| In the effort to go green, a term we hear quite often is | | | | what are some other things to consider? What are |
| "hybrid cars". What are hybrid cars, and what makes | | | | the differences in hybrid cars and SUVs, and what |
| the purchase of one desirable in the effort to | | | | makes them stand apart? There are several variations |
| conserve energy? For the less than savvy vehicle | | | | of the hybrid operating system. |
| shopper or the inquisitive learner, a small amount of | | | | In the conventional hybrid car and SUV, gasoline is |
| research can answer many questions. | | | | converted to energy by the engine and the motor, and |
| A hybrid vehicle is defined as any vehicle that uses | | | | then stored in the batteries, to be used during the |
| two or more separate types of energy to propel the | | | | operation of the vehicle. Braking converts energy to |
| vehicle. The basic operating truth of a hybrid vehicle is | | | | electricity and stores in it the batteries. When the car is |
| that the gasoline engine receives assistance from | | | | traveling very slowly, or stopped, the battery takes |
| another source for extra power, which allows the | | | | over and the engine is at rest. |
| engine to run with less gasoline. | | | | Another type of hybrid is the Plug-in. These are similar |
| Primitive types of hybrid vehicles were experimented | | | | to the conventional hybrids in that both use gasoline |
| with for many years before they actually became a | | | | engines and electric motors. Plug-ins use large battery |
| viable means of transportation. Today almost every | | | | packs, which are recharged by connecting to |
| major car maker is producing its own version of the | | | | household electricity. Plug-in cars are different from |
| hybrid. Hybrids and SUVs are offered at most | | | | conventional hybrids in that they may be driven |
| dealerships. There are government-offered tax | | | | distances up to 40 miles, without using gasoline. In short, |
| incentives and dealership rebates to make the | | | | Plug-in hybrid cars have the same benefits of |
| purchase of a hybrid car or SUV more appealing to | | | | conventional hybrids, but have the longer driving range |
| those who are undecided as to the type of vehicle | | | | of conventional non-hybrid vehicles. |
| they may purchase. | | | | The simplest hybrid is the Start Stop type. These |
| The purchase price of a hybrid or SUV can vary | | | | vehicles have engine controls, which shut off the |
| greatly, depending upon the maker and the degree of | | | | engine when the car slows down or stops. When the |
| luxury. Basic models begin at around $20,000, with the | | | | driver accelerates, the batteries power the starter |
| price of the luxury SUV going well over $100,000. | | | | motor, which quickly switches on the engine. This is the |
| Many hybrid car owners agree that the money they | | | | lowest cost hybrid alternative. |
| save in fuel more than makes up for the minimal | | | | Whatever the type, hybrid cars and SUVs are |
| added cost of purchasing a hybrid. Reports show that | | | | environmentally wise purchases. They continue to |
| the fuel efficiency of the hybrid car is around twice | | | | become more popular as we continue in our quest to |
| that of a comparable conventional automobile. | | | | go green. |
| Once you have decided to purchase a hybrid vehicle, | | | | |