Hybrid Cars – Technology Of The Future Or Passing Fad?

Leave a Comment 

Hybrid Cars – Technology Of The Future Or Passing Fad?

Hybrid cars have been getting a lot of buzz the last three or four years, and now with the soaring cost of oil and gasoline, hybrids are expected to get hotter than ever. Here are some Questions and Answers about hybrids.

1. What is a hybrid car?

A vehicle is a hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power. Hybrid cars almost always have a gasoline engine and an auxiliary electric motor system that runs off rechargeable batteries.

We normally assume that the point of hybridization is to save fuel, and that is definitely the case with most of the smaller compacts and sedans. But in fact some of the more upscale hybrid models are more concerned with boosting power and “performance” without the usual loss in fuel efficiency.

2. Do you have to plug your hybrid in at night?

You may assume because a hybrid car runs part of the time off its battery pack, that it is necessary to plug it in at night and recharge the batteries (like a golf cart!). But this is almost never the case. Hybrid cars recharge their batteries “on the fly” by making use of unused energy which is normally wasted during normal driving.

For instance, most have a system that captures some of the energy used while applying the brakes, and converts it to electrical energy to charge the battery. This is called “regenerative braking”.

If hybrids had larger battery packs that you could plug into the electricity grid, they would be able to transfer more of the vehicle’s power requirements over to the electric motor(s), and use even less gasoline. But most auto makers have been unwilling to go this route, arguing that today’s batteries could not take the extra load and more extensive usage.

3. Do you have to replace the batteries?

The short answer is No. Hybrid batteries typically have an 80,000 – 100,000 mile warranty. The U.S. Department of Energy tested them to 160,000 miles and stopped testing because they still performed almost like they were brand new. Some taxi drivers have gone more than 200,000 miles in a Toyota Prius without battery problems.

In any event, since hybrid battery packs have hundreds of cells, individual cells or modules could be replaced if there was a problem.

The best way to keep nickel metal hydride batteries performing at their peak is to keep their charge between 40% and 60% — never fully charged and never fully drained to zero power.

4. How long have hybrids been around?

Alternatives to the ICE (internal combustion engine) in automobiles have been around since at least 1900. The first patent for a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle was filed in 1905. Alternative fuel sources were wiped out as a result of two things. First was the development of the electric self-starter (in 1913) that made gasoline driven cars much easier to start.

The second development was the advent of the age of cheap oil that started around the time of the first World War. This completely removed the economic incentive to look for alternative fuel sources. This is only starting to change now, 80 years later.

5. Are hybrids expensive to purchase?

In January, 2006, there were 10 different hybrid models available from ,000 to ,000. The most popular models — the Insight, Civic, and Prius — are less than ,000. According to auto maker announcements there should be more than 50 models available by 2010. As sales and production increase the prices should not be significantly more than for standard ICE models.

Even with the slightly higher average cost for a hybrid — usually around ,000 — these additional initial costs can be offset by federal and state tax incentives, lower maintenance costs, and exceptionally strong resale values.

6. Are hybrids small and underpowered?

Initial hybrid models emphasized fuel economy, so were much lighter vehicles, and had smaller engines. The objective was to offset the loss of power in the ICE with additional power from the electric motor. This would result in essentially the same level of power while burning less fuel.

But this principle does not have to result in underpowered vehicles. In fact the Lexus Rx400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid both have a 270 horsepower power system. And the Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan is expected to have more than 300 horsepower and go 0-to-60 in less than six seconds. Taking the quest for hybrid power even further, the Toyota Volta concept venicle has a 408 hp power plant.

7. What is the main reason people buy hybrid vehicles?

Saving money on fuel is the first thing most buyers think of. But, in fact, the amount saved on fuel over the life of the vehicle may not equal the extra purchase cost of the hybrid.

There are obviously other factors at play in the gradually building popularity of hybrids. Some people want to make a “green” statement, others simply want to be the first on the block with a new and promising technology.

8. Will hybrid technology save the environment?

There’s no doubt about it. Hybrids are becoming more popular. In the past five years hybrid sales in the U.S. have grown 2000 percent. Sales in 2000 were 9,500, and by the end of 2005 had grown to over 200,000.

But even this larger number is just 1.2% of the 17 million new cars sold last year. If every hybrid gave double the current fuel economy, from an average of 20 mpg to, say, 40 mpg, that would save roughly 100,000 gallons of gasoline a day. But that amount pales in comparison to the total daily gasoline consumption in the U.S. — 400 million gallons! The savings of 100,000 gallons would bring that number all the way down to … 399,900,000 gallons.

Not very significant. Obviously governments and auto makers will have to start getting very serious about hybrid technology before it will make a significant difference.

9. Does that mean hybrid technology is only a fad?

No it does not. Because the only way towards a sustainable future is to find a combination of fuels that will reduce our almost total dependence on oil. Hydrogen fueled vehicles will be part of that future, as will fuel cells, deisel, and alternative fuels such as ethanol.

