|
"How Do Hybrid Cars Work? - A hybrid vehicle uses two or more separate sources to power the engine."
|
|
How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
A hybrid car uses two or more separate sources to power the engine. Those currently on the market tend to be powered by petrol and electric (RESS
Rechargeable Energy
Storage System) motors, with each source capable of working independently or, in some cases, in unison.
Alternative hybrid propulsion power sources include hydrogen, CNG, propane and solar. Each alternative power source offers its own benefits depending on desired results. For example, hybrid cars marketed to the consumer are geared towards reduced emissions and driving range.
Generally, dual fuelled vehicles have smaller, less powerful but more efficient engines.
What Are The Advantages Of Hybrid Cars?
* increased fuel economy
* lower emissions
How Are These Advantages Achieved?
* shutting down of the conventional fuel source during idle periods.
* tandem use of fuel and electric power sources in times of peak demand, this would include standing starts, passing and hill climbing.
* recapturing storing and reusing used energy via battery storage
Hybrid Car History
Going back 20 years hybrids have been in use by corporate and government bodies, with fuel economy taking priority over power and greenhouse emissions. Hybrids have been available to the public for about the last decade. Most commonly these vehicles are petrol or diesel fuelled coupled with an electric motor.
Under What Conditions Does The Hybrid Car Excel?
The hybrids really comes into its own in city traffic driving conditions. The stop-start nature of this type of driving, in addition to idling at intersections and roundabouts, gives the hybrid car the edge over conventionally fuelled vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles are also a lot quieter than conventional vehicles, especially at idle. This is seen as a particular advantage with inner city driving as it cuts down on noise pollution.
Conclusions On The Hybrid Car
Hybrid Cars may well be the way ahead for the future for the advantages in fuel economy and reduced noise and emissions that they offer. However, presently the advantages don’t extend to the consumer’s bank balance, for the following reasons.
Every car has a battery, there’s no escaping that. Batteries, eventually, require replacing. The cost of replacing the battery on a hybrid car is significantly higher than that of purchasing a new battery for a conventionally powered auto.
Following on from that thought, and in a similar financial vein, hybrid cars cost the consumer more on the forecourt than standard cars. This is because of the extra engineering and manufacturing costs that have been invested in the vehicle. Any potential fuel savings can easily be cancelled out when factoring buy-price into the equation.
