A Discussion of the Benefits of Owning a Hybrid Car

I bought my Toyota Prius back in 2006. It has over 130,000 miles and still gets right around 50 MPG. The following article discusses some value you might find in owning a hybrid car yourself.

The Benefits Of A Hybrid Car
By Anwar Saja

Global pollution, which is largely caused by motor vehicles, has exceeded the permitted level. Oil prices also have increased significantly over the last 5 years. Recently many car manufacturers have started to produce cars with hybrid technology to overcome these problems.

Hybrid technology reduces fuel consumption, and produces less pollution. This green technology has the potential to replace the conventional petroleum based energy technology. It was first developed more than a hundred years ago. The first car equipped with hybrid technology was built in the year 1950. In the last decade, car manufacturers have shown significant improvements on hybrid technology. Many types of hybrid vehicles have been unveiled in many car exhibitions or motor shows. Some are already out in the market.

There are many advantages of hybrid cars, and below are some you know need to know:

1. Hybrid technology helps reduce fuel consumption significantly. This ground breaking technology combines the use of electricity and fuel to run a car. As a result of this, a hybrid car use up to 50% less fuel than gasoline powered cars. With reduced fuel consumption, you can reduce your monthly expenses as well.

2. Hybrid vehicles only produce 30% of the amount of emissions produced by conventional vehicles. This means less air pollution, which is good for the Earth. Air pollution is one of the main causes of global warming. When you use a hybrid car, you help slow down global warming. Perhaps some people are still not aware that global warming has caused numerous natural disasters, extreme weather changes, and rising sea levels. You do not have to wait for the government to take actions against global warming. You can start acting now to help slow down global warming by using a hybrid car.

3. If you buy a hybrid car, the government will give you tax incentives. The government encourages their citizens to use hybrid cars as a means of reducing pollution by granting tax credits for green technology users. The amount of incentive given varies depending on the type of the car. You can ask car dealers for more information about the tax credit policy.

4. Besides reducing monthly gasoline expenses, cars with green technology can reduce maintenance cost, because it needs less maintenance than conventional cars. Although hybrid cars are a little bit expensive than ordinary cars, they are more economical in the long run. Sooner or later, the prices of hybrid cars will decrease. When that time comes, they will be affordable for anyone.

Article Source: The Benefits Of A Hybrid Car
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Rebuild Your Prius Battery

Hybrids Don't Have any Power and Are Uncomfortable, Right?

I was listening to a guy talking about cars the other day on some television show. He repeated what I had heard many other times from people who do not own, and, apparently, do NOT want to own a hybrid car.

In essence, he stated that hybrid cars did not have any speed or power and were tiny, uncomforable "teardrops".

Well, I HAVE owned a Toyota Prius since 2006, and I'll have to give him the "teardrop" thing.

However, I have driven my car for over 115,000 miles, including on a three-week trip from Texas to California and back, several Dallas to Atlanta shots, and several trips down to the coast. I have driven it over all kinds of environments and in all sorts of traffic situations. I have passed sports cars and semi's (which I used to drive and teach people to drive).

I have cruised for miles at 75 miles an hour, climbed mountains, and used acceleration to zip out of harm's way.

Over the years, several people have stopped my wife and myself in parking lots to talk to us about our Toyota Prius. We often let them sit in the car, and they are generally amazed to learn, despite the "teardrop" appearance, and small outer dimensions of the car, how much room there is inside.

Not only roomy, but one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned.

Take that, talk show guy!
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Beyond Hybrid Cars - The Air Car

Alternative Fuels - Air Car, the First Car That Runs on Compressed Air and Biofuels
By Bob Randooke

Our country has been in troubled economic times for the past year now and almost no one is immune to this recession. It is common knowledge that high oil prices, mortgage debt problems and the war in Iraq helped to get us into these troubled times but the the problem is we as a nation depend too much on oil and the oil companies to help satisfy our addiction for quick energy. Another problem is global warming. Many studies have been done that have shown that burning fossil fuels (fuels made from the fossils of animals) contribute significantly to global warming because they increase greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Also there are many leading experts that are saying we are nearing peak oil levels which means that the production of oil has neared to a point where it will level off. Combine this with the fact that oil demands among the new powerhouse nations like China and India are increasing at astronomical rates you can begin to see the urgency for us to start researching alternative biofuels that will help us solve the global warming problem and also give us cheaper fuels sources that we can easily duplicate.

