Information About Hybrid Gas-Electric Cars
Hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs, use both electric and gas power to operate more efficiently than a normal gas-powered vehicle. HEVs use both internal combustion engines and electric motors to produce power. This helps the environment and saves money on gas.
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Purpose
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HEVs were designed with alternative fuel in mind, usually because of rising gas prices or dependency on foreign oil. They also benefit the environment with reduced emissions.
Additional Power
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Hybrid technology includes regenerative braking, which recycles energy otherwise wasted in braking, and an electric motor to act as an auxiliary motor when accelerating or climbing a hill.
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Price
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Because of the combination of gas and electric power, an HEV will use less gas overall. This saves money, especially when gas prices are high.
Environment
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HEVs produce fewer emissions than normal gas vehicles because of their electric motor. Among other things, it means the gas engine can shut off at stoplights when it's not needed.
Charging
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Some HEVs have charge-depleting motors which allow them to be plugged into an outlet to be recharged. Charge-sustaining vehicles cannot do this and instead recharge their motor when the internal combustion engine is in operation.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mike Weston
