| Automotive transportation has dramatically altered the | | | | engine to turn off and start up quickly to reduce gas |
| environment because it contributes to a majority of | | | | consumption, but the gas engine is the primary power |
| greenhouse gases released into the air. Our | | | | source. The electric motor in the mild hybrid primarily |
| consumption of gas leaves large quantities of carbon | | | | functions when higher speeds or more power is |
| emissions that continue to destroy the environment at | | | | required. |
| an alarming rate. Mending the hole in the ozone layer | | | | Electric hybrids are not the only alternative fuel cars on |
| will take time, but it is only possible through everyone's | | | | the market. Auto manufacturers continue to |
| participation in the green movement. You can do this in | | | | experiment with hydrogen powered vehicles, also |
| many ways, and one of the most important is by | | | | known as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This type of |
| changing your transportation habits. While sitting on a | | | | vehicle emits no dangerous greenhouse gases since |
| crowed city bus or walking may not appeal to | | | | the byproduct is simply heat and water vapor. |
| everyone, you can still go green while driving if you | | | | Unfortunately, it could take many years before you |
| switch to an alternative fuel car. | | | | see these fuel cell vehicles in large numbers due to |
| Hybrid vehicles can help you go green by reducing the | | | | developmental complications such as affordability, |
| amount of carbon emissions directly. Since hybrids use | | | | winter driving, and durability. |
| a combination of gas and electric power, they run on | | | | All electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor |
| less gas and thereby create less fuel emissions. | | | | that charges from a battery. While these vehicles |
| Hybrids typically run on 30 mpg or more depending on | | | | offer no harmful emissions and inexpensive operating |
| make and model. Some car manufactures claim you | | | | costs, manufactures have failed to create a viable |
| can squeeze out 40 or more mpg, depending on your | | | | market due to excessive costs to consumers and a |
| driving style. | | | | short battery life. The battery takes several hours to |
| Different types of hybrid vehicles depend on how they | | | | charge once drained, and can be extremely expensive |
| operate from gas to electric power. A full hybrid allows | | | | to replace after only a few years. |
| the driver to run on just gas, electric power, or both. | | | | Affordability and green power has enabled hybrid |
| When driving in typical conditions, the full hybrid relies | | | | vehicles to thrive in this market. It won't be long before |
| on power from both the gas engine and electric motor. | | | | auto manufacturers stop producing gas guzzling |
| The electric engine can power the car alone when | | | | vehicles and replace them with alternative fuel cars. |
| used for stop-and-go traffic or for low speeds. Both | | | | People's budgets and the environment will benefit both |
| electric and gas motors stop when the car is idling. A | | | | now and in the future. |
| mild hybrid contains an electric motor that allows the | | | | |