“How do hybrid cars work?” is what many consumers are curious to know about. This is in addition to them wanting to know that hybrid cars achieve excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions.

A hybrid car is essentially a vehicle powered by two different sources: an electric motor and an internal combustion engine which propels the car. Hybrid cars are intended to reduce exhaust emissions whilst maintaining an acceptable level of performance.

They achieve this by combining a small petrol engine with battery powered electric motors. The small petrol engine gives low emission power for cruising and the electric motor gives the additional power for acceleration and hill climbing whilst adding no extra exhaust emissions. The battery is charged by absorbing the energy usually lost in heat during braking and during overrun as the car free wheels downhill or when you lift the accelerator pedal approaching hazards. The same rotating electric device works as a motor when electric power is fed to it and generates power for battery charging when absorbing power from the car wheels on overrun. This is controlled by on board computers.

A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses a rechargeable energy system and a normal gasoline fueled power source for propulsion. These cars are low-polluting and consume less gasoline than cars with pure internal combustion engines. The major difference between Hybrid cars and Electric cars is that hybrid cars can recharge its electric batteries by using the combustion engine to generate energy while all-electric cars use batteries charged by an external source.

The engine in the hybrid car is powerful enough to move the car along on the freeway, but when it needs to get the car moving in a hurry, or go up a steep hill, it needs help. That “help” comes from the electric motor and battery — this system steps in to provide the necessary extra power.

Different manufacturers have adopted slightly different strategies for the more detailed aspects of energy economy. Honda stop the engine when the car is stopped. It starts automatically when you engage gear to move off. Otherwise the petrol engine is always running.Toyota cars will drive short distances without the petrol engine, relying entirely on the electric drive.

All manufacturers go to some lengths to keep weight down by using aluminium components and careful design. Aerodynamic efficiency is also considered very important. The extra complexity of the hybrid technology means that these cars are more expensive than conventional cars. Costs will come down if production volumes go up.

Here’s a video on “How Do Hybrid Cars Work?”

Tags: honda civic hybrid, how do hybrid cars work, hybrid car, hybrid cars, toyota camry, toyota prius

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So, you want to know what is the best hybrid car.

(1) However, to answer your question, you have to know your reasons for buying a hybrid car because not all hybrids address those issues equally. This is one of the more important questions to address when you are considering buying a hybrid car.

(2) The second most important question to consider is what kind of conditions will you be driving your hybrids.

(3) Lastly are you looking for a hybrid sedan, a hybrid SUV or a luxury hybrid?

Fuel Economy

If you want to use as little gas as possible, then the Toyota Prius or the Honda Civic Hybrid are the best, followed by the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

The Civic and the Prius hybrids are in the same relative price range, whilst the Camry and Altima hybrids are in the other same price range.

In terms of pure fuel efficiency, especially in city driving or in a traffic congestion situation, Toyota Prius, like all Toyota hybrids, have larger hybrid batteries and thus making them capable of using only electrical power at lower speeds. Therefore the Prius is a bit of a better performer in terms of pure fuel efficiency.

The Prius is also a big hit with the environmentalists because being a full hybrid it pollutes very little. The CO2 emissions are tremendously reduced.

Honda Civic Hybrid however is a better choice if you drive mostly on the highway or at a consistent speed.

The 2nd tier of hybrid vehicles in terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, provide excellent city fuel economy as well. Both the conventional Camry and the hybrid Camry were named Motortrend’s Vehicle of the year for 2007.

Tax credits for Toyota Prius expired fully recently. So, if the tax credit is an important concern, then you might want to consider the Civic hybrid. However, the Civic hybrid tax credit will be cut in half as of January 1st 2008.

The Altima hybrid will qualify for the full clean vehicle tax credit, unlike the Camry. So, again, if the tax credit is important, then maybe the Altima hybrid is a better choice.

Top 5 Hybrid Cars for 2008

Other Hybrid Sedans

The Honda Accord hybrid is a different breed of hybrid. It is more powerful, and significantly more fuel efficient than its conventional cousin. In urban, stop-and-go traffic, however, the hybrid Accord is the least efficient of all the hybrids. This hybrid is a purely a highway vehicle.

GM now offers the Saturn Aura hybrid and will soon offer the Chevy Malibu hybrid. Both of these hybrids are mild hybrid vehicles, meaning that they cannot be powered on electric power only. Both only provide a minimal increase in fuel economy, however, each offer the best fuel economy of any Aura or Malibu, respectively.

If fuel economy is your main priority, then neither the Malibu hybrid, nor the the Aura hybrid are best buys. However, if you like the Aura or the Malibu, then the hybrid versions is definitely a fuel economical option over that of the conventional model.

So can you decide which is the Best Hybrid Car?

Cars Ranking - USNews

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The Honda Hybrid Cars - Honda Civic Hybrid, have set the quality and performance standard for the affordable, compact hybrid car market, with appealing style matched with its reliable and excellent economic specifications. The Environmental Protection Agency rated the Civic Hybrid at 48/47 mpg on its City/Highway test.

One thing you won’t have to worry about a Honda Civic Hybrid is Safety. It is equipped with front and side air bags which inflate the right amount for the specific severity of impact in an accident. The Civic Hybrid also has an excellent brakes that will provide a quick stop when one is necessary.

The 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid delivers excellent fuel economy and emission numbers without compromising too much in performance. Honda’s reputation for practical economy is shown in the Civic Hybrid — well built and simply designed to sip fuel. Interior tech options are usefully done, making this Honda Civic a great commuter.

A used Civic Hybrid represents a considerable value compared to a new vehicle. You are able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This gives you the advantage of getting the Honda Civic Hybrid for less money when it was new. If you get a properly maintained used Honda Civic Hybrid you have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new.

Here’s a little piece of technology you might be interested in seeing.

The amount you pay depends on various factors:

(1) Where you buy the vehicle. You are likely to get a better deal if you buy it from a private party as opposed to a dealer. On the other hand, a reputable dealer will normally have some kind of limited warranty, so you know that if the car breaks down right away, you are covered.

(2) A “Certified ” by manufacturer Honda Civic Hybrid may cost more but there is warranty service that normally does not come with a used car.

WITH fuel prices spiralling, driving a car that doesn’t have an endless thirst for petrol is becoming increasingly attractive. Personally I would go with the Honda Hybrid Cars namely Honda Civic Hybrid. Ebay and other private sellers out there are offering some good deals on new and used Civic Hybrid.

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