Hybrids are a relatively new concept that combines two key technologies together to form a hybrid of the two. They encompass the gasoline engine and electric motor to bring improved fuel efficiency. The technology couldn't have come at a better time due to the increased fuel consumption being seen around the world. Hybrid vehicles are not the final solution to the depleting oil supply, however, they serve a great purpose while the world struggles to find a suitable, clean, and renewable energy source.Hybrid technology often utilizes:
Regenerative Braking: Energy that is usually wasted from coasting or braking is turned into electricity by turning the wheels of the electric motor, which functions as a generator. The electricity is then stored in the hybrid's battery pack until it is needed from the electric motor.
Electric Motor Drive/Assist: In my Honda Civic hybrid, this is called Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). It works from the electric motor, which provides additional power to the gasoline engine so it can retain high fuel efficiency without consuming more gas. Usually it assists in acceleration and hill climbing. Other vehicles like in the popular Toyota Prius work by the electric motor providing all the power during low speed driving conditions, such as city driving less than 30 mph, where gasoline engines are the least efficient.
Automatic Start/Shutoff: This is a feature known to be on hybrids. It simply shuts off all or part of the engine when the vehicle is at a full stop. The vehicle restarts on its own when the brake pedal is off and the gasoline pedal is pressed. This not only prevents wasted energy from idling but improves gas mileage and reduces the amount of harmful car pollutants released into the atmosphere like the known carcinogenic benzene.
Regenerative Braking: Energy that is usually wasted from coasting or braking is turned into electricity by turning the wheels of the electric motor, which functions as a generator. The electricity is then stored in the hybrid's battery pack until it is needed from the electric motor.
Electric Motor Drive/Assist: In my Honda Civic hybrid, this is called Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). It works from the electric motor, which provides additional power to the gasoline engine so it can retain high fuel efficiency without consuming more gas. Usually it assists in acceleration and hill climbing. Other vehicles like in the popular Toyota Prius work by the electric motor providing all the power during low speed driving conditions, such as city driving less than 30 mph, where gasoline engines are the least efficient.
Automatic Start/Shutoff: This is a feature known to be on hybrids. It simply shuts off all or part of the engine when the vehicle is at a full stop. The vehicle restarts on its own when the brake pedal is off and the gasoline pedal is pressed. This not only prevents wasted energy from idling but improves gas mileage and reduces the amount of harmful car pollutants released into the atmosphere like the known carcinogenic benzene.
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