Green Energy Post

Literally, the term “hybrid” means anything of a mixed origin, a product of two varying kinds. Hybrids are the outgrowth of technological advancements inspired by man?s creativity and curiosity, evidence that necessity is indeed the mother of invention.

It was in the year 1899 that man had first come up with the hybrid car engineered by Ferdinand Porsche. A hybrid car is operated by both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Hybrid cars were not as popular to the people at that time as they have become recently. Now, famous automobile manufacturers like Toyota and Honda have several innovative and trendy models of hybrid cars.

Like any other vehicle, the hybrid car is composed of a gas engine, fuel tank, batteries, and a transmission. A major difference is that the engine is smaller in size, and it has an electric motor that functions with the gas engine.

The hybrid car is viewed to be the long-awaited answer to our worries about the continuous rise of fuel prices and rampant air pollution. Due to the shortage of oil mining sources and the increasing demand for fuel, some are beginning to worry that there will come a time when there will be no more oil left. Also, the amount of destructive air pollutants like the auto engine, which is considered as the biggest polluter on earth, has become very alarming. These factors have induced more people to search for alternative energy sources. Out of these concerns hybrid cars have evolved.

The hybrid car can save money on fuel costs and reduce the emission of carbon dioxide since it is powered by not gas alone but also by electricity. The hybrid car also has a self-recharging quality, so it doesn?t need to be plugged into an outlet. Therefore, the lesser fuel needed, the less the cost, and the less the pollution.

By: Eddie Tobey

About the Author:

This article will be broken down into three sections: the advantages of a hybrid car, the disadvantages of a hybrid car, and then how you can decide whether a hybrid car is for you when comparing the advantages and disadvantages.

Hybrid cars are here to stay. More and more car manufacturers are working on concept cars and hybrids are becoming more and more mainstream every day. At some point in the future, we will all drive hybrid cars. Hybrid cars are great in that they emit less pollutants than do conventional gasoline powered cars. You’re having a positive effect on the environment any time you drive a hybrid car. There are also great fuel savings. A hybrid car such as a Civic hybrid can have miles per gallon anywhere from 45 to 60 miles per gallon. This comes in comparison to a conventional gasoline powered Civic sedan with about 25 miles in the city versus 36 miles on the highway per gallon. You are able to save a great deal of money every year because of the fuel efficiency. You also get tax breaks when looking at buying a hybrid car. In 2005, an agreement was put in place allowing tax rebates on different hybrid motor vehicles in these differ based upon what type of vehicle you are buying.

Hybrids do carry some disadvantages which must be noted. When you’re looking at buying a hybrid car versus a conventional gasoline powered vehicle, you are going to pay more for the hybrid car. This can be from $1000-$6000 or more for a vehicle. That is a great deal of money for anyone when working to help the environment. Hybrid cars are also heavier due to the makeup of the engine. Most hybrid cars also are built more efficiently so they do not have the same output as many conventional gasoline powered cars do. When talking about accidents, there can be some problems because the electric portion of the engine can create risks of electrocution.

There are advantages versus disadvantages no matter what you do in life. With hybrid cars, you need to think about whether or not you’re willing to pay more for the car and compare it to how much you are able to save in money from buying less fuel. You need to figure out how much you drive so that you can see how long it will take for you to recoup the cost of the higher price on the hybrid vehicle. You will be making a positive impact on the environment by creating less pollution.

Hopefully this article on the disadvantages and advantages of a hybrid car gives you good information. There is a cost comparison which comes into play when looking at the difference in price versus the difference in fuel savings. Good luck in figuring out whether the hybrid car or the conventional car works for you.

By: Gregg Hall

About the Author:

Laura S asked:

I have to do a rough draft for a chemistry project and I have had no luck finding information so far. My topic is to explain the chemical reactions that occur in both a hybrid car and a regular car in order to compare them. If you know anything, please help. Websites and online sources would be appreciated.

riqzi asked:


Its is a known fact that cars are one of the major contribution for green house gases. So recently the car manufactures come up with a new Eco friendly car, which is the hybrid cars. So my question is, if the global population adopt to hybrid car, can global warming be prevented?

http://preventglobalwarming.brighterplanet.org/

burpzalot862 asked:


I’ve never driven a hybrid before and I’m wondering, how does a hybrid car exactly word? Do I drive ti exactly as a normal car? Do I put gas in it? Do I put water in it? Whats maintenence like? it has a “ECVT transmission” –what does this mean? Ive heard hybrids turn off on traffic lights and dont sit idle?.. Does this mean I will have to start my engine over and over again, or have trouble at traffic lights?? Please give me all details!

Robyn asked:


I am considering buying a hybrid car, but am unsure how well the technology is developed and if the dealerships are equiped to maintain these vehicles.

Brisa asked:


http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Prius_hov_sticker.jpg
Today I saw a hybrid car with 4 of these stickers their car, and I usually see hybrids / electric cars with 2 of these. What do they mean?

Porkchop Jones asked:


My question is: If everyone buys a hybrid car, what will we do with all the batteries in 10 years?

Stephen™ asked:


Companies are making hybrid cars so we can spend less money on gas and so we don’t hurt the enviroment, right?. Well think about this, what’s the point of paying 30 grand for a hybrid car when you can have the same car (not hybrid) for probably 10 grand less?. I mean, your still going to be wasting money because the money that you don’t pay for the gas, you pay for the car. The only thing that hybrid cars don’t do is hurt the environment, but as far as your money, you will spend the same amount of money or more yearly. Anyone agree?.

giantfishhead asked:


Considering the heavy environmental burden in both production and disposal of batteries, does the the production of a hybrid car actually make more sense (in terms of spent carbon) than a similar size vehicle?