Hybrid Technology

A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.


Power sources include:

• On-board or out-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS)


• Gasoline or Diesel fuel
  
• Hydrogen


• Compressed air


• Human powered e.g. pedaling or rowing


• Wind


• Compressed or liquefied natural gas


• Solar


• Coal, wood or other solid combustibles
  

Mopeds and electric bicycles are a simple form of a hybrid, as power is delivered both via an internal combustion engine or electric motor and the rider's muscles. Most of the locomotives we see pulling trains are diesel-electric hybrids. Cities like Seattle have diesel-electric buses -- these can draw electric power from overhead wires or run on diesel when they are away from the wires. Giant mining trucks are often diesel-electric hybrids. Submarines are also hybrid vehicles some are nuclear-electric and some are diesel-electric.

The Honda Insight, which was introduced in early 2000 in the United States, is designed to get the best possible mileage. The Insight is no longer part of Honda's line, but it's still a good example of how a hybrid car can work.Honda used every trick in the book to make the car as efficient as it can be. The Insight is a small, lightweight two-seater with a tiny, high-efficiency gas engine. The Insight has the best EPA mileage ratings of any hybrid car on the market.
The Honda Insight is a simplified parallel hybrid. It has an electric motor coupled to the engine at the spot where the flywheel usually goes. Honda calls this system "Integrated Motor Assist." The Insight has either a conventional, five-speed manual transmission or an automatic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

You might wonder why anyone would build such a complicated machine when most people are perfectly happy with their gasoline-powered cars. The reason is twofold: to reduce tailpipe emissions and to improve mileage. These goals are actually tightly interwoven.

The most popular and efficient hybrid cars are the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and Insight. Prices range from about $20K to $50K, depending on make and size of model. $30K will comfortably get you into a nice Prius. Toyota is also adding hybrid Camrys and additional models to their normal lineup of automobiles. There should be 50-70 different hybrids to choose from in the next fews years. Here is a list of current hybrid cars:

• Toyota Prius

• Honda Insight

• Honda Civic

• Suzuki Twin



• Honda Accord




• Ford Escape Hybrid




• Lexus RX 400H




• Lexus GS450H Hybrid




• Chevy Silverado




• Mercury Mariner Hybrid




• GMC Sierra




• Toyota Highlander Hybrid




• 2008 Lexus LS 600H Hybrid