But what is almost certain is that every promising solution will involve some kind of hybrid combination of technologies. So today’s hybrid vehicles are an important and necessary step towards a much more promising and sustainable future.

Hybrid Car Rental

7 Comments 

Hybrid Car Rental

As to date, an increase of 50% on hybrid car demand has been observed since it entered mainstream market. It’s no surprise how much of an effect they have had on the average driver and consumer but it seems that hybrid is definitely the future of the automobile industry; so much so, in fact, that it’s also not a shock to see hybrid car rental companies sprouting up here and there.

On the Rise

Long before the introduction of electric hybrid, car rental companies that support environment friendly vehicles have been around already. They were renting out other vehicles that were either purely electric or were using power sources other than the fuel and electric combination as well as the conventional gas-powered cars as well. As soon as hybrid electric vehicles were introduced, it was inevitable for these companies to add them to their rosters as well.

Advantage

With the growing popularity of hybrid electric vehicles, it’s just as well that these hybrid car rental agencies do exist. For the consumer, it will be a good opportunity to test out a hybrid before making the decision to purchasing to own one. By renting one out for a week or so, a person will be able to determine if the hybrid electric definitely will do what manufacturers say it will do.

]]>

Hybrid cars can differ in some of the vehicle’s aspects. The concept behind the technology may be the same for all manufacturers but there are a few key differences between hybrid models released by various car companies.

Savings

These hybrid car rental companies also makes touring more convenient for travelers. Travelers who do use hybrid cars will most definitely be spending much less on gas since hybrid electric vehicles can run for much longer on lesser amounts of gas.

In the long run, if this trend remains, hybrid electric cars will do much better than their gas-dependent counterparts as far as car rentals are concerned. This also means that car rental agencies that do rent out hybrid vehicles will probably rent them out at even cheaper prices since fuel rates will not be too much of a concern for them.

Maintenance for hybrid cars is also easier because it does not have too many mechanical engine parts under the hood. Since they are simple and get the job done more efficiently and in an eco-friendly way, consumers not only save money, but they end up saving the world from hazardous carbon dioxide emissions as well.

To date, there are only a few listings of hybrid car rental companies but the list is expected to rise with the demand. Perhaps through these hybrid car rental agencies, people will learn to appreciate hybrid vehicles even more which will hopefully lead to their use over gas guzzlers in the city streets and highways.

5 Questions About Hybrid Cars

2 Comments 

5 Questions About Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are getting more and more popular each day. But still we don’t know many things about them. Here are the most frequently asked questions.

1. Why are hybrid cars becoming so popular?

With the price of gasoline hiking up to astronomic proportions, a lot of motorists are resorting to different ways to save on fuel. Some of them use alternative diesel. Others resort to using bikes, which can also contribute to the clean air program.

Some who cannot do away with their rides, however, chose to buy hybrid vehicles.

2. What exactly is a hybrid car?

Primarily, a gasoline-electric hybrid car is a combination of an electric car and a gasoline-run vehicle. To make things clearer, it is first necessary to distinguish the characteristics of those two kinds.

A gas-powered vehicle is equipped with fuel tanks, which gives gasoline to the engine. The engine operates the transmission, and the transmission operates the wheels.

3. What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?

An electric car is equipped with a set of batteries which gives electric power to a motor. The motor then operates the transmission and the wheels.

Now the hybrid car is a mix of the two. The reputation of hybrids is that they add to the car’s mileage with fewer emissions usually coming from cars run by gasoline, while eliminating more or less the disadvantages that comes with electric cars.

Motorists usually take three considerations in mind when judging the usability of a vehicle. These are:

-it should run at three-hundred miles at least between fuel stops.

-Should be easily refueled, in the minimum amount of time.

-It should catch up with the other vehicles zooming on the road.

The thing is, a gasoline-powered car has all these features, but it produces lots of emission plus the mileage is poor. On the other hand, an electric car gives off almost zero pollution, but the speed is relatively slow, and can only run 50-100 miles between battery charges.

4. What are the parts of hybrid cars?

a. Gasoline engine

Compared to the engine of other cars, hybrids use smaller ones and is more technically advanced in order to maximize fuel and lessen emissions.

b. Fuel tank

This serves as the device for hybrids to store energy for the gasoline engine.

c. Electric motor

The motor present in hybrids is a study in sophistication. It can serve as both generator and motor.

d. Generator

Much like an electric motor, but its only purpose is to provide electrical power.

e. Batteries

Acts as the storage device of energy for electric motors. The advantage of hybrid car motors is that they can charge the batteries with energy as well as get energy supply from them.

f. Transmission

Acts the same as conventional car transmissions.

g. How are the energy sourcecs used in hybrid cars?

There are two ways in combining the energy sources found in hybrid cars. The first one is the parallel hybrid, which is equipped with a fuel tank that provides gasoline to an engine, and a battery set that supplied energy to the electric motor.

