Hybrid Cars

Do Your Civic Duty: Buy a Honda Hybrid

doodles — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:38:08 +0000

Hybrid cars are very popular for a number of reasons. They get excellent gas mileage, which can save huge amounts of money. They are environmentally friendly, which can save the planet, eventually. Moreover, they are a lot of fun and quite popular to drive. The car company Honda was one of the first auto manufacturers to make a hybrid vehicle.

The Honda Insight was introduced in 2000 as a miracle car. It is still a fairly popular model of hybrid vehicle. The Insight is a two door vehicle that seats two people. In creating this vehicle, Honda believed that owners of this car would be the type who usually only have one or two people in the car anyway. To make the car incredibly efficient, Honda reduced the size as much as possible. That offers the car more power and more fuel efficiency, which is something most hybrid owners are searching for. In addition to the small seating area, they also offer very limited cargo and luggage space. Again, the thinking here is smaller is better in terms of engine efficiency. It pays off in terms of gas mileage, but many people are unhappy with the overall size of the vehicle, which leads them to purchase cars with regular engines based purely on interior and cargo space.

Another Honda hybrid option is the Civic hybrid. This vehicle, like all of Honda’s hybrid autos, manages to combine the juice from an electric motor with the power from a traditional type engine whether it is a gasoline or diesel engine. The vehicle contains batteries that give power to the motor. These are recharged during while the car is running by using the motor as a generator. This is better than most battery or electrically powered vehicles in that you don’t have to plug a hybrid vehicle into an external outlet for any type of recharge time because the batteries continually recharge themselves just by running the car. The hybrid Civic is a four door vehicle, and it is comparable to most of the other traditionally powered Civics Honda has offered.

Hybrid Cars: How to Choose the best Tires

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:44:43 +0000

Those who are unfamiliar with hybrid cars may not know that most come with new innovative tire designs. When replacing your tires on your hybrid car, you should stick with the low-rolling resistance tires. Those who own hybrid cars however know that these special low-rolling resistance tires are the best thing since the hybrid design itself. Consumers are definitely not the only ones with their eyes on the new low-rolling resistance tires however. Every major tire maker is getting in on the trend with new tires coming out frequently.

You may wonder what low-rolling resistance actually means. The name is a measurement of how tires roll on the road. If the tire rolls easily, then it is considered a low-rolling resistant tire. One benefit of these innovative tires is that they minimize the energy used by the tire. Tires use energy as heat in three different locations. First, there is heat between the tire and the road. Secondly, there is heat between the tire and the sidewall. Lastly, there is heat between the tire and the rim. The great thing about the low-rolling resistance tires is that they maintain traction, handling, and durability. When used with special suspension and brakes, they reduce resistance even more. The tires go through all of the approval standards of normal tires, so you can be sure they are safe to use.

Now that you know more about tires, you may wonder how they can make tires that reduce the energy usage. The answer is that tire manufacturers are using several different elements to create low-rolling resistance tires. First, they focus on the design of the tread. Different companies are using different designs, so you may seem many different designs coming to the consumer soon. After choosing a great design, they also choose lighter and stronger materials and reduce the sidewall to reduce flexing of the tire. The tires are made to run without air pressure. Most of them can still be used for up to 50 miles with no air pressure whatsoever. This is an amazing trait of these tires. With tires that can run without air pressure, you really have no need to carry around a jack or other tools for changing tires. You would have plenty of time to get to the mechanic shop or home before your tire would be useless.

Hybrid Price Wars – Five Manufacturers with the Best Listed Hybrid Car Prices

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:41:53 +0000

When hybrid cars first became a household name, they were also identified as too expensive and outlandish to even be plausible to purchase. Even for the most futuristic minded and environmentally friendly types, most agreed that they would wait until they hybrid cars were mainstreamed. Some people were worried about the kinks that engineers were still trying to work out. No one wanted to be the guinea pig. Others felt that the money they would save in gas would not help them with the up-front costs, warranty questions, and possible battery issues, which were much more risky than in the average car. Luckily, some brave, financially secure people were willing to start the market rolling. Several years later, the demand is high enough to even produce some healthy price wars among makers.

