hybrid cars


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Hybrid cars
What is really a hybrid car? How it works. Some basics about Hybrid cars
09.30.04 (5:22 pm)   [edit]
Let us first see how conventional and electric cars work. The conventional cars uses gasoline powered internal combustion engine which is and the car gets its all the power from this. An electric car gets its power from batteries. The [b]Hybrid cars [/b]is one which can run on electric motors or gasoline powered engines or combination of both which creates higher mileage possibility.

The basic features of [b]hybrid cars[/b] are:-

[b]Smaller engine[/b]:
The smaller engine provides enough power to car to run on free way but when the car needs to run uphill batteries comes to its rescue and the car runs on both batteries and gasoline engine. There is no effect in performance and driver could be unaware of the shift from battery to gasoline or vice versa.

[b]Engine shutoff[/b]:-
When car puts brakes or when the car reaches red light the engine shuts down and car is powered by gasoline without driver knowing it

[b]Efficiency[/b]:-
The efficiency of the hybrid cars is achieved by
# Using lightweight materials for making body of car.
# Recovering energy and storing it in the battery
# Using advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag
# Using low-rolling resistance tires
# Engine shut off at redlight and when car pauses for a while.
 
Luxury Hybrid SUV: 2005 Lexus RX 400h
09.30.04 (4:39 pm)   [edit]
Luxury Hybrid SUV: 2005 Lexus RX 400h

[b]2005 Lexus RX 400h[/b] is world's first luxury gas electric hybrid SUV car. The hybrid car would be powered by V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It will also be rated as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle which is one of the toughest emission rating in auto Industry.

The other attraction for this hybrid car will be its Vehicle Dynamic Management or VDM. Its functionality is that it would anticipate whenever the vihicle tends to skid or slide and it also helps in controlling the situation by brakes and throttle control.

The 3.3-liter, V6 engine and 400h hybrid powertrain with powerful electric motor improves the fuel efficiency and low and mid acceleration. It could operate on gas or electic motor or combine both to have great fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption for this car is approximately 27.6 mpg. 0-60 km speed could be reached at sub-8 second time.

The [b]2005 Lexus RX 400h Hybrid car[/b] charges batteries by reclaiming energy at the time of braking popularly known as regenerative braking system. When the brakes are applied electri motor acts as generator which in turn captures kinetic energy and convert it to electric energy which is lost in conventional cars in the form of heat through brakes.

[b]Specifications for 2005 Lexus RX 400h hybrid car[/b]

`` Powertrain: Engine - 3.3 liter V6
`` Electric motor(s) - Permanent magnet
`` Estimated total horsepower - 270
`` Expected EPA emissions rating - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
`` Transmission - Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
`` Length: 186.6 in.
`` Width: 72.6 in.
`` Height: 66.1 in.
`` Wheelbase: 106.9 in.
 
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
09.30.04 (4:00 pm)   [edit]
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid

The [b]2005 Honda civic hybrid [/b]has one of the best hybrid technology. The main features of this car is:-

`` It charges batteries by reclaiming energy at the time of braking.
`` It can run only on battery when the car is stopped
`` When extra power is needed it get the engine gets extra power from batteries.

One of the major attraction for this car is Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) powertrain which is a very advanced technology and car goes upto 650 miles in one tank fill. The look and feel of this car is very similar to a gasoline driven car.

The lightweight, high-output electric motor with light weight efficient gasoline engine makes this car a perfect buy in the time of soaring gas prices. Let us see the benifits of buying a hybrid car then a gasoline driven car:

1. $1,500 tax deduction (some states)
2. Driving alone in commuter lanes
3. Less time spent in gas lines
4. $$ saved on gas.
5. Driving smooth and silent car

[b]2005 Honda Civic Hybrid[/b] specifications and price

`` 1.3-liter, 8-valve, 4-cylinder gasoline engine
`` VTEC®-Controlled Cylinder-Idling system
`` Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS)
`` Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
`` Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
`` Dual-point sequential ignition (i-DSI)
`` Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack
`` Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
`` Blue-lit instrument panel with electronic IMA™ display


MSRP:
$19,650.00 (Manual Transmission)
$20,650.00 (Automatic Transmission)
 
Ford launched its Hydrogen-Powered Shuttle Bus
09.30.04 (2:29 pm)   [edit]
Ford recently announced the release of Ford H2ICE E-450 shuttle bus Ford's new hydrogen powered vehicles with advanced technology.The Internal combustion engine is similar to gasoline powered internal combustion engine but would be modified to run on hydrogen fuel. It will have Triton 6.8-liter V-10 engine which would run on hydrogen fuel and would have Ford E-450 chassis.

The bus would have a capacity of 12 passengers with luggage which will include the driver. The bus would have 26 gallon equivalent of hydrogen fuel tank and could go upta 150 miles.

Ford has his new car on sale, its one of the hybrid version Ford Escape. Ford is also working on fuel cells. With collaboration from Ballard Power Systems Ford is making a 30 car fleet of Focus fuel cell vehicles. Ford is also working on clead diesal cars and direct injection system in Europe. The fuel cell vehicles will be placed in germany, Vancouver, Orlando, Michigan and Sacramento.

Though Hydrogen fuel cells has advanced much in recent time but still more advanced technology is required which would increase its durability and affordability.
 
California gives hybrid cars free rein in high-occupancy commuter lanes
09.30.04 (2:02 pm)   [edit]
[b]Hybrid cars[/b] recieved a big plus when Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a legislation which would allow some gas-electric cars into high-occupancy commuter lanes with just one person in car.

According to law passed the [b]hybrid cars [/b]such as Honda civic hybrid, Honda insight and Toyota prius into 1,100 miles highway lane which is reserved only for the cars with 2 or more people when there is rush hour.The Governor decision would help in opening California car pool lanes to the fuel efficient and the cleanest cars which will in turn help in reducing the pollution, reduce dependense on imported fuel and also save $$.

Ford motor company is not happy with Schwarzenegger's step and has urged to reject the measure. By the way Ford’s hybrid SUV has not qualified for the carpool lanes as it has about 36 mpg mileage.
 
Toyota is going to make Prius hybrid cars in China
09.28.04 (1:27 pm)   [edit]
Toyota Motor Corp one of the largest japan car maker is going to make eco friendly [b]Hybrid car[/b] Toyota Prius with joint venture with China FAW Group Corp by end of 2005. This would be first overseas production of hybrid engine Toyota Prius car.

It is difficult to transfer tecnology so fast so Toyota would be assembling auto parts imported from japan and giving technical aid to FAW Group Corp. Toyota is not having large presence in chimease market and with this strategy it would expand its market share of eco-friendly vehicles in China.

Toyota is planning to increase its annual sales of the Prius model by 300,000 units worldwide in 2005. The sales target is equal to about 7 times the 43,000 Prius hybrid cars sold worldwide last year.