by Ferry ST
Mankind has made a huge impact on the environment. Although science and technology are continually progressing, it is also the cause of the planet’s deterioration. Natural resources are being depleted to sustain the demand of a growing population. Although we have been gifted with logic and reasoning we are also prone to excess and carelessness that will inevitably bring about our demise. Although eradicated species and holes in the ozone layer can’t be restored, scientists are finding ways to help the environment and maintain whatever it has left.
One of the main contributors of pollution is cars. Transportation is a necessity so this problem is not easy to solve. Scientists and automotive companies have come up with a solution for environmental conscious customers. Hybrid vehicles were created to answer environmental issues and provide alternatives for customers.
What is a hybrid?
A hybrid vehicle is a type of automobile that depends on different power sources other than fuel (ex. diesel, petrol). These vehicles are either powered by internal combustion engines, electric motors, or a fuel cell and a rechargeable energy storage system. These types of power sources can be applied to different type of vehicles for public and private transportation.
Automotive companies today are continually developing this technology to be able to cater environmental friendly cars and deliver quality brand vehicles at the same time. They are turning to popular type of vehicles such as SUV’s to expand the appeal of hybrid technology.
Hybrid vehicles were designed to reduce emissions and save fuel. With the continuing rise of gas prices and global warming campaigns, more people are searching for alternatives to decrease dependence on fuel. This technology will also contribute to the general health of the public because car emissions pose a threat to one’s health.
These vehicles are able to achieve this purpose in four ways. It shuts down the diesel engine during stops or idle periods. It has a battery storage that enables it to store and reuse the energy that it has recaptured. It’s able to recapture energy that is usually wasted while breaking. It relies on two power sources, the diesel engine and the electric motors to reduce fuel consumption during peak power usage.
This type of vehicle is very convenient for traffic ridden areas. It also reduces noise emissions when the vehicle is operating at low speeds. Hybrid vehicles are practical and convenient cars for everyday living in the city.
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–>by Ferry ST
Many of us don’t really think much about our surroundings. In fact most of us would buy a luxury Sport Utility vehicle in a heartbeat if we could. Although there have been incessant campaigns in global warming many of us don’t really pay attention to pollution emitting out of our car’s exhaust pipe’s. That was until gas prices started to soar and people were desperate for alternatives. Hybrid technology was new and misunderstood in the past. Visions of weird boxes on wheels came to mind. That was until the Toyota Prius came out in 1997.
The first hybrid car did not look out of this world or too space age for the common person’s taste. It was just a conventional looking car that saved on gas. The hybrid technology spread slowly. Sales from the Prius and Insight were moderate. Nonetheless, the public supported the technology which led to further improvements. The Ford Escape hybrid filled the gap between looking good and doing well. It had style and practicality which became the cue for luxury hybrid cars to add to the market.
Although hybrid cars are a good choice for today, is it really worth spending a lot of money to save the environment? And how do you know which to buy amid the slew of eye candy hybrids?
Why and what hybrid to buy
Hybrids run on electric power though their motors. These motors also serve as generators that recharge batteries on board to power them for mileage. This enables the vehicle to use less fuel which leads to lower costs and reduced emissions. The internal combustion engine serves as a back up for more power at high speeds. A computer determines which and how much power will be used from the motor and the engine.
Hybrids recharge through regenerative breaking. They are perfect for driving in the city where stop and go driving is common. In the city drivers don’t really need a lot of horsepower.
Other motor companies have made hybrids to add to their credentials. If you really want to be practical a compact four door sedan will do well for you instead of a hybrid SUV that cost twice as much. Luxury hybrids may do well in the long run by saving gas but spending more than $60,000 on a practical car defeats its purpose.
If you want to go green, go simple. In reality you don’t need to drive a 200 horsepower vehicle.
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by Ferry ST
Today people are not concerned about environmental issues. The campaign for global warming has made it clear that the planet can retaliate due to mankind’s abuse. Science and technology have greatly developed over the years at the expense of the earth’s natural resources and environment. Pollution is one of the major causes and with the continuing growth of the population; scientists are finding ways to save what is left.
Apart from environmental factors pollution can also greatly affect the health of the general public especially in the suburbs. Gas prices have also soared. Due to this people have turned to hybrid vehicles instead of the conventional four-door and SUV. Hybrid technology has developed greatly in the recent years.
The Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles work primarily by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. It is coupled with an internal combustion engine to help it at high speeds. It also has the ability to recapture energy made from braking.
Full hybrid vehicles have computers on board to determine the best way to conserve energy and fuel. They can move using their batteries alone for power. When the vehicle is idling or coasting the engine is turned off. They can also use a combination of these power sources for efficiency. They split power paths that enable them to switch between using mechanical or electrical power.
Apart from using a different power source these vehicles can also use different fuels. They can use a mixture of petroleum and biofuels. Other hybrid vehicles can also be recharged through a standard electric wall socket.
Hybrid vehicles save on gas which leads to less greenhouse emissions. They have also been noted to reduce noise emissions. The use of electrical power decreases the wear on the engine. Contrary to what some believe their batteries are not hazardous materials and can be recycled. These batteries are also durable and rarely need replacement.
Hybrids are perfect for the suburbs. In this area you don’t really need horsepower but gas mileage. Hybrids can recharge themselves when braking and only use the needed power in idle periods such as traffic. In reality you don’t really need a huge amount of horsepower when driving around in the city traffic.
These vehicles also contribute to the general health of the public. Emissions don’t only contribute to the greenhouse effect but also to respiratory diseases. For now, hybrid vehicles are expensive. The technology is still fairly new in the fuel dependent automobile industry.
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