| Since the very conception of the automobile, engineers | | | | the batteries of the electric motor. The electric motor |
| and designers have been searching for was to make | | | | is left on during the vehicles entire operation however |
| them more efficient and save on fuel consumption. | | | | the gasoline engine can be switched on or off |
| Petrol fuels the majority of vehicles and diesel fuel is | | | | depending on the needs of the vehicle. This type of |
| used in heavier automotive equipment. The internal | | | | hybrid automobile provides better mileage in city traffic. |
| combustion engine is considered to be a major if not | | | | The second type of hybrid vehicle on the market is |
| the biggest source of environmental pollution and the | | | | called the "Parallel" hybrid. The Parallel hybrid car, like |
| cost of fuel is increasing every day. | | | | the Series type, has a gasoline engine and an electric |
| With a constant rise in fuel costs and the | | | | motor. The electric motor and the electric motor can |
| environmental concerns regarding automobiles, vehicle | | | | both be used to turn the transmission and power the |
| engineers have had to develop more economical and | | | | vehicle. The major difference between the two types |
| environmentally safer alternatives to the internal | | | | of hybrid cars is that the Parallel hybrid uses its electric |
| combustion engine that powers most cars. This has | | | | motor to boost the vehicles power when required to |
| led to the birth of the hybrid automobile. These hybrid | | | | increase the car's speed. The Parallel hybrid car is |
| automobiles offer a number of benefits. The hybrid | | | | considered better suited for the open highway. |
| automobile is a car that is powered by both an electric | | | | Hybrid automobiles provide several benefits due to |
| motor and a gasoline engine. Compared to non hybrid | | | | some very unique features. The construction of the |
| vehicles, the hybrid car saves on the cost of fuel by | | | | hybrid vehicle uses more lightweight materials than |
| being more fuel efficient and has a lower rate of fuel | | | | traditional automobile. This saves energy by using less |
| consumption. | | | | to propel the hybrid car. Hybrid cars also increase |
| Hybrid cars operate on a dual mode where the | | | | energy efficiency because of their more aerodynamic |
| electric motor, powered by batteries, takes over once | | | | shapes. Tires used by hybrid vehicles run on a higher |
| the gasoline engine has gotten the vehicle up to speed. | | | | pressure and are made of a more rigid material than |
| Braking and deceleration generates energy that is | | | | general car tires. The higher pressure helps to increase |
| used to charge the electric motor's batteries. This | | | | the vehicles gas mileage per gallon of gasoline used. |
| system allows the hybrid car to provide better fuel | | | | The overall efficiency of the vehicle is increased by |
| efficiency. This also means that the engine of a hybrid | | | | these tires because they reduce friction on road |
| vehicle is shut the moment the car is stopped. | | | | surfaces and provided a grip. The braking system |
| Considered the biggest advantage to the hybrid car is | | | | provided an energy transfer from the electric motor to |
| the reduction of environmental pollution due to fewer | | | | the vehicles batteries when ever the brakes are |
| emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases in | | | | applied. The overall gas mileage of a hybrid varies |
| to our atmosphere. Automobile manufactures such as | | | | from model to model. The EPA test numbers report |
| Honda, Toyota, and Ford have already introduced | | | | that the Lexus RX400h receives 31 MPG in the city |
| hybrid car models to the commercial market and | | | | and 27 MPG the highway while the Honda Insight |
| several others are in development. | | | | receives 61 MPG in the city and 68 MPG on the |
| Currently there are two types of hybrid vehicles on | | | | highway. |
| the market. The first is the "Series" hybrid. A battery | | | | In conclusion, the future of automobiles is currently the |
| powered electric motor powers the Series hybrid car. | | | | hybrid car and purchasing a hybrid vehicle will not only |
| It also has a gasoline powered engine but it does not | | | | save you money but will also allow you to take |
| singularly power the vehicle. The gasoline engine | | | | responsibility and do you part in creating a safer, |
| powers a generator which is used in turn to charge | | | | cleaner and greener environment. |