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New Technology Could Result in 250 MPG Hybrid Cars 2007-05-15 12:59:00 With current manufacturers of hybrid cars boasting about 45-50 miles per gallon, a 250 MPG car may seem a bit far-fetched. But privately-held AFS Trinity Power Corporation has been developing exactly that, and believes they can achieve 250 miles per gallon fuel economy in a sedan and 200 miles per gallon in a SUV.The Extreme Hybrid
drive train technology is expected to cut emissions, dramatically lower driving costs, and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. AFS Trinity Power expects to deploy this technology in a DOT hybrid bus demonstration project next year. Development of the passenger hybrid car drive train is expected to begin this year, should be ready for demonstration in a prototype vehicle in two years, and be ready for licensing to auto manufacturers in three years.One of the primary differences between this vehicle and the current standard hybrid cars is that the Extreme Hybrid drive train derives most of it's power from electrical power grid, and not a gasoline Read more:Result
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History of the Hybrid Car 2007-05-14 19:04:00 The history of the hybrid car begins in 1899 when Ferdinand Porsche engineered the first successful hybrid-electric vehicle. Hobbyists have continued building hybrids since that time, but no major auto manufacturers put a hybrid car into mass production until late in the twentieth century. The widest utilization of hybrid technology during that interim period was actually in diesel-electric submarines. They essentially operate in the same manner as a hybrid car, however the goal in submarines was to economize oxygen rather than fuel. Submarines have since evolved to nuclear power though several nations still rely on diesel-electric technology.The introduction of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius in the 1990s marked the first true success of hybrid car technology. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles were developed in the 2000s. The PHEVs can be recharged by plugging in to the electrical power grid, and for short trips can operate without conventional fuel. Renault released the firs Read more:History
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Basic Technology of Hybrid Vehicles Explained 2007-05-14 17:30:00 Petroleum-based fuels are ideally suited for internal combustion engine technology, which has powered most cars and trucks for over a century. Burning fossil fuels for over a hundred years however has done some serious damage to the ecology of the planet. Enter the electric vehicle with lower emissions, but correspondingly lower power. Finally, both technologies have come together in hybrid vehicles, also known as hybrid electric vehicles or HEVs.Present-day hybrid vehicles are equipped with both gas internal combustion engines and electric motors. The gas engine produces power through small and continuous controlled explosions that push pistons which turn a rotating crankshaft. The force created by the rotation crankshaft is transmitted through a number of components and ultimately turns the vehicle's wheels. The electric motor is powered by a battery which creates energy through a chemical reaction. The battery is continually recharged by a generator that is powered by the in Read more:Basic
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How Hybrid Cars Work 2007-05-14 17:07:00 Many consumers aren't satisfied to know that hybrid cars achieve excellent fuel economy and reduced emmissions, but also are also curious about how they work. Three primary components are integrated to make a hybrid: an internal combustion gas engine, an electric motor and a high-powered battery. A process called regenerative braking is used to capture energy and charge the battery. This is energy that would normally be lost during coasting or decelerating. The battery which is continuously recharged through this process provides power to the electric motor. If necessary, power from the gasoline engine may also be diverted to charge the battery. These charging strategies create an electrical power system that never needs to be plugged in to charge from an external source.Those are the basics of hybrid cars in general. We will divide hybrids into two categories to examine further how the three components work together. Each category of hybrids incorporates the three components Read more:Hybrid
Tips for Drivers of Hybrid Cars 2007-05-18 18:05:00 Maintenance Tips for Hybrid
CarsHybrid cars tend to have long warranties. The Honda Insight comes with an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty that includes most of the powertrain, including batteries, and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on the rest of the car. The Toyota Prius has an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty on the hybrid and battery systems, and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on everything else.Batteries and electric motors in these hybrid cars don't require any maintenance over the life of the vehicle. The gas engine doesn't require any more maintenance than the gas engine in a conventional vehicle. In hybrids with regenerative braking, the brake pads may last longer than those in other cars.Battery systems in hybrid cars are pretty spendy with a several thousand dollar price tag. By the time the warranty expires though, that price may have decreased.Gas Mileage Tips for Hybrid Cars
