RSS FeedHow do hybrid cars work.
It takes about 1000 pounds of batteries to equal the energy
in a gallon of gasoline. Sounds like a lot of extra weight, but with the new
designs this is not a problem. The newer designs are even converting kinetic
energy produced by the engine into electric energy for the batteries. Confused
yet? If not, you are probably reading the wrong article. However, it really
doesn’t matter if you understand the inner workings completely. By now you
should at least have a basic understanding of what makes these little cars more
efficient.
A hybrid has a gasoline engine and also a battery powered
generator. The gasoline engine in the equation is much the same as the cars
most of us are driving today. In most cases it is a bit smaller than the
engines in our somewhat larger automobiles we currently drive. The reason for
this is because the generator helps power the hybrid car. Both still operate
the same as far as having a transmission to drive the wheels. Albeit a much
more sophisticated version than what is in the typical gasoline powered
vehicle. The difference is when the car begins to slow down, the gasoline
engine stops and the generator motor takes over, thus saving fuel you would be
burning for instance at a stoplight. Now, not only is this a saving for you as
a consumer. It is also making the air we breathe cleaner. Both are I’m sure you
will agree, a good thing. Now, both engines require a tank for the fuel, a gas
tank the same as most of us have now, but also a tank for the generator, which
is a set of batteries that must be kept charged. You see, this is the purpose
for the generator.
I’m sure you have seen some of the new hybrid cars on the street and were
maybe a bit taken back by their appearance at first. Yes, the new hybrids do
take some getting used to, especially the early models. They are a little
smaller in size and very aerodynamic in design. And, with a driving force of
about 60-90 horsepower, don’t feel quite as powerful as your current
automobile, but on the horizon are several new models, including SUV’s that are
much more traditional in their styling.
I think for now at least, the hybrid cars will take over a big part of the auto
industry and carry us along until the arrival of the eco- friendly efficient
cars of the future.
Take a ride in one of the new hybrid cars and decide for yourself if they are worth
all the hype.
Resource box: http://www.hybridcarsdotcom.com/