One incredible new alternative energy source for use in automobiles is the Air Engine. It is an engine that works by expanding compressed air and this releases energy. This method is not really anything new and has actually been around for a few centuries but the technology is starting to become very efficient during the last few years. A company called Zero Pollution Motors has been working on a car that runs on air and a combination of either ethanol or most kinds of biofuels. Theoretically this air car could have a range of between 750 to 950 miles based on a single tank of air and 8.2 gallons of biofuel. This is an exciting new kind of vehicle with the potential to have zero emissions which would be awesome for our atmosphere as well. ZPM says that they will have the air car into the market by sometime in 2010. Imagine having your very own car that runs on air and has a range of just under 1000 miles per fillup. Alot of people are looking at the Chevy volt all electric vehicle as our savior but with this air car it will utilize biofuels in a way that will not only help us end ourt dependency on oil but also give our atmosphere some breathing room to get out of the danger zone of global warming.

About the Author

I love writing about alternative fuel sources such as Biofuel and car that run on air. You can read about the newest advances in biofuels at http://www.biofuelguide.net which is updated regularly with the newest , most exciting biofuel technologies coming out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Randooke
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-Fuels---Air-Car,-the-First-Car-That-Runs-on-Compressed-Air-and-Biofuels&id=1950314

Hybrid Cars

Hybrid Cars - The Incentives

Want a Hybrid? Don't Forget the Incentives!
By Matthew Keegan

The lowest gas prices in five years has taken the sting out of filling up, but very few people believe that current price levels will be sustained. In all likelihood as we move closer to summer, demand will increase and prices with it as supply is cut back to meet current consumption. Add in that our current political leadership is eager to raise taxes on gasoline to encourage you to drive more economical cars and you could end up with gas priced above three dollars a gallon.

One way that consumers are battling the high cost of a fill up is to choose a hybrid vehicle. Powered by a combination of a battery and a gas engine, most hybrids deliver exceptional fuel economy while reducing the amount of exhaust fumes down to a minimum. Many of the hybrid models on the market in 2009 deliver fuel economy above forty miles to the gallon, well higher than what most gasoline powered cars offer.

But there is a huge drawback to most hybrid vehicles which makes this type of purchase an unprofitable one for most buyers: they carry a price premium that may never be fully recovered. True, if you drive twenty thousand miles or more annually, plan on keeping your car for at least ten years, and gas prices return to higher levels, you may recoup your costs. But, that five to ten thousand dollar price premium can be a bit hard to swallow, a problem for cash strapped consumers.

There is one way that consumers can still buy a hybrid vehicle without busting their budget: federal tax credits. It is a convoluted system where buyers can get a credit of as much as $3400 per vehicle provided that the manufacturer hasn't sold its allotment of 60,000 hybrids. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), beginning on January 1, 2006, has allowed buyers of select hybrid and lean-burn engine vehicles to obtain a credit, but that credit is phased out as manufacturers draw closer to their 60,000 vehicle limit. Once the limit has been reached, then no credit is available.

Thus, if you are planning to buy a 2009 Toyota Prius, your credit is now $0 because Toyota has far surpassed that threshold. On the other hand, if you plan to purchase a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (available Spring 2009) you'll be eligible for the full $3400 because it is an all new model for Ford. Oh, by the way, that $3400 figure is for the most fuel efficient hybrids; some vehicles have a lower credit - for example the 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid credit is $1550 - because it isn't as fuel efficient as the Ford.

Some states and municipalities offer credits too. If you reside in an area where relief is offered, you can usually take that additional credit to help you save more money. Log on to your state's website and do a search for "alternative fuel vehicle" to see if a program is currently available and what requirements are in place in order to receive a tax credit or rebate.

Oh, by the way, it is IRS Form 8910 - Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit - which will help you determine if your vehicle is eligible and at what cost. A good tax program will walk you through filling out the form.

Driving a gas-electric hybrid is a desirable option for some drivers. Find out what assistance is available to you may be able to shave thousands of dollars off of the cost of owning one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Mitsubishi Evolution camshafts and Ford F250 roll pans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Want-a-Hybrid?-Dont-Forget-the-Incentives!&id=1938942

Hybrid Cars

Facts About Hybrid Car Battery Packs

Facts About Hybrid Car Battery Packs
By Wendy Gorman

When considering the potential purchase of a hybrid car for the first time, most people hesitate slightly in the knowledge that under the hood, hybrid cars are somewhat different from conventional gasoline powered cars. Most people are aware that hybrid cars have battery-powered motors and this brings to the surface one or two uncertainties. It would therefore be advantageous to look more closely at the facts about battery packs used in modern hybrid cars.