Despite the stereotype that hybrids are a luxury vehicle, prices have gone down considerably. The 2005 Toyota Prius, for example has a base price of $21,275, which includes the eerie halogen headlights, High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass, and integrated fog lamps. These standard options are not the norm for most typical, non-hybrid, 4-door vehicles, so it already sounds like Toyota is creating an irresistible package for their hybrid. Honda’s Civic hybrid is also competitively starting at $21,850 for this energy efficient version of their famous sedan. Their standard package includes MP3 capabilities built-in, cruise control, and speed-sensitive volume control, not to mention their patented iVTEC engine technology. Honda has also created the insight, which also starts in the $21,000 range. Ford has also begun its hybrid campaign, which will hopefully combat the general idea that they are the king of American gas-guzzling vehicles.

In fact, only Lexus bypasses Toyota and Honda in price range. The Lexus hybrid is going to start you in the $49,500 department, but even that sounds good if you consider that their GS starts for just a couple thousand less than that. This is nothing shocking, though. Lexus has always been the luxury maker, and everyone knows that you are going to spend at least double for a sedan or SUV when you buy from them. Since other makers in their range have not started pushing their own hybrids yet, Lexus can only compete with itself.

Hybrid Cars Hazards- Is there really anything to worry about?

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:39:37 +0000

With all of the talk of hybrid carsmany people are singing their praises about these lightweight, fuel-efficient cars. But are there hazards to driving a hybrid? Is there really anything to worry about? Let’s take a closer look at potential hybrid hazards.

One of the biggest concerns often talked about when it comes to hybrid cars has to do with those personnel responding to accidents involving a hybrid. Many traditional looking cars such as the Honda Accord and Ford Escape are being built with hybrid engines and rescuers might experience some difficulty at the scene of an accident identifying one as such. The reason the identification is crucial is that as compared to conventional gas powered cars, hybrid vehicles have a tremendous amount of electricity coursing through them and thus could cause injury to rescuers and further injury to drivers already hurt by the crash. Many people believe that the solution to this problem is for automakers to affix a label on the driver’s side visor stating that it is a hybrid vehicle, equip with all the features that this kind of car entails.

New hybrids are bursting onto the market at an increasing rate and therefore all first responders (including the police, fire department and paramedics) need to be taught about ways in which hybrid cars differ from more traditional non-hybrid models. Lack of education could result in safety measures being compromised and injuries (life threatening or otherwise) taking place. To use the battery in a hybrid to illustrate the point, in some hybrid models the battery carries with it a charge of up to 500 volts and is powered both by gasoline and electricity. Compare this with the voltage of a typical non-hybrid car, which is in the area of 12 volts. First responders need to be taught where the battery is located in a hybrid car and how to cut the cables without risking being electrocuted by the high voltage that the battery puts out. This is particularly important when machinery such as the Jaws of Life is required to physically remove a passenger in imminent danger from a car. It cannot be emphasized enough, without proper training, more serious injury, and even death, could result.

This problem is being addressed by manufacturers of hybrids with Honda and Toyota going to the front of the line on safety procedures. Hybrid cars are being suited with color codes so first responders can easily comprehend the flow of electricity in the car. Honda hybrids use the color bright orange to designate the high-voltage power line which helps reduce safety risks for rescuers responding to calls.

Tax Credit for Hybrid Cars - Incentives for Owners

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:37:06 +0000

Hybrids are known to emit very few pollutants, especially when compared to conventional vehicles. It is stated that hybrids are up to 90% cleaner to the air than normal cars. This something the government is willing to reward hybrid drivers for.

Tax incentives for hybrid owners are one of the newest things offered. Hybrid owners are ecstatic about the new bill passed that gives them as much as $3,400 back. President Bush passed the bill as a new Energy Bill. The bill focuses on the environment but also on the fact that hybrids save on oil use. This directly affects the country’s dependency on foreign oil. When a consumer purchases a hybrid, they are directly helping break the control many radical Islamists have over the United States through oil. These are the same individuals who hate the United States. Therefore, it is only logical the United States would want to reward hybrid owners for their smart purchases.