By using the same driving habits that result in better fuel efficiency in conventional vehicles, you wi Read more:Drivers
How do Hybrid Vehicles Get Such Great Gas Mileage? 2007-05-21 10:46:00 It’s not by accident that many of the most fuel efficient vehicles for the 2005 model year were hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), also known as hybrid vehicles, or simply hybrids. Hybrid
vehicles are built in a variety of configurations to achieve different objectives. They combine an electric motor with the best features of the internal combustion engine and are capable of significant improvements of fuel economy without giving up performance or driving range. Some hybrids are also configured to supply power for power tools or other electrical devices.Hybrid vehicles are powered primarily by an internal combustion engine, just like conventional vehicles. However, they also convert energy normally wasted during braking and coasting into electricity. This energy is stored in a battery until it is needed by the electric motor. Internal combustion engines are least efficient in low-speed driving conditions, and when hill climbing or accelerating. This is where the electric motor k Read more:Great
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Ford Escape Hybrid Endures Commuter's Nightmare Road Test 2007-05-25 08:51:00 The Ford EscapeHybrid
(the first hybrid SUV) was run through a grueling "commuter's nightmare" road test at the New York International Automobile Show. During the road test, the Ford Escape Hybrid averaged over 38 miles per gallon in a nonstop 37-hour drive in and around New York City.The hybrid SUV started the test with one 15-gallon tank of gas. That one tank of fuel and a 330-volt electric battery kept the Ford Escape Hybrid running for 37 consecutive hours of city driving in the grueling urban congestion of Manhattan, for a total of 576 miles. The resulting fuel economy of the hybrid version of the Escape is a 75 percent improvement over the 20 mpg that the Environmental Protection Agency rates the conventional Ford Escape V-6 at.An electric motor powered by a 330-volt nickel-metal battery pack and a conventional gas internal combustion engine are combined to run the Ford Escape Hybrid. When driving, the system chooses whether to use power from the electric motor or the gas e Read more:Nightmare
The Honda Civic Si Hybrid 2007-06-04 00:35:00 The HondaCivic
Si Hybrid
will be offering a six-speed transmission and a helical-type limited-slip differential will enhance launch traction and cornering ability. The new Honda Civic Hybrids are supposed to be enhanced with more powerful batteries, an upgrade to its regenerative braking system and transition to a a full-hybrid system that can run part of the time strictly on electricity. This electric-only mode will be used for low-speed cruising. The air conditioning system will also run off of electricity, alleviating the need to pull energy from the gasoline engine. The new line of Civic hybrids is also expected to carry a new electric motor with high-density windings and high-performance magnets to garner one-and-a-half times the output while maintaining t
BMW HR2 hydrogen hybrid race car. 2007-06-04 00:20:00 The BMW HR2 hybrid car performs with an output of 285 hp and with a top speed on 185 mph. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes approximately six seconds. The land speed records involve a list of eight other flying start and standing start categories. Based on technology used in the BMW 760i vehicle, the HR2 also uses the fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive.The BMW HR2 hybrid car is a prototype racecar only and will not be hitting the showrooms. The technology learned by creating the HR2 will be used on upcoming production models, though. According to BMW, "BMW will launch a dual-mode version of the current 7 Series during the production cycle of the present model, thus introducing the first car of its kind able to run on both hydrogen
and gasoline."BMW had better hope that the hydrogen highway happens sooner rather than later, so that it doesn't miss sales from the gasoline-electric hybrid market that will be blooming over the next 5 or so years. BMW is banking on hydrogen, thoug
The Hybrid Car Tax Credit 2007-06-04 00:12:00 If you buy a new hybrid car, you could be eligible for a one-time federal income tax deduction of as much as $2,000.Several models of hybrid car placed in service by the end of 2005 are eligible for a clean fuel deduction of $2,000. Those put in use during 2006 could be eligible for a $500 federal income tax deduction.Under current legislation vehicles purchased after 2006 will not be eligible for a deduction. If you purchased a hybrid car before 2005, you can submit a claim for the deduction by filing an amended tax return for the tax year in which the vehicle was purchased.The following requirements must be met for your hybrid car to qualify:* You must purchase the car new and for your own use. Cars purchased for resale do not qualify.* You must drive the vehicle "mostly" in the United States.* The vehicle must meet all federal as well as state emmissions requirements.* Government agencies, tax exempt organizations, and foreign entities are not eligible for the deduction.* If any Read more:Hybrid
Toyota Passes 1 Million Hybrid Mark 2007-06-08 02:11:00 Global sales of Toyota
