The Five Types of Hybrid Cars
by: Amy Cox
Posted on: Tuesday, August 12th, 2008 at 8:06 pm by: Amy Cox
Comments Comments
Many people expect the same performance out of every hybrid on the road, when in fact there are many different kinds of hybrids. Each type of hybrid offers unique performance, and it is important to get the type that meets your demands and expectations. While many vehicles are simply marketing as a hybrid, it is necessary to do the additional research in order to find out what kind of hybrid each vehicle actually is.
Full Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles that can drive for a distance at a low speed without consuming any gasoline are considered to be full hybrids. These types of vehicles are able to use an electric motor to power them for a short period of time, which is an amazing gas saver.
Typically, full hybrids are the vehicles that are going to get the type of gas mileage that auto manufacturers brag about. These vehicles might get mileage in the forty to fifty miles per gallon range.
Mild Hybrid
Mild hybrids are the most common hybrids on the road today. They cannot move forward with the electric motor alone. Instead, the electric motor is used as an assist to the gasoline engine.
Mild hybrids use other fuel saving techniques, along with the electric assist. For example, many mild hybrids have an engine that automatically shuts off when idling, and then the engine restarts when the driver presses the gas pedal. Since idling wastes a lot of fuel, this is incredibly beneficial.
Some mild hybrids also use very powerful electric motors. This causes less fuel to be burned when using the electric assist.
Micro Hybrid
There has been a surge in the creation of the micro hybrid, and it can be very confusing to consumers. People assume they are getting the full benefits of a hybrid when they purchase this vehicle, but that is not true. In fact a micro hybrid does not save nearly as much in fuel as other hybrids.
The micro hybrid only has an increased fuel efficiency of 5-15% because the electric motor does not actually help to propel the vehicle. However, the motor does help with things like regenerative breaking and some auxiliary power, which is why the vehicle is able to save some fuel.
Serial Hybrid
Fuel cell vehicles are the most popular of the serial hybrids. These vehicles use a fuel source to create electricity to power the motor. They are advanced technology, and have few emissions and can get amazing mileage.
Currently, serial hybrids have gotten a lot of attention thanks to the promise of the hydrogen powered vehicles. Hydrogen powered vehicles have the ability to produce zero emissions and they also get good mileage. Research continues to be done on these types of vehicles, and they are expected to be competitive with plug-in hybrids when they hit the streets.
Plug-in Hybrid
The plug-in hybrid gives drivers more options than any other vehicle. When the car is charged, it can run strictly on electricity. Then, if the vehicle runs out of charge, it can use the fuel that is stored in the car. This allows for people to drive at a much greater range than they would be able to with a strictly electric car, while saving a lot of money on gas bills. These types of vehicles are expected to be readily available by 2010.
When considering a hybrid for purchase, be certain to find out what type of hybrid it is. A micro hybrid can cause disappointment for owners that were expecting a bigger savings, and some mild hybrids do not perform up to the driver’s standards. Make sure you do all of the necessary research in order to avoid disappointment.
Add New Comment
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.