How Hybrid Cars Work

How Hybrid Cars Work

by Karim Nice

Have you pulled your car up to the gas pump lately and been shocked by the high price of gasoline? As the pump clicked past $20 or $30, maybe you thought about trading in that SUV for something that gets better mileage. Or maybe you are worried that your car is contributing to the greenhouse effect. Or maybe you just want to have the coolest car on the block. The 2000 Honda Insight hybrid electric car

Currently, Honda and Toyota have the technology that might answer all of these needs. It's the hybrid car, and both manufacturers are selling their versions in the United States. You're probably aware of hybrid cars because they've been in the news a lot. In fact, most automobile manufacturers have announced plans to manufacture their own versions. How does a hybrid car work? What goes on under the hood to give you 20 or 30 more miles per gallon than the standard automobile? And does it pollute less just because it gets better gas mileage? We'll help you understand how this amazing technology works.

English: Toyota Prius V hybrid electric car exhibi...

Honda Insight

English: Honda Insight Concept photographed in Hon...

We'll show you what is going on in the Toyota and Honda hybrids, and even give you some advice about how to drive one for maximum efficiency! What Makes it a "Hybrid"?Any vehicle is a hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power. In fact, many people have probably owned a hybrid vehicle at some point. For example, a mo-ped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal power of its rider. Hybrid vehicles are all around us. Most of the locomotives we see pulling trains are diesel-electric hybrids. Cities like Seattle have diesel-electric buses -- these can draw...