hybrid vehicles passed the 1 million mark at the end of May. The landmark comes 10 years after the first Toyota Prius debuted to a world market. The Prius didn’t hit North America until 2000, but even though reaction to the car isn’t all favorable, it has without a doubt changed the way consumers and car companies think about cars. The latest version of the Prius has sold 478,000 units since 2005, while less popular models like the hybrid Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid
have sold 85,000 and 67,000 respectively worldwide in the same amount of time. What do you think is the biggest impact of Toyota’s 10 years in the hybrid business? Read more:Passes
Mazda RX-8 Renesis Hybrid 2007-06-07 21:26:00 According to Mazda
, "The RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine incorporates an electronically-controlled hydrogen injector system (the hydrogen is injected in a gaseous state). The system draws air from the side port during the induction cycle and uses dual hydrogen injectors in each of the engine's twin rotor housings to directly inject hydrogen into the intake chambers. By virtue of its construction, with separate chambers for induction and combustion, the rotary engine is ideally suited to burn hydrogen without inviting the backfiring that can occur when hydrogen is burned in a traditional piston engine. The separate induction chamber also provides a safer temperature for fitting the dual hydrogen injectors with their rubber seals, which are susceptible to the high Read more:Hybrid
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid 2007-06-07 03:31:00 2007 Nissan
Altima Performance & Efficiency Standard Features - 2,488 cc 2.5 liters in-line 4 front engine with 89 mm bore, 100 mm stroke, 9.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder QR25 - Unleaded fuel 87 - Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 35 and EPA city (mpg): 26 - Multi-point injection fuel system - 20 gallon main unleaded fuel tank - Power: 130 kW , 175 HP SAE @ 5,600 rpm; 180 ft lb , 244 Nm @ 3,900 rpm 2007 Nissan Altima Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features - Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs - Immobilizer - Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel - Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs , multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs 2007 Nissan Altima Exterior Read more:Hybrid
2006 Lexus RX 400h 2007-06-06 22:25:00 The Lexus
RX 400h hybrid SUV is essentially the best-selling RX 330 with a hybrid drivetrain installed. And the wait list for the hybrid model was so long that Lexus was forced to set up a communication system specifically for keeping customers updated on the vehicle's progress. Due to the early buzz created by the RX 400h, Lexus is now planning hybrid versions of the GS and LS sedans.The RX 400h hybrid SUV uses the same drivetrain as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and is rated for fuel economy at 31 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The Lexus is available in all-wheel drive only.The RX 400h is 100 pounds heavier than the Highlander, but equalled the Toyota's zero to 60 time at 7.2 seconds. In the quarter mile the Lexus slightly outperformed the Toyota hybrid SUV at 15.3 seconds.Like the Highlander, the Lexus RX 400h has more power than it's gas counterpart. Even at 300 pounds heavier than the RX 300, the 400h felt considerably faster, even when easily ascending steep highway grades.
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2007-06-06 22:21:00 The HighlanderHybrid
SUV is a seven-passenger vehicle that doesn't sacrifice comfort for fuel economy. The hybrid model is just like the gas Highlander. It handles just as well, has a simple cabin design, and maintains the same 81 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The difference is that it achieves much greater fuel economy while being more powerful. Yes, you may go back and read that again. The hybrid version of the Highlander is actually MORE powerful than the gas model.Toyota
used the same 3.3 liter V6 in the hybrid SUV that it uses in the gas Highlander. They recalibrated it and added three electric motors. One of the electric motors is used for starting the internal combustion engine and also recharging the 288-volt battery pack. One works with the gas engine to drive the front wheels. And the other adds additonal power to the rear wheels when extra traction or power is needed (the third electric motor is not used on front-wheel drive models). Don't let the silence fool yo Read more:Toyota Highlander
Electric and Hybrid Cars 2007-06-06 09:22:00 There is a lot of selection for someone looking for electric and hybrid cars. Companies such as Honda, Toyota, and Lexus all have introduced hybrid sedans that look nearly identical to their gasoline-only counterparts, yet have an significantly better range and fuel consumption rating. When it comes to two door hybrids, however, the market becomes much smaller.There was, of course, the Honda Insight. The Insight featured an incredibly odd appearance (a tear drop on wheels) and was extremely sophisticated. It had an ultra-light weight body and an extremely efficient four cylinder engine, resulting in fuel economy exceeding 70 miles per gallon. When many people think of a hybrid car, the Insight is usually the image that comes to mind. Honda stopped producing in the Insight in 2006, however, as sales began to decline and rumors began to emerge about the introduction of a Honda Fit hybrid in 2009. If you are looking for a Honda hybrid, you can still get the excellent Civic hybrid a Read more:Electric
