Greener Cars and Trucks
(Page 4 of 5)
HYBRIDS 101
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Hybrid-electric vehicles use an electric motor in conjunction with a gasoline engine to provide power. The concept has been around since the early 1900s, but it took modem technology to seamlessly integrate electronic and internal combustion components. Because hybrids supplement their power with an electric motor, they can use a smaller and more efficient internal combustion engine. Larger standard gas engines require more energy to pull their weight and overcome internal friction, leading to poorer fuel economy. And because engine friction is more severe with more revolutions per minute (rpm), engines are inherently less efficient in that range.
Automotive engineers realized that if they paired an electric motor with a small internal combustion engine, they could design a system with a smaller, more efficient engine that avoids inefficient, high-rpm driving. The electric motor replaces the torque lost from the engine substitution, providing the horsepower of a larger engine with the efficiency of a smaller one. Hybrids also use additional energy recovery features such as idle-off (automatic engine shut-off when at a complete stop) and regenerative braking (converting braking energy into electricity), which increase the energy savings even more. Functionally, hybrids drive just like conventional vehicles. The noticeable differences with hybrids are a quieter ride and, of course, fewer trips to the gas station.
Hybrids are a bit more expensive typically a few thousand dollars more than a comparable gasoline model. But some state and federal tax incentives can help offset this expense. For example, the IRS allows a one-time tax deduction of $2,000 for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle. A number of states also offer tax deductions and credits contact your state government or visit www.cleancarcampaign.org/hybridstate.shtml to learn what's available in your area.
Right now, only three hybrids are on the market: Honda's Insight and Civic Hybrid, and the Toyota Prius. In October, Toyota will release the 2004 Prius, a redesigned, larger and more efficient model than its predecessor, for the same sticker price (about $20,000). (For a firsthand account of buying and owning a hybrid, see "Better than Speed," Page52.—MOTHER)
Soon, your hybrid choices will greatly expand—10 of the next 12 hybrids announced for production are a pickup, minivan or SUV, including a hybrid version of the Ford Escape, which will hit showrooms in the latter half of 2004. Other hybrids slated for the next few years include Chevrolet's Silverado, Equinox, Malibu and Tahoe; Ford's Futura; GMC's Sierra and Yukon; Lexus' RX 400H; Saturn's VUE; and Toyota's Highlander and Sienna. More hybrids for consumers to choose from will increase competition, which should help lower prices. Consumer research firm J.D. Power and Associates forecasts that hybrid sales will reach a half-million annually by 2006.
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