The second one is the series hybrid. In contrast, the generator is powered by the gasoline engine, and the generator is capable of either energizing the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that starts up the transmission.

Don?t wait the Electric Cars from the Auto Makers DYSTOCIA. Convert the gas guzzle car to Electric by your own Tech

Leave a Comment 

Don?t wait the Electric Cars from the Auto Makers DYSTOCIA. Convert the gas guzzle car to Electric by your own Tech

Don’t wait the Electric Cars from the Auto Makers DYSTOCIA. Convert the gas guzzle car to Electric by yourself and enjoy the fun and difference right away!

EPOWER CARS LTD is a place to give you all the techs for their electric vehicles, low emission economic vehicle, golf carts and electric vehicle converting systems parts such as: electric motor up to 180HP (240KW) and controller, Lithium batteries or Lead Acid batteries for your EV, Battery Management System for EV,

and sources for how to find a low cost car but in high quality with TOP brand names and convert it to electric. EPOWER CARS LTD gives you all the information to source the parts for EV, and if you need further information for everything about electric vehicle, send e-mail and they will be glad to help you find them.

EPOWER CARS LTD believes that we can’t wait and wait and wait for the electric cars dystocia by the big auto makers, in fact every car driver can convert the gas guzzle car to electric powered vehicle, they have the source for you to learn how to converting tech. Drive an electric vehicle is just on your decision and action. And you will enjoy lots of fun on the whole EV converting projects, not only save money and going green. So what EPOWER CARS LTD tells you is the simple steps everyone can take and change the world: Find a low cost but high quality brand name car, source the proper EV part for your car, and convert by yourself and enjoy your driving in electric. YES, you can make your cars different and look its best in EPOWER CARS LTD.  More: EPOWER CARS LTD has more than 20 years of international trade experience sending their products worldwide and glad to share the regulations of autos with different countries friends. 

 

 

Electric cars in India

4 Comments 

Electric cars in India

<!– @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –>

In the present age of depleting petroleum resources, car manufacturers have realized the importance of using alternate fuels to power cars. Lots of R&D is being done in this direction to come up with a technology so advanced which is both efficient and economical. One of the many solutions that are most likely to influence the future in a big way is the concept of electric cars. A number of automobile companies have developed their variants of electric cars. The concept of electric cars boasts off the idea of eco-friendly beauties across the world.

In India, he pioneer of popular electric cars has been the Reva Electric Car Company, which is a joint venture betweReprint in full with writer’s name, contact information and brief bio.en the Maini Group India and AEV California. The company began functioning in 1994 from Bangalore and soon launched the two-seater electric car we all know as Reva i. With specifications including top sped of 80 kmph, seating capacity of 2 adults and 2 kids, mileage of 80 km (Standard Model), 60km (Higher Models), Reva is available in three variants namely REVAi Standard, REVAi AC and REVAi Classe. This electric car can make it to your garage in Rs. 3.31 lakhs to 5.19 lakhs.

Besides this, other companies like Tata, Mahindra, Hero motors, Mitsubishi, Renault etc have also announced their endeavor to enter this new segment of cars. Tat Indica Vista and Tata Nano are all set to be launched in electric variants very soon. The E-Nano will come in association with Norwegian electric car specialist Miljoebil Grenland and is expected to be launched in 2010. Likewise, Japanese auto giant Mitsubishi is also working on its electric car project with plans using lithium-ion batteries for power. The Mitsubshi e-car would have a motor placed at the back of the car. Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero motors is also planning its electric car by replacing the use of conventional batteries with capacitors for instant charging. The car is expected to be launched by 2013. Watch out for the upcoming era of electric cars in India.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future Of Electric Cars In India

22 Comments 

Future Of Electric Cars In India

Carmakers have realised the importance of using alternate fuels to power cars. Lots of R&D is being done in this direction to come up with a technology so advanced that it is efficient and economical both. One of the many solutions that are most likely to influence the future in a big way is the concept of electric cars.

In India the pioneer of popular electric cars has been the Reva Electric Car Company, which is a joint venture between the Maini Group India and AEV California. The company began functioning in 1994 from Bangalore and soon launched the two-seater electric car we all know as Reva i.

Electric cars that can come to India

What Reva started is now being taken forward by the country’s other major carmakers like Tata Motors. The company showcased a Tata Indica Vista Electric model at the Delhi Auto Expo and is right now showcasing the electric version of the Tata Nano at the Geneva Motor Show. General Motors India, in collaboration with Bangalore based Reva Electric Car Company, is also expected to launch Chevrolet E-Spark during the later months of 2010. Rumours of Nissan coming to India with its electric Leaf are also there. Sources claim that even Ford Motors might have two electric cars – Transit Electric van and Focus to offer by 2011, though nothing is final and confirmed about any of these models making to India. Carmaker Renault also showcased its Renault Twizy two-seater concept electric car at the Delhi Auto Expo. However nothing is clear about Renault’s India plans regarding Twizy.

Major road blocks ahead

The biggest challