What Exactly Is A Hybrid Car?
Author: Gray Rollins

We are all concerned about the environment and doing our part
to take care of it. Of all the purchases we make, the purchase
that will have the greatest impact on the environment will be
the car we decide to buy. Hybrid cars are an affordable and
innovative way to help protect our environment and benefit from
the increased fuel mileage.

Only a few years ago talk of hybrid cars had consumers stepping
back unsure; but today hybrids offer a practical choice for
consumers, and more and more consumers are jumping on board.

A hybrid car has a small engine that is fuel efficient, which
is combined with an electric motor that aids the engine when
additional power is needed during acceleration. The electric
motor gets its power from battery banks which continuously
charge while you are driving.

Energy is conserved when you stop because the engine is shut
off automatically. Then, when you apply gas, it automatically
restarts.

The hybrid car also uses a more advanced aerodynamic
lightweight body, and combines it with low roll resistant tires
that are stiffer and narrower to help reduce drag.

In 2004, out of the 17 million vehicles sold there were around
80,000 hybrid vehicles sold. By 2005 that number had increased
by 1.2% to 200,000, and it's estimated that by 2007 more than
400,000 hybrids will be sold.

There are several hybrids currently available in North America.
They include the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Insight,
Toyota Prius, and the Mercury Mariner. There are also Hybrid
SUVs available - the Ford Escape, the Lexas 400H and the Toyota
Highlander.

The Toyota Prius holds 52% of the hybrid market with just under
108,000 vehicles. The Honda Civic is the next most popular with
25,000 vehicles.

Now that consumer support for the hybrids has arrived, auto
manufacturers are increasing the pace at which they introduce
hybrid models. In 2006, the Honda CR V SUV, Saturn Vue, Hyundai
Accent, and Kia Rio are being introduced as hybrid models. In
2007 we will see the Toyota Camry, Honda Fit, Mazda Tribute,
Chevrolet Malibu, and Nissan Altima; and 2008 will see the Ford
Fusion and Mercury Millan available as hybrids.

And as an added bonus in the United States, consumers that
purchase a hybrid will get a tax break. Those purchasing
fuel-cell vehicles will get up to $8000 in tax breaks, and
those purchasing alternative fuel vehicles that weigh less than
8,500 pounds get a $2500 tax break. It's a nice pleasant
surprise!

If we had a crystal ball that could see into the future,
there's a good chance that what we'd see 20 years down the road
would be freeways, highways, and streets that were full of
hybrid vehicles. In fact, it's likely that our gas guzzling
vehicles of today are about to go the way of the dinosaur as
more hybrid cars make it to market.


We are all concerned about the environment and doing our part
to take care of it. Of all the purchases we make, the purchase
that will have the greatest impact on the environment will be
the car we decide to buy. Hybrid cars are an affordable and
innovative way to help protect our environment and benefit from
the increased fuel mileage.

Only a few years ago talk of hybrid cars had consumers stepping
back unsure; but today hybrids offer a practical choice for
consumers, and more and more consumers are jumping on board.

A hybrid car has a small engine that is fuel efficient, which
is combined with an electric motor that aids the engine when
additional power is needed during acceleration. The electric
motor gets its power from battery banks which continuously
charge while you are driving.

Energy is conserved when you stop because the engine is shut
off automatically. Then, when you apply gas, it automatically
restarts.

The hybrid car also uses a more advanced aerodynamic
lightweight body, and combines it with low roll resistant tires
that are stiffer and narrower to help reduce drag.

In 2004, out of the 17 million vehicles sold there were around
80,000 hybrid vehicles sold. By 2005 that number had increased
by 1.2% to 200,000, and it's estimated that by 2007 more than
400,000 hybrids will be sold.

There are several hybrids currently available in North America.
They include the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Insight,
Toyota Prius, and the Mercury Mariner. There are also Hybrid
SUVs available - the Ford Escape, the Lexas 400H and the Toyota
Highlander.

The Toyota Prius holds 52% of the hybrid market with just under
108,000 vehicles. The Honda Civic is the next most popular with
25,000 vehicles.

Now that consumer support for the hybrids has arrived, auto
manufacturers are increasing the pace at which they introduce
hybrid models. In 2006, the Honda CR V SUV, Saturn Vue, Hyundai
Accent, and Kia Rio are being introduced as hybrid models. In
2007 we will see the Toyota Camry, Honda Fit, Mazda Tribute,
Chevrolet Malibu, and Nissan Altima; and 2008 will see the Ford
Fusion and Mercury Millan available as hybrids.

And as an added bonus in the United States, consumers that
purchase a hybrid will get a tax break. Those purchasing
fuel-cell vehicles will get up to $8000 in tax breaks, and
those purchasing alternative fuel vehicles that weigh less than
8,500 pounds get a $2500 tax break. It's a nice pleasant
surprise!

If we had a crystal ball that could see into the future,
there's a good chance that what we'd see 20 years down the road
would be freeways, highways, and streets that were full of
hybrid vehicles. In fact, it's likely that our gas guzzling
vehicles of today are about to go the way of the dinosaur as
more hybrid cars make it to market.


About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
NewHybridAutos. To learn more about hybrid cars, visit
http://www.newhybridautos.com/ and
http://www.newhybridautos.com/hybridtechnology/

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