Many consumers find this new bill difficult to understand. The average consumer may joke that it takes an accounting degree to figure it all out. The formula used for the tax incentive involves the fuel efficiency numbers for 2002 vehicles. It works a little like this: If your car is between 25 and 50 percent more efficient than the average 2002 vehicle model, then the buyer will receive a $400 credit. The credit can grow as high as $2,400 if the new car is even more efficient.

The trick of the bill is that is also offers a combination of a conservation credit. This involves knowing a formula that tries to project how much fuel the car will save over its lifetime. The combination of the first half of the calculation and the second half of the calculation gives the tax benefit total. There are a few restrictions however that some consumers may not be aware of. One of the restrictions includes a credit cap for each automaker until 2010, which is set at 60,000 at this time. Other restrictions as described also restrict inclusion of certain hybrid models, especially those that are SUV hybrids or those purchased after 2005. All in all however, hybrid owners in general will profit from this tax benefit.

Environmentally Friendly – Why Hybrid cars are the Vehicles of Choice these days

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:34:00 +0000

Hybrid vehicles are hitting the scene in a positive way. They are becoming the choice vehicle for many consumers. Hybrids are trendy in both style and reputation. With more consumers being focused on the ongoing problem of air pollution, it is not a surprise they are drawn to hybrid vehicle models. Hybrids are easy on the environment as well as your pocketbook. The fact that they are designed to be kind to the environment is getting the attention of many consumers, businesses, and governments.

The efficient system under the hood of a hybrid contributes to its environmentally friendly label. Hybrids operate using both a small gasoline engine and an electric engine. The two work independently and together to create one of the most efficient methods of transportation. The smaller gasoline engine uses much less gasoline to operate the hybrid than a conventional gasoline powered vehicles uses. Therefore, owners of hybrids can enjoy lower fees at the gas pump. In addition, since the hybrids use less gas, they emit fewer pollutants. In fact, experts agree that a typical hybrid will emit up to 90% fewer pollutants than a typical conventional vehicle. These statistics are amazing and are the cause of many new developments and incentives being offered to consumers. With so many incentives being offered, the hybrid cannot be refused.

Businesses are beginning to offer incentives to those employees who are planning to buy, or already own hybrids. Some businesses, such as Google, are offering $5000 for each employee toward the purchase of a new hybrid. Hyperion, the software company based in Santa Clara, California is also offering this cash incentive. Most corporations set aside millions in the yearly budget in order to compensate for these incentives. When asked, the corporations state they are giving their employees this opportunity in order to give back to the community. They feel that their locations have given to them through sales and in return they should give back to their community by providing cleaner air. Companies like Google even go so far to offer extensive group transportation schedules as well to further the positive effects on the community’s air.

Emission Standards – How do hybrid Cars perform?

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:32:17 +0000

A close look at the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) will make most people wonder why we have all not been forced to purchase hybrid cars. The mileage performance of the Honda Insight, which gets into the high sixties at times, should be enough incentive to get one to purchase it, without even looking at the EPA ratings. The truth is that the more gas one uses, the more emissions and air pollution you put into the air. The way to counteract the hazardous effects of gas guzzling vehicles is of course, the combination of electric and gas power. The performance of hybrids in the environmental department is not just cutting pollution by a few percentages. Some hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, are cutting numbers by a staggering 90%. It seems that the combination of electric with gas power, has not been totally perfected, but it is taking emissions standards to an unthought-of level.

Hybrids are showing what regular gas cars really are because they so vastly bypass them in emissions ratings. One-third of the world’s pollution is directly caused by cars. The burning of fuel in regular cars actually puts tons of toxic chemicals into the air. The worst of these chemicals is carbon dioxide. This is the gas which is being linked to possible global warming. Driving a Toyota Prius cuts the tons of carbon dioxide being released into the air by half. Another chemical which some studies show contributes to global warming is nitrogen oxide. This has also been known to cause lung irritation and acid rain. Driving a hybrid has been known to cut emissions of nitrogen oxide by more than half. Hydrocarbons affect the human body to catastrophic results. Birth defects and cancer have been linked to the release of hydrocarbons into the air. Honda’s hybrids have cut emissions of hydrocarbons by more than two-thirds.

