The original models of the hybrid electric cars that combined the traditional gasoline engine with the electric motor were first brought to market less than a decade ago, around the year 2000, just in time for the start of the new millennium.

These electric cars were small and distinctive looking as compared to the traditional gas-powered automobiles that were of common design and style. This unique appearance set them apart from the mainstream vehicles and in a way helped to make them more visible on the road. However, today, less than a decade later, there are hybrid electric car versions of a number of the more popular makes of models of automobiles on the road today.

hybrid electric car
There are sedans, coupes, SUVs and pickup trucks that have the electric motor unique to the hybrid version snugly included with the gas motor. This makes it a tandem process for powering the hybrid vehicles.

Not only are the hybrid electric cars melding into the population of vehicles visually, but the cost of having a hybrid power system in one of these vehicles will only add two to three thousand dollars more than the gasoline-powered version of the same vehicle, comparably equipped.

For most people who drive daily, especially for those with long commutes, the savings in fuel will more than make up for that additional cost within the first year, if not sooner.

electric motor scooter
Hybrid electric cars utilize two different motors to run the vehicle: the gas-powered combustion engine and the electric motor. The electric motor in most hybrids is able to be recharged by plugging it into an outlet for charging overnight, while some advanced technologies of hybrid electric car power allow them to be charged during driving.

No matter how the hybrid system is designed, the result in every instance is that the electric motor furnishes some of the power requirements to propel the vehicle down the road. That factor in turn means that a smaller combustion engine can be used to provide the same amount of power and this both reduces gasoline usage and cuts down on harmful emissions.

The improvement in fuel economy comes through the combining of the two types of motors into one efficient package. An all electric car is limited by the short mileage time before having to recharge the batteries fully. But, when used in combination with a traditional gas-powered engine, owners of hybrid electric cars can enjoy the best of both worlds, with great range plus vastly improved fuel efficiency.

new electric car
Most people are not aware that when driving a vehicle that is only powered by an internal combustion engine, that there is considerably more power than is required for normal driving conditions. Full power is used only sporadically for situations such as climbing a steep grade or making passing maneuvers. The rest of the time the horsepower that is being generated is really overkill.

In addition to combining the best aspects of the combustion engine with the electric motor, a hybrid new electric car also employs the use of regenerative braking. This is a process that captures energy created through the braking process, further adding to the efficiency of the batteries and to the overall fuel economy of the vehicle.

Related posts

Tagged with: •

Filed under: Cars

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!