About Hybrid Vehicles
How does a Hybrid work? 
A Hybrid Vehicle is a vehicle that uses two different power sources, traditionally, a gasoline engine and electrical power.
On the surface, a Hybrid really isn't different on the surface, everything is essentially the same, but hidden somewhere is a battery pack with a bunch of wires going to it. Look a bit closer and under the hood you'll find an extra unit, not required on non-hybrid cars that houses electrical solenoids and connectors.
There will also be an electrical motor, usually attached to the gearbox, which provides drive to the wheels when the gasoline engine cuts out.
Hybrid vehicles all work along the same principle. They all have the ability to drive utilizing both an electric motor and a traditional combustion engine. However, saying that, one important thing to consider when buying a Hybrid Vehicle is:
Not all Hybrid Vehicles are the same.
Mild Hybrids and Full Hybrids
Some Hybrids utilise electric energy effectively, allowing the automobile to travel silently on electric propulsion. In the other stable are the Hybrids that use the traditional gas engine more than the elecrical system.
For instance, the Toyota Prius. It's engine, when started will keep running until it hits optimum teperature and will cut out, switching to it's electric drive system. (electric motor - pictured above)
Other vehicles will utilize the gasoline motor full time, unless the car is stopped at traffic lights or a stop sign and the motor will cut out while your foot is on the brake.
During that time, the power comes from the battery pack, to keep the lights on, the instrument cluster lit up and the whole electrical system alive. As soon as your foot comes off the brake, the engine will spring back to life.
Both versions have their own individual merits, however, the impact on the environment is more dramatic with the electrical driven Hybrids.
For further information about which vehicles use the best technology - visit our Hybrid Review page - click here
Dispelling the myths about Hybrids
So many people think Hybrid vehicles have a stimatism attached to them and so many disadvantages. Wrong!
At the turn of the millenium, there really were only two choices, the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. Both cars are not to everyone's taste and I'm sure a lot of people bought the Prius out of necessity. However, as we progress to the year 2010 and beyond, more and more choices are becoming available.
Let's look at some more myths:
A Hybrid is underpowered.
No. Not necassarily. Of course, there is going to be a slight loss of power with the electric motor as opposed to the Gas engine, however, when you need the power, the gas engine will kick in and take over.
Hybrids have no room inside because of the batteries.
False. The manufacturers have done such a great job of concealing the batteries and the extra running gear, so that is doesn't impose on the space withing the car.
The driving range of a hybrid isn't enough.
Baloney. If you are on a road trip on the highway travelling 500 miles to Florida for spring break, the electric motor will cut in and out when it loses or has enough charge. Overall, the gas mileage is better than using just the gas engine.
You have to plug the Hybrid into an electric source.
With some cars you can, but unless you are not going to drive it for a month or so, just to give it a trickle charge and top up the batteries. Most Hybrids, you jump right in and the batteries charge when you drive or when you brake, using kinetic energy.
Do you know a myth about Hybrids that you would like dispelling? Why not let us know by filling in the form below.
