Why Are Hybrid Cars Called Hybrid?
Hybrid is a scientific term that refers to the combining of two separate species to create something entirely new. The most common uses of hybridization occur with plants and animals, such as hybrid roses. When referring to vehicles, a hybrid results from the combining of two different sources of fuel--gasoline and electricity--to power the car. The resulting vehicle is fuel-efficient and emits less carbon dioxide than a standard internal combustion engine.
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Brief History
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In 1997 the first modern hybrid car rolled off the assembly lines and onto the roads. However, hybrid vehicles enjoy a lengthy history, with the first patents issued for petrol-electric vehicles in 1905. Real development, aided by modern technology, occurred in the 1970s, and hybrid vehicles became a reality in the 1990s, resulting in vehicles with two fuel sources. Automakers continue to develop the hybrid features and build more energy-efficient cars.
Hybrid Features
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Hybrid cars combine smaller engines with aerodynamics to be more fuel-efficient. A number of systems and features come into play to power a hybrid car. The vehicle’s engine is smaller and more efficient than conventional models. This means the vehicle needs the secondary power system to add the extra boost for acceleration. Hybrid cars also feature a regenerative braking system designed to recharge the engine battery pack from the vehicle’s forward momentum. Improved aerodynamics, lightweight materials and low-rolling tires help to reduce the vehicle’s weight and drag on the road.
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Types of Hybrid Cars
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Hybrids range from family sedans to luxury vehicles. Many of the domestic and foreign automakers introduced hybrid vehicles into the market during the past several years. Hybrids are available in models ranging from family sedans to high-end luxury vehicles. An increasing number of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks are also under development as hybrid vehicles.
Why Hybrid
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Hybrid cars receive praise for their fuel efficiency and economy. In a period of increased gasoline prices and concerns about global warming, hybrid cars use fuel more efficiently with smaller engines and release less carbon dioxide than conventional internal combustion engines. Many of the hybrid cars report much higher mileage than other vehicles, ranging from 26 to 51 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 to 48 miles per gallon on the highway, consuming less fuel in the long run.
Hybrid or Flex Fuel
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Flex-fuel vehicles use either conventional gasoline or gasoline combined with ethanol. Flex-fuel vehicles are not hybrid cars, but they are considered more ecologically friendly than conventional vehicles. To be considered a hybrid car, it must have two different fuel sources. By comparison, flex-fuel vehicles can run on either conventional gasoline or on a blend of gasoline and ethanol. Flex-fuel vehicles contain a conventional internal combustion engine that has been designed to run on a modified gasoline mixture. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, flex-fuel vehicles have slightly less gas mileage than conventional vehicles.
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References
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- Photo Credit Detailansicht Hybrid Motor image by 3rdTwin from Fotolia.com yellow car, a honda japanese sport car model image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com Luxury Car sportscar from my luxury car series image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com fuel station image by AGITA LEIMANE from Fotolia.com
