| The term "hybrid" means that something is mixed | | | | environmentally friendly. |
| with its original form. The hybrid is a car that has | | | | There are many corporations offering incentives |
| both an electric and a gas motor to run it. But, | | | | such as free parking to those who drive hybrids. |
| unlike electric cars of yesteryear, the hybrid will | | | | Plus, the US government in offering attractive tax |
| recharge itself, hence no need to plug it into an | | | | incentives to lure new buyers who are on the |
| outlet. | | | | fence. |
| The gasoline engines in these cars are smaller | | | | Construction |
| than in standard vehicles and where they leave | | | | There are many differences between the hybrid |
| off the electric engine takes over. The hybrid can | | | | and conventional cars. One is the construction of |
| work on just one of these engines, but hybrid | | | | hybrids. Made of aluminum and plastic, they are |
| owners will use both to conserve on fuel. | | | | lightweight in their design, which in turn makes |
| What's Under The Hood? | | | | them able to be powered by smaller, lighter |
| Most hybrids use the gasoline engine primarily. But | | | | engines. |
| when more power is needed, the electric motor | | | | Many would fear that this offers less protection |
| kicks in. | | | | than other cars, but the fact is they are just as |
| In the gasoline motor, there is energy | | | | safe. Additional strength is created by |
| conservation, for example, it instantly shuts off | | | | manufacturers using panels in specialized shapes |
| when the vehicle stops. When you hit the pedal | | | | to reinforce the strength of the material to resist |
| again, the engine smoothly turns back on. | | | | impact. |
| Meanwhile, the battery keeps all of your | | | | Who Makes Them? |
| appliances on -- lights, radio and other needed | | | | The 2 major manufacturers are Honda Motors |
| features. | | | | and Toyota Motor Corporation. They brought |
| Because the gasoline engine cuts off and on, it is | | | | hybrid vehicles to the US in 2000. The first were |
| usually virtually silent. This can confuse the driver | | | | the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. Both had |
| and parking attendants, who may think the car is | | | | great success. |
| off, but it is actually on. Fortunately, an indicator | | | | There are now plans for a sport utility vehicle to |
| light has been added, showing the status of the | | | | be made as well as full size trucks through hybrid |
| engine. | | | | mechanics. This will be quite popular to many |
| Benefits | | | | drivers. The hybrids that are on the market are |
| One huge benefit of the hybrid is the fuel savings | | | | well liked. With all of the environmental issues |
| -- it offers up to 60 miles per gallon. Because of | | | | today as well as the high cost of gas, there is no |
| the high cost of gasoline, this makes the hybrid a | | | | wonder why this is so. |
| very popular choice. | | | | The bottom line is that hybrid cars are effectively |
| Not only do they use less gas, though, they also | | | | lowering the cost of powering a vehicle and |
| emit fewer pollutants into the air. In fact, they are | | | | keeping the Earth clean. Hybrid technology offers |
| up to 90% cleaner than other vehicles. Because | | | | a highly effective way of moving from place to |
| the engines are small and efficient, they reduce | | | | place. |
| their total exhaust emissions. This makes them | | | | |