Going hybrid as a green alternative
Have you ever been shocked by the price ticker at the gas station pump that seemingly never stops increasing as you fill up your car? Or have even considered trading in your car for one that gets better mileage? Fortunately, the automobile industry has a solution that address these common concerns: the hybrid car.
What is the hybrid car?
The hybrid car, also known as the "hybrid electic vehicle (HEV)," uses two ore more distinct power sources by combining an internal combusition and one or more electric motors. This innovative type of automobile ultimately increases its overall performance by improving fuel economy and reducing gas emissions. There are currently several hybrid models on the market, perhaps the most popular are the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid—however, most automobile manufacturers have announced plans to manufacture their own hybrid versions within the next few years.
Why hybrid cars are the better choice
Hybrid cars travel about 20-30 more miles per gallon than the conventional car. With regard to your monthly gas budget, this can make a significant difference, especially when today's rising gas prices are taken into consideration. Similarly, hybrid cars require less oil changes than the standard automobile, which can save you even more money. Furthermore, because hybrid cars use less gasoline, they give off less greenhouse emissions, and therefore, help to protect the environment. Although there are several other reasons why hybrid cars are more advantageous than conventional cars, one of the most important is the safety factor, which many people are unaware of. Because hybrids require less gasoline and are energized with a battery made out of nickel instead of the standard lead acid, there is significantly less potential for a disaster to occur.
How do hybrids work?
With knowledge of the benefits of hybrid cars, you are probably wondering, What's the reasoning behind their optimal performance and fuel-efficiency? The answer is quite simple—hybrid cars only burn gasoline when needed. Some of the advanced technologies typically utilized by hybrids include "regenerative braking," "electric motor drive," and "automatic start/shutoff." But what do these mean? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regenerative braking refers to the idea that the motor, which serves as the generator, conserves energy that would normally be wasted in a conventional automobile by storing it in a battery. In addition, the electric motor of the hybrid car allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used. The use of smaller, lighter parts in a small engine enable the engine to operate with much more fuel efficiency, when compared to a relatively big engine in conventional cars. Another method employed by the hybrid car is the automatic start/shutoff feature, which prevents energy from idling. As can be inferred by its name, this innovative feature automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it as the accelerator is pressed.
Due to the myriad of innovative features of the hybrid car that promote fuel efficiency, many drivers are deciding to "go hybrid" as a "green" alternative. By driving a hybrid automobile, you can benefit not only yourself, but also the environment, by saving hundreds of dollars on gas and by conserving energy to fuel your car.