Fast Facts About Hybrid Engines

Hybrid engines incorporate elements of both the internal combustion engine and electrical power to power the vehicle. They are environmentally cleaner, and get better gas mileage than a traditional engine.

Key Feature

The key feature of a hybrid engine is its ability to switch between the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and the electric battery when needed. When the vehicle stops at a traffic light, for example, the internal combustion engine shuts down and the vehicle switches to the electric battery.

Tax Credit

Purchasers of vehicles with hybrid engines are eligible for a tax credit of up to $3,400 from the federal government. These credits phase out as the manufacturer reaches the limit of 60,000 hybrid vehicles sold.

2010 Models

Auto manufacturers have a combined total of 30 different models of hybrid vehicles available for sale for the 2010 model year. These range from the Honda Insight, a compact car available for less than $20,000, up to the Mercedes Benz S400, a luxury vehicle listed for $87,950.

Carbon Footprint

Hybrid engines are environmentally cleaner because the engines emit less carbon dioxide per mile driven than a vehicle powered with only an internal combustion engine. This is due to its using less gasoline or diesel fuel.

Better Gas Mileage

Vehicles with hybrid engines get higher mileage per gallon since less gasoline is burned. The 2010 Toyota Prius, a 4-cylinder hybrid vehicle, has been rated at 51 miles per gallon for highway driving and 48 miles for city driving.

References

• Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credits
• How Hybrid Vehicles Work
• Hybrid Vehicle Models

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