Hybrid car battery packs should never need replacing

Unlike batteries in conventional cars, which need replacing every three or four years, hybrid car battery packs are warranted for between eight and ten years. They not only can last much longer but usually outlast the life of the rest of the car. In terms of mileage, they are designed to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, which in today's terms is way beyond the life expectancy of the normal car.

Hybrid batteries are designed to be recyclable

In conventional cars, the batteries utilise rechargeable Nickel Cadmium elements that when disposed of give some toxic waste concerns. The design of hybrid car batteries utilises a NiMH construction that is fully recyclable and produce much reduced toxic waste effects.

Hybrid batteries contain hundreds of cells

Conventional car batteries have very few cells and the deterioration of any one of them can have a catastrophic effect on performance. Hybrid car batteries are constructed with hundreds of cells, which at first glance would indicate a problem of complexity and possibly less reliability. Modern construction methods ensure this is not the case and in fact the sheer number of cells means that should one or two deteriorate, over all performance remains relatively unaffected. This is clearly reflected in the length of warranty the battery manufacturers are prepared to give and should therefore give rise to no anxiety when purchasing a hybrid car.

The rate of hyrid car battery pack failure is negligible

The battery failure rate on hybrid cars in normal use is so low its difficult to quantify. Where a faulty or failing battery has been produced, it will usually be found before you take delivery from the dealer. Toyota has issued statistics that show some of its hybrid battery packs have lasted for over 300,000 miles. All of this once again is reflected in the length of warranty given by the manufacturers.

No need to budget for replacement hybrid battery costs

Once again this comes back to the fact that warranties are for eight to ten years and the fact that batteries are known to last for hundreds of thousands of miles. The U.S. Department of Energy commenced tests to show the decline in power of hybrid car battery packs over distance in use. It actually terminated its testing when after 160,000 miles it could detect no discernable drop in battery capacity and described the performance still to be 'as new'.

Hybrid battery packs have still to be fully developed

All auto manufacturers and their suppliers have continuing development programs and hybrid battery packs are no exception. The battery industry is targeting new technology in order to produce more powerful and more efficient battery capacity, reduced manufacturing costs and therefore lower prices, together with extending even further the efficient working life of the battery pack.

After the warranty period you can still refurbish a hybrid battery pack

So, somewhere down the line you own a hybrid car more than ten years old with more than 200,000 miles on the clock and the battery pack starts playing up. No problems. You can just refurbish the battery pack. The hundreds of cells within the packs are divided up into 28 separate modules. All you have to do is replace the faulty module with a non-faulty one from another pack of similar mileage and age. The latter point is essential as the replacement cells have to have the same chemical performance as the ones in the other 27 modules.

Taking into account the above facts, it can be seen that there should be little cause for anxiety about battery packs when contemplating the purchase of a hybrid car.

Wendy Gorman is an accomplished author and niche website developer. She is committed to exploring the question what is a hybrid car and also to explain how to buy a hybrid car. Visit her sites now to better understand the hybrid car marketplace and its future.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Gorman http://EzineArticles.com/?Facts-About-Hybrid-Car-Battery-Packs&id=1545885

Learn more about hybrid car technology at http://lube2005.com/hybrid_cars/basic_technology_of_hybrid_vehicles.html.

Save even more money with your hybrid car when you use AMSOIL synthetic motor oil.

Generating Homemade Energy

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have started a new blog called Generating Homemade Energy.

This blog was originally intended to cover hybrid cars and alternative fuels, such as E85 and Biodiesel, and began to evolve to cover all things related to energy, including solar and wind power, and I felt it was beginning to range too far afield. In an attempt to rein it in a little I started my new blog, Generating Homemade Energy. which will concentrate more on alternative forms of energy for the home.

This blog will retain its focus on hybrid cars and alternative fuels, and automotive technology such as electric cars, hydrogen cars, and compressed air cars.

Hybrid Cars

What the HECK's Up with Hybrid Hummers?

For over a decade, Dr. Ali Emadi of Illinois Institute of Technology, has pioneered research and aided in the development of technology intended to improve the value of the hybrid car. In the process of this work, his research lab has developed a superior hybrid car electric system that is designed as a retrofit for large vehicles that are already in use, such as SUVs and Hummers.

His team calls the "Hybrid Electric Conversion Kit", "HECK", as in, "What the HECK's going on with hybrid cars, Doc?"