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Chevy Malibu Hybrid 2007-06-06 08:56:00 When the ChevyMalibuHybrid
does roll out, rumor has it that it will have a similar system to GM's planned Saturn VUE SUV hybrid system. The Malibu Hybrid is expected to have an automatic transmission with 4 cylinder, 2.4-liter engine with front-wheel drive and achieve 12-15 percent greater fuel economy that the non-hybrid version, which is currently rated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 35 mpg highway and 24 mpg cityWhen the Malibu Hybrid is traveling at less than six miles an hour, the gasoline engine will shut off and an electric-hydraulic system will kick in, which is where much of the fuel economy is derived from.According to GM, they will introduce the Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) system in the Chevrolet Malibu, which provides 10 percent improved fuel economy. GM will couple the BAS with a continuously variable automatic transmission. These options will also be available in the Saturn VUE SUV hybrid.GM reports that the Malibu Hybrid will be built at their Kansas City
Toyota Camry Hybrid 2007-06-05 23:58:00 The ToyotaCamryHybrid
has a retail base price of approximately $26,200, up $300 from when it rolled out in May, 2006, which is about $5,000 cheaper than its rival Honda Accord Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid sports a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine (147 hp) with a high-torque 40 hp electric motor.The Toyota Camry
hybrid car is just one of 10 new hybrids that Toyota is developing.. Because of the huge success of the Prius, with over 50,000 cars sold last year and a 6-month waiting period in some areas due to lack of availability, Toyota has decided to go full-throttle with an ever-increasing hybrid line-up. Within the next 5 years, Toyota expects to sell over 1 million hybrids globally, half of which will be sold within the U. S. market. Besides the Camry hybrid, Toyota is also sl
Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV 2007-06-05 23:50:00 The Lexus
RX400h Hybrid
SUV battery never has to be charged. This is a common misconception with hybrid vehicles. The electric motors also act as generators to recharge the battery pack and the battery pack is under warrantee for 8 years of 100,000 miles. Another common misconception is that hybrid vehicles are gutless little go-carts driven by new age vegans with a chip on their shoulders.This is so not true. The Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV Performs like a V8 because of the combination of V6 gasoline engine and electric motors. The 400 in the name means it performs like a 4-liter engine, with acceleration from 0 - 60 in just 7.3 seconds. This is no gutless engine!PerformanceBecause this is a 4-wheel drive vehicle, there are two electric motors, one powering the front wheels and one the back wheels. During high speeds, the gasoline engine or both the gasoline engine and electric motors work to deliver the vehicle high torque. In slower driving conditions, such as city driving, only the ele
State Incentives for Hybrid Vehicles 2007-06-05 23:33:00 Some states offer tax (or other) incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles. Here is a breakdown of what each state offers.Colorado - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Credit:For tax years beginning on or after July 1, 1998, Colorado income tax credits are available for the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle, for a motor vehicle that is converted to use alternative fuel, or for the replacement of the power source with a power source that uses alternative fuel. To qualify, the vehicle must be titled and registered in Colorado.For more information see http://www.revenue.state.co.us/fyi/html/income09.html, where specific credits are cited for specific models of hybrid vehicles.Connecticut - Sales Tax Exemption:Prior to July 1, 2008, new hybrid vehicles with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy rating of at least 40 mpg are exempt from sales tax. For more information see http://www.ct.gov/drs/Florida - High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Decal:An Inherently Low Emissions Vehicl Read more:Hybrid
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State Incentives for Hybrid Vehicles 2007-06-11 12:15:00 Some states offer tax (or other) incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles. Here is a breakdown of what each state offers.Colorado - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Credit:For tax years beginning on or after July 1, 1998, Colorado income tax credits are available for the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle, for a motor vehicle that is converted to use alternative fuel, or for the replacement of the power source with a power source that uses alternative fuel. To qualify, the vehicle must be titled and registered in Colorado.For more information see http://www.revenue.state.co.us/fyi/html/income09.html, where specific credits are cited for specific models of hybrid vehicles.Read More Here Read more:Hybrid
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2007-06-11 06:31:00
Saturn Aura 2007-06-11 06:20:00 Saturn has introduced an all-new mid-size sedan called the Aura. The 2007 Saturn Aura