There is also lead, particulate matter and carbon monoxide being released into the air every time we drive in our car. Sitting in traffic during rush-hour or at the drive-through lets one sit in a stew of toxic chemicals. All of these chemicals, gases and particles are being cut in half, or by triple, with the purchase of a hybrid car. Because more and more people are becoming interested in what the EPA has to say about global warming, harmful effects on the human body, and general pollution by regular cars, makers are coming out with better and better hybrid cars. Each year, makers like Toyota, Honda, Ford and soon GM, Saturn and Mazda, are improving the gas mileage performance of the hybrid models which directly affect how much emissions will get into the air and produce fatal results.

The EPA and other environmentally minded groups are supporting the production of hybrids simply by getting the results of their studies to consumers. Special ratings are being given to hybrid vehicles. For example, a ULEV rating indicates ultra-low-emissions-vehicle and SLEV is a super-low-emissions-vehicle. All of the hybrids are receiving these ultra or super-low emissions ratings from the EPA, while their non-hybrid counterparts are still receiving below average ratings for air pollution emissions.

The EPA breaks down the scoring for vehicles and gives them a separate rating for air pollution, and one for greenhouse gases. Even though emissions standards released in the 1970s made it mandatory for vehicles to maintain certain standards, which helped reduce some of the pollution and greenhouse gases, makers are usually not able to even get above average ratings in both categories for most models. Hybrids hold the key to excellent ratings. Terrain, weather and speed all affect the data which goes into calculating the ratings for hybrids, and all other cars, but all considered; hybrids are still surpassing the EPA’s expectations. They are all scoring above average, even perfect scores in some cases, because they are able to use electric power. The hybrid is still using plenty of gas. It just combines this with electric power when it can. This keeps the hybrid from having to use as much gas. This reduced use of gas is what is making the hybrid the bright star of the EPA standards and is pleasing fuel conscience people around the world.

emmision standards, hybrid cars, environment
,Environmental Protection Agency

Hybrid Cars: Top Tips to Maximize your Mileage

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:27:37 +0000

Owners of hybrid cars are taking the plunge for those of us still driving the regular gas-only engine cars. Although they are getting some perks for having these electric/gas hybrids, they still want to improve their gas mileage. In fact, although some drivers have reported much better gas mileage than they had with their regular cars, they are finding that their expectations have not been met quite the way they imagined they would be. In these cases, some hybrid owners have actually made it something of a game to try and get better and better mileage. It appears that the expectations are high with hybrids. Some models of hybrids are getting in the 60 mpg range for cities and highways. For some owners, however, the expectations are not being met because regular consumers are not driving like a trained tester. Experts on hybrid cars and driving in general are trying to consult with the owners to show them that the mileage guides were not deceiving them after all. After some workshops done with hybrid drivers, owners have reported much better mileage after taking advice from the experts. The added bonus from mileage tips for hybrids is that they also work for those of us who have not yet been able to make the switch over to these mileage makers.

For certain hybrid cars, the term “pulse and glide” is becoming popular. This basically translates to finding the zone with the hybrid where energy use leveled off between the electric and gas engines. Lexus and Toyota get to claim use of the pulse and glide which is best found when driving somewhere between 30 to 40 miles per hour. Getting into this mode requires a little bit of fancy foot work which involves gradually getting to the speed (within the 30’s to 40’s range) which you want, and then once there, pressing quickly on the gas pedal. After this quick press, a Toyota or Lexus hybrid driver will get a clean screen on their dashboard which shows all black arrows. This indicates that energy use has stabilized. When this tactic is used properly, it is possible to double or triple your mileage. This process takes a little time to get used to but is probably a lot easier than driving a manual transmission or parallel parking.

Another top tip for saving on gas mileage will be a little harder to hear. The key is to take the rushing around out of driving. Slowing down and driving at the speed limit for a change is one of the best ways to save on gas. Although this tip might require some organization and lifestyle changes, it will also save you the most money. A dime saved on every gallon is the estimate by energy agencies when you stay slow and steady. A hybrid, or any car for that matter, does not like a lot of stop and go, either. Luckily, driving a little slower will give you more opportunities to see which lane will keep you from slowing down up ahead, so hopefully, you will not need to make a lot of sudden stops. Keep in mind the word “glide” as much as possible. This will keep you from having to continually accelerate and break to get where you are going. When drivers get into that mode, they also tend to speed to get out of whatever cluster they are in and get into more accidents on top of that. Accelerating to get through a yellow light may save you 15 seconds, but it will not save you any mileage on your hybrid.

