Hybrid Car

Written by Administrator

Friday, 20 April 2007

How a hybrid car works

With the population growth on our planet over the last 40 years, the natural resources available to us are getting less and less, we are now being challenged to find ways of reducing our impact on these

resources. One idea to come to the fore front, is the hybrid car which uses a combination of petrol and electric power.

Today, because of the high cost and diminishing supplies of gasoline and other environmental factors like pollution, electric cars or hybrid vehicles like the Toyota prius are gaining popularity as personal transportation for many drivers. The electric hybrid car is a vehicle that combines the use of two types of energy sources which in turn provides many benefits.

Battery power source:

An essential power source for the hybrid car is the battery. The type of battery found in a hybrid car is in some ways similar to a traditional car battery, in that both batteries are rechargeable, however that is where the similarity ends.

The battery found in a conventional car is mainly used to start the engine. In addition to this the battery also operates the accessories of the vehicle, this includes the radio, power windows and locks, lighting, etc. These features can be powered by the battery for a short time when the engine is not running. This conventional type of battery is kept charged by the function of the alternator.

The battery found in a hybrid car is very different in structure from the conventional battery and it capable of storing lots more power. The original design of this particular type of battery was quite large and heavy. However with constant modifications, re-designs and making it from nickel metal hydride this type of battery is now much lighter, smaller and also has the capability of storing more electrical power. Also the battery power used in a hybrid car is measured in kilowatt amp hours.

The electric power generated by the battery then works in conjunction with the conventional engine of the hybrid car to efficiently power the vehicle. The hybrid vehicles greater fuel economy will help to reduce petroleum consumption and air pollution worldwide.

Some benefits of using a hybrid vehicle:

Reduced petroleum consumption. For some hybrid vehicles up to 66 miles per gallon.
Vehicle air pollution emissions reductions.
Reduced noise emissions due to use of electric power at low speeds.
Tax incentives in some countries.

Some of these benefits are realized because the hybrid car never idles and operates as an electric car when traveling at low speeds.

Remember the combustion engine found in a hybrid vehicles still requires gasoline to operate. The types of fuel used can be in the form of gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogen.

One possible down side of a hybrid car is the higher purchase price, however a January 2007 analysis by Intellichoice.com shows that all 22 currently available hybrids will save their owners money over a five year period.

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