is the company's first truly credible entry in the most competitive segment of the automobile market. Compared with Saturn's last mid-size car, the unloved L-Series sedan and wagon that died quiet deaths back in 2004, the Aura is decidedly modern and fresh, with Euro character and aesthetic flair. Interestingly, the Aura has none of the plastic body panels that made Saturn famous in the 1990s.The Aura is based on the same safe, solid architecture as the Saab 9-3, which sells for thousands of dollars more. Compared with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion, the Aura is well equipped with safety and comfort features.Aura comes with a choice of two powerful V6 engines. (And a hybrid model is on its way.) The Aura is competitively priced: The base XE starts at less than $20,495 and comes with a 224-horsepower V6 and four-speed automatic. The more powerful XR features a 252-hp V6 and six-speed Read more:Saturn
Summertime Car Care 2007-06-10 02:32:00 Because we feel the effects of winter more harshly than summer, we go to extra lengths to protect ourselves with coats and hats and gloves. Most of us make sure that our cars are ready for the onslaught of frigid winter weather too. We make sure we have snow tires, an ice scraper and deicer. However, in summer months we can shed our heavy and restrictive coats and hats and take life easy. We also tend to be more lax with our car care too. Remember, you car needs protection and routine maintenance year round, no matter what the temperature. Your engine is effected by extremes of temperature. Don't think that it isn't hard on the engine when you sit idling in a traffic jam in 90 degree plus temperature with the air conditioner blasting away inside. The first reason to keep up a maintenance schedule is to save yourself money in the long run. If you have a newer car in order to keep the warranty in effect you need to have it serviced according to your manufacturers recommended schedul Read more:Summertime
Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV 2007-06-09 23:18:00 Mazda's President Hisakazu Imaki recently announced at the Tokyo Motor Show, "Through our partnership with Ford, we are now proceeding with the development of a hybrid version of the Mazda Tribute, which we will launch as early as possible." Most likely this means availability in 2007, though hitting the showrooms in late 2006 is a possibility.Read Full Articles Here Read more:Hybrid
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Disdvantages Of Hybrid Cars 2007-06-09 23:16:00 Hybrid cars, though useful, have some disadvantages. The point to be noted here is that the advantages far exceed the disadvantages. High cost: hybrids cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 more their non-Hybrid versions. More weight due to battery packs. Some states charge additional fees for registration. In the event of an unfortunate accident, there is a risk of exposure to high voltage wires. They have a complicated system which needs to be taken care of by experienced mechanics only. Spare parts maybe hard to find and may be costly. Usually, hybrids have a lower acceleration than that their normal counterparts. Read more:Hybrid
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Subaru B9 SC Scrambler Hybrid 2007-06-09 23:07:00 The Subaru
B9 SC Scrambler Hybrid
is a concept car announced at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. The Subaru two-seat B9 SC roadster hybrid teams up a high-torque electric motor with a 2.0-liter DOHC Subaru boxer flat 4-cylinder gasoline engine.Click here to read more
Toyota Camry 2007-06-09 09:25:00 Following the roaring success of the Prius, Toyota
has a lot to live up to with the release of its next hybrid car, and the 2007 Toyota Camry
Hybrid doesn't disappoint. With the same Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) technology found in its egg-shaped little brother, the Camry powers driver and passengers around using propulsion from its 105kW battery and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. You could write a thesis on all the technology under the hood, and it wouldn't have been surprising if Toyota had cut back on cabin electronics, if only to save on solenoids.Click here to read full articles Read more:Toyota Camry
Webmaster Site 2007-06-09 08:46:00 For more information and resource feel free to visit our site hereClick here to visitMore info will be added soon.. :) Read more:Webmaster
Mercedes Benz - S-Class hybrids 2007-06-08 22:12:00 DaimlerChrysler has announced plans to launch a gasoline-electric hybrid for the 2008 model year. According to DaimlerChrysler Board Member Dr. Thomas Weber, the company will commercialize an S-class mild hybrid; further mild-hybrid models are in development for subsequent years. Mild hybrid engines, like the one in use in Honda's Accord hybrid, provide electric-powered assistance to the gasoline engine; full hybrids, like Toyota's Prius, alternate between their gasoline or electric motors depending on driving conditions.DaimlerChrysler introduced both gasoline and diesel Mercedes
mild-hybrid concept cars based on the S-Class at last year’s Frankfurt auto show. Between this and the news that an electric version of DaimlerChrysler's smart cars are on the way, things are looking a little greener at the German company, and that's a good thing.[Handelsblatt] (German) via [Green Car Congress]S350 Direct Hybrid:300 hp291 ft-lbs of torque7.5 sec to 62 mph155 mph top speed28.3 mpgS320 Bl Read more:Mercedes Benz
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