|
The automakers see shades of green
The auto companies are releasing their 2008 models and a common theme between companies is the release of several green vehicles. And the new shade of green ranges from a rich green all the way to bright red. These green vehicles are hybrids and range from compact cars to large SUVs.
A hybrid vehicle is defined as having a typical combustion engine and an electric motor. These are known as hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). Hybrids can be configured for many different objectives, from improving fuel economy, added performance and supplying auxiliary electrical power for added loads such as power tools.
Propelled by an internal combustion engine, similar to conventional vehicles, HEVs also capture the energy normally wasted during braking and coasting, converting it into electricity. This electricity is stored in the batteries until needed by the electric motor.
The electric motor assists the engine when accelerating or under high demands like climbing a hill. During low-speed driving the electric motor will also supplement the internal combustion engine. Some HEVs also will shut off the engine when the vehicle stops, restarting it when the accelerator pedal is pressed. An idling engine is one of the largest energy wasting things a vehicle does.
Hybrid electric vehicles have several advantages over conventional vehicles: · Greater operating efficiency because HEVs use regenerative braking, which helps to minimize energy loss and recover the energy used to slow down or stop a vehicle; · Lighter engines because HEV engines can be sized to accommodate average load, not peak load, which reduces the engine's weight; · Greater fuel efficiency because hybrids consume significantly less fuel than vehicles powered by gasoline alone; · Cleaner operation because HEVs can run on alternative fuels (which have lower emissions), thereby decreasing our dependency on fossil fuels; and Lighter vehicle weight overall because special lightweight materials are used in their manufacture.
As opposed to an all-electric vehicle, an HEV does not need to be plugged into an external power supply to recharge. Regenerative braking and the conventional engine handle all the recharging duties. Regenerative braking is accomplished when, during braking, the wheels turn the electric motor. Functioning as a generator, the electric motor sends this captured energy to the batteries for use later.
The first hybrid vehicle released in America was the Toyota Prius. This is the best selling hybrid in America. While Toyota was the first, other companies produce hybrids. The Honda Civic hybrid is second the Prius in mpg at a rating of 51 miles in the city and 49 highway. For mpg and fuel costs see http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml .
Nearly all categories of autos have at least one hybrid available. Whatever use you have for a vehicle, you should be able to find a hybrid. The Northern Illinois University Police use hybrids as their campus patrol cars.
In 2007 hybrids were be available from Toyota, Honda, Ford, Mercury, Nissan, Lexus and Saturn among others. Expected releases for 2008 include those manufacturers as well as Chevrolet GMC Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge and even Porsche.
Beyond the 2008 model-year, many brands are planned. Hyundai, Mercedes, Smart, Volkswagen, Audi, Ferrari Mitsubishi, Saab and Volvo have plans for hybrid releases. Toyota has even hinted at a hybrid sports car and a hybrid mini-van.
Besides helping the environment with the use of hybrid technology, a tax credit is available to many of the owners of these vehicles. Hybrids purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400. Credit amounts begin to phase out for a given manufacturer once it has sold over 60,000 eligible vehicles.
For a full list of the available tax credits on hybrids visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml .
The site hybridcenter.org makes note that not all vehicles with the hybrid term applied are true hybrids. These ‘Hollow Hybrids’ , as they have termed them, offer improvements over conventional technology internal combustuion engines, but lack some of the features of pure hybrids. Some of the entries from GMC, Chevrolet and Saturn have gottten this name,according to information on hybridcenter.org.
Whichever type of vehicle you are looking for, a hybrid will be available to cover your needs. While the cost in dollars may be higher than a conventional vehicle, the savings in the environment offset any added impact on the pocketbook.
|
|
Some of the major components of a hybrid vehicle.
(image courtesy of www.fueleconomy.gov) |
