangers of pollution by carpooling. Yet, even today, many people still drive to work on their own. Pollution due to car emissions has only improved on a minimal level. While kudos should be given to those who carpool, the fact that there are more single passenger drivers today than there were during the gas crises in the ‘70s. A lesson that could be gleamed upon is still yet to be learned. Then again, car manufactures may have the answer.

ENTER THE HYBRID CAR

Carmakers have responded to these issues by going back to the ‘drawing board’ and redesigning the average car as we know it. Enter the Hybrid Car. The Hybrid utilizes three technologies: the gasoline powered engine, the electric motor and a battery that recharges itself during operation. In essence, it is a mixture of a gasoline powered car and an electric car -- utilizing the best of both technologies.

The gasoline engine of a Hybrid car is typically smaller than its counterpart, the gasoline only powered car. It does, however, boast a reduction in emissions and a marked increase in efficiency; the same can’t always be said for the gasoline only powered automobile. The electric motor acts not only as a power source to move the vehicle, but it also generates electricity that is stored in the battery. As a generator, the electric motor allows the vehicle to slow down and accelerate. The battery source stores energy for the electric motor.

The important factor to remember is that the electric motor both creates energy, to be stored in the battery, and uses energy from the battery source. Often this occurs during braking. As stated earlier, the electric motor can assist in slowing a vehicle by applying resistance. While the vehicle coasts, the power generated by the wheels is sent to the battery for storage.

During acceleration, the electric motor draws upon the energy stored in the battery and assists. While internal combustion engines use more energy to overcome hills, the electric motor in a Hybrid utilizes battery power to help do so.

SAVING ENERGY

Cars that are not run with the combination of electric motors and gasoline engines, like the Hybrid, waste much energy during idling. This is especially true in city driving where pollution is at its worst. The Hybrid, on the other hand has technology that save energy and keeps emissions to a minimum. When the Hybrid comes to a complete stop, the engine shuts off. The engine starts once again when the accelerator is pressed, saving not only energy, but doing its part to be environment-friendly.

YOUR PURCHASE OPTIONS

The Hybrid cars available in North America are the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Honda Accord Hybrid, the Honda Insight, and the Toyota Prius.

Carmakers, in keeping in-step with the SUV boom have these Hybrid SUVs available: the Ford Escape SUV, the Lexus 400h Hybrid SUV and the Mercury Mariner.

With a Honda or Toyota’s MSRP starting around $20,000 you are sure to save money at the pump while catching quite a tax-break. The government is kind to those who choose eco-friendly cars.