One of the other top tips for adding mileage to your hybrid is to pay a little more attention to your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can reduce the mileage performance on a hybrid by at least 10%. This is large enough of a number to inspire a trip to the auto shop for a tire pressure gauge. The trick is to stay just under the maximum recommended tire pressure and make sure that you are checking the pressure once or week. Slow tires make a car drag, so let your hybrid become the super-mileage maker that they aim to be by making a note on the calendar to check them.

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Top 10 Tips to Maximize Your Hybrid Cars Fuel Efficiency

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:24:17 +0000

With a compact, yet highly efficient engine, the hybrid car is becoming increasingly popular for its numerous advantages. One such benefit is the car’s knack for fuel efficiency. As gas prices continue to fluctuate, car owners are searching for ways to maximize fuel reserves to the fullest. While every automobile is capable of achieving better gas mileage, there are certain tips and tricks for the hybrid that can assist in your conservation efforts.

1. Periodically turn off the engine: A hybrid car has an alternate power supply that consists of batteries and an electric motor. For this reason, the hybrid does not have to use the gasoline engine at all times, and can turn off this engine occasionally. An opportune occasion to switch off the gasoline engine is while stopped at a traffic light.

2. Minimize air-conditioning usage: Studies have revealed that use of air-conditioning systems in hot temperatures can raise fuel consumption by at least 20 percent. Fuel efficiency can be improved in the summer months by minimizing air-conditioning usage, and utilizing the hybrid car’s flow-through ventilation system. It is also wise to make use of air vents to circulate cool air as much as possible. This is especially helpful with highway driving. If air-conditioning usage is a necessity, set the controls to a moderate level, and then switch the system off after the automobile has cooled.

3. Low-rolling resistance tires are crucial: The standard automobile is equipped with tires that are designed to supply proper traction and a smooth, comfortable driving experience. However, because of a large amount of drag, most automobile tires do not provide the highest quality of fuel efficiency. The hybrid is designed with a unique variety of tire that is sturdier and inflated to a higher air pressure than the traditional automobile tire. This causes less drag, and better gas mileage.

4. Regularly check tire pressure: Research has shown that gas mileage can improve by approximately 3.5 percent if tires are correctly inflated. Some hybrid owners choose to go slightly beyond the recommended air pressure amount, while still staying below the maximum pressure range. Over inflation can cause rough tire wear and handling difficulties. Tire pressure should be gauged on a routine basis, checking for leaks or proof of embedded objects. Wintertime especially calls for regular inspections, as cold weather can cause a sharp decline in air pressure.

Top Five Reasons to Buy a Hybrid

doodles — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:20:41 +0000

The new hybrid cars are an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money at the gas pump and help the environment. Many car manufacturers are making hybrids because they are small and fuel-efficient. They are powered by a combination of an efficient gas engine and by electric motor that helps with accelerations. Batteries that recharge automatically power the electric motor.

Even celebrities are turning to the environmentally friendly hybrid to make statements. While hybrids do have a higher purchase cost and are often hard to find due to high demand, there are many great reasons for choosing a hybrid. The next time you are in the market to purchase a new car, consider these five reasons to buy a hybrid.

Hybrid cars are typically smaller and have more efficient engines.

The efficiency of the hybrid is boosted by the small size and lightweight materials used to make the car. Hybrid vehicles also have regenerative braking. This means that the electric motor that drives the hybrid acts as a generator and charges the battery while the car is slowing. Hybrids also have a periodic engine shut off; meaning when a hybrid is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. Then when the car is put back in gear, the car starts automatically. The efficiency of a hybrid car outperforms that of a conventional car.

Hybrid cars are friendly to the environment.

Because a hybrid idles less and is more fuel efficient, it benefits the environment. The hybrid gets better gas mileage than a conventional gas engine. They consume less gas and produce less pollution per mile than other non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids can get ten to fifteen miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of producing 90 percent fewer harmful emissions.