So you’re in the market for a hybrid car and think all hybrids are the same? Better think again as there are a number of different types of hybrid vehicles available and even more on the way. Buyers need to be informed and realize that hybrid vehicles can be drastically different in terms of both technology and the hit to your checkbook. In the following article I will breakdown the different technologies available and help you determine what is best for you.

Full Hybrids: At this point most people would agree that these are the best types of hybrids currently available. They operate using two separate propulsions systems, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor which can work independently of each other. Under certain driving conditions, typically low speed, the car can operate purely on the electric motor. Full hybrids use regenerative braking which takes energy that would normally be lost and uses it to charge the hybrid battery packs.

Honda’s Entries: The Civic Hybrid 2007 model has a VTEC engine, supported by an electric motor that delivers the power without the attendant fuel consumption. It has the standard Honda exterior design and instrumentation. The Accord Hybrid is the more luxurious stablemate of the Civic. Its VTEC and CVT features deliver one of power and torque, and it has achieved notable EPA ratings for fuel efficiency and gas emissions. The original Honda hybrid, the Honda Insight, is another highly efficient Honda gas-electric combo hybrid vehicle. It maintains Honda’s looks and innovations.

Currently there are two types of hybrid vehicles on the market. The first is the “Series” hybrid. A battery powered electric motor powers the Series hybrid car. It also has a gasoline powered engine but it does not singularly power the vehicle. The gasoline engine powers a generator which is used in turn to charge the batteries of the electric motor. The electric motor is left on during the vehicles entire operation however the gasoline engine can be switched on or off depending on the needs of the vehicle. This type of hybrid automobile provides better mileage in city traffic.

Plug-In Hybrids: Plug-In hybrids at this time are not available from any car manufacturer, but you can expect to see them in the near future. The plug-in hybrid uses the internal combustion engine only as a backup to the electric motor. These hybrids can be plugged into a normal household electrical outlet to charge, but in addition they can also use the same charging capabilities of a full hybrid. While full hybrids utilize the electric and internal combustion engine all the time, plug-in hybrids will only use the internal combustion engine as a backup when the electric motors batteries run out of juice. At this point the car will operate as a full hybrid. Plug-In hybrids are expected to achieve better fuel efficiency than the other hybrids and many people see this technology as the future of hybrid technology.

Hybrid automobiles provide several benefits due to some very unique features. The construction of the hybrid vehicle uses more lightweight materials than traditional automobile. This saves energy by using less to propel the hybrid car. Hybrid cars also increase energy efficiency because of their more aerodynamic shapes. Tires used by hybrid vehicles run on a higher pressure and are made of a more rigid material than general car tires. The higher pressure helps to increase the vehicles gas mileage per gallon of gasoline used.

Performance Hybrid: Electric motors can offer instant torque unlike a conventional combustion engine. Some companies realized that you can take a smaller gasoline motor and pair it with an electric motor to get the performance of a much larger engine, and also get good fuel efficiency. A good example of this would be the Lexus GS450h which is capable of going 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, but gets a respectable 25mpg city / 28mpg freeway. The great thing about performance hybrids are the cars can get the performance of a V8 engine, but get the fuel efficiency of a smaller motor.

In closing, be sure to do your homework when buying a hybrid car as some hybrids might not be what you expected in terms of fuel efficiency or price. A car can have a badge that says hybrid on it but only get 17mpg. All of the above technologies have their place and it should be very exciting to see what the future holds for hybrid technology.

Learn more about electric car conversion. Stop by Kendra Lackey’s site where you can find out all about conversion electric and what it can do for you.

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