The HECK system is designed to use off-the-shelf components and Dr. Emadi believes that governmental agencies and the military in particular will benefit through increased fuel economy and better overall performance of vehicles retrofitted with their kit.

Did you know that hybrid cars can use AMSOIL synthetic motor oil?

Hybrid Cars

The Advantages of A Hybrid Car

With the cost of fuel the way it is and the damage that pollution from cars brings to our environment, hybrid cars are presently considered as very beneficial to the health preservation of the environment. The reason behind this is that hybrid cars do not depend mainly on fossil fuel for power. They also make use of self-generated electricity. This results in a smaller amount of fuel consumption and less pollution being emitted into the air.

A hybrid car combines an electric motor and gasoline engine to provide sufficient power to the vehicle with less fuel usage and fewer emissions than a normal internal combustion engine powered car. They are therefore far more fuel efficient than purely gas powered cars, and far more practical for everyday use than purely electric powered cars. Combining the two sources of power, hence the name "hybrid", a vehicle is then created that is relatively much less polluting and will lead to less fuel consumption. The gasoline engine means it possesses enough power to have freeway speeds that does not need too much fuel, but is also great for stop and go driving in heavy traffic areas because of the electric motor.

The hybrid car was created due to the result of a public and political demand to clean up the environment from pollutions and for the need to rely less on fossil fuel. Plugging the hybrid into an electric outlet is not necessary to recharge the batter.They charge themselves by means of power usually lost during coasting and braking (regenerative braking - done by reversing the electric motor, thus making it into a generator whose torque provides electricity back to the battery) and can also be charged by the car’s gasoline engine.

It can offer more benefits than the usual regular gasoline engine type cars. Here is a list of the many advantages hybrid cars offers.

1. Less Pollution

It is a fact that the continuous damage to our ozone layer is due to the greenhouse effect, and one of the factors that contributes to its damage is pollution in the air, in which dangerous chemicals are transferred to the air, such as carbon dioxide which is emitted by vehicles. The measure of carbon dioxide emitted by the hybrid vehicle is principally relative to the quantity of fuel it consumes; thus hybrid cars can absolutely be a contributing factor in lessening the advancement of global warming since they use half or less fuel than a conventional car.

With the use of hybrid cars, less fuel is consumed because hybrid cars do not totally use gas in order to operate, but also make use of electricity from an internal power source that doesn't bring any danger to the environment.

2. More Mileage With Less Fuel Consumption

The most obvious advantage of a hybrid car is that it saves on gas. With the use of hybrid cars, you are able to save money on gas because you don’t need to buy gas after every long trip as a hybrid in general gets twice the gas mileage of an equivalent gasoline powered vehicle.

3. Hybrid Cars Can Help Lower Your Taxes

Tax rebates are given to some hybrid cars buyers at the federal level, and some states also have additional incentives. In California, for example, a hybrid with only one passenger can get a pass to operate in the HOV lane. So if you buy a hybrid car your tax refunds can be withheld from your taxes and will provide you with additional savings or you may get other benefits depending on where you live.

4. Your Money Gains More Value

A hybrid car can return a higher resale value. If you ever want to trade or sell a previously owned hybrid car you can be sure that you will get more of what you paid for it than with a conventional vehicle.

5. Efficiency And Performance Are What Defines Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars generally have smaller engines than the regular gasoline cars since the power is obtained from two sources, so the smaller engines are closer to the normal power necessity of engines that will give an efficient performance, especially at highway speeds. After all, at those speeds only a small engine is needed to maintain the car's speed whereas a heavier engine is needed to get fast starts and provide power in cars designed with less fuel economy in mind.

6. “Hybrid Car Technology” Is The Greatest Currently Available Solution To Today's Air Pollution Problems

Hybrid cars use less fuel and incorporate a groundbreaking technology that helps diminish possible damages to the environment caused by conventional vehicles.

Despite these many advantages, there is one thing to be considered regarding the hybrid car. Its actual price in the market is not yet as affordable to a lot of people as a conventional vehicle, but it is an investment that will pay a hundred fold. Also, as time goes by, more and more companies are manufacturing hybrid cars and this will help eventually to lower the price on some models, and more used hybrids will become available. The hybrid is gaining in popularity. I just passed a house yesterday that had two brand new Toyota Prius Hybrid cars in the driveway.

OTHER NEWS:

Did you know that using synthetic motor oil can help prolong the life of your car, snowmobile, or RV while helping you save money on gas and maintenance.