Facts on Hybrid Vehicles

A hybrid vehicle uses two or more types of energy sources for power. Hybrids can be automobiles, trucks, trains, buses and aircraft. Common hybrids on the roads today are gasoline/electric cars and trucks, which provide better gas mileage than their gasoline-only counterparts.

Power Source

Some power sources other than gasoline or diesel fuel include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, wind power, liquid nitrogen, solar power, electricity, and liquefied or compressed natural gas.

Basic Hybrid

A basic hybrid consists of a gasoline-powered engine working in tandem with an electric motor that starts the engine and operates the vehicle's accessories.

Large Vehicles

Many European heavy vehicles are powered by diesel-electric motors that use the engine's heat to power the electric generator to drive hydraulic components.

Energy Storage

Japan developed a prototype hybrid train powerplant that stores energy in lithium ion battery packs mounted on the locomotive's roof.

Aircraft

Delta Airlines developed a hybrid that aids aircraft taxiing by using a WheelTug wheeling system powered by a turbine instead of the main engines.

Flexible Fuel

As of 2009, General Motors is marketing its LXE 3500 flexible fuel V-6 engine that can run on a gasoline and 85 percent ethanol.

References

• General Motors hybrid information
• More hybrid details
• WheelTug data

Resources

• Diesel electric locomotives
• Japan's hybrid train