Hybrid cars

The basic formula behind hybrid cars is fuel economy, and this accounts for their ongoing increase in popularity. Figures such as 68-plus miles per gallon mean that many consumers are interested because of potential savings on fuel. Hybrid cars run on a mixture of fuel and electricity.

The unfortunate race for cars to become more and more powerful, with the average size of engines growing considerably, has affected the size of vehicles worldwide.

The truth remains that smaller engines are more economical, and running above and beyond necessary power is a waste. In Hybrid cars, smaller than normal engines (around 1 litre) provide all the power needed for most driving needs.

Who is manufacturing hybrid vehicles?

Honda are the principal manufacturers of hybrid vehicles, and have successfully researched and released models into the marketplace. Toyota have released a hybrid system on their Prius model, and can generate zero emissions. The technology involved is pretty powerful, and the system of switching between combustion engine and electric power requires complex electronic procedures. There are a number of other hybrid concepts currently being created.

How is fuel cell technology related to hybrids?

Fuel cell vehicles, those that are currently being tested by a number of different automobile manufacturers, are actually hybrid cars. This is because they contain an electrochemical engine and batteries to power their electric motors.

Will vehicles be able to run solely on hybrid power?

It is possible that in the future cars will be able to be plugged in to be recharged, allowing a hybrid car that operates solely on electric power. For traveling greater distances, an internal combustion engine or compression-ignition engine might have to be used. Cutting down recharge times may become an agenda for the car manufacturers of the future.