Hybrid Vehicles
These days it’s cool to be green. And while the environment is always a concern, high gas prices probably have more to do with America’s new found green movement than anything. No longer do we want those gas guzzlers - we want the fuel sipping hybrid cars to be the ones lining our driveways.
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.
So let’s take a look at what a hybrid is exactly. We all know they’re more fuel efficient, but why? Well, the hybrid has an electric motor (powered by a battery pack) that helps provide power needed with acceleration. The batteries are charging continuously while you drive.
One cool feature that you find on a lot of hybrids is that when you stop at a stoplight for more than a few seconds, the engine shuts off. Other hybrids will turn off unneeded cylinders when driving on the highway to save fuel.
Hybrids also help save gas by frequently using tires that are less roll resistant and that are narrower to help reduce drag and rolling friction that the vehicle would normally experience while moving.
The sales figures for hybrid vehicles have shown increased demand every year for the vehicles. Right now the demand for fuel efficient hybrids is far eclipsing the actual supply. Just try to buy yourself a Prius at your local dealership and notice how they’re not going to budge on the price. You’ll pay full sticker because if you don’t, someone else will.
Recently, we’ve seen several new entries into the hybrid market. Honda and Toyota make by far the most hybrid models, but all American auto manufacturers now offer many hybrids in their vehicle lineups. Europe has been a little slower, opting for diesel instead.
Right now the top hybrid on the planet would be the Toyota Prius. There are currently over 1,000,000 Prius’ on the road right now.
Manufacturers are certainly scrambling to offer more hybrids to lineups and if you follow cars you know that 2010 is going to be a good year to be green.
While nobody can say for sure what will be powering our vehicles in 50 years, we can say with certainty that the hybrid is a definite part of our immediate future, and likely will remain a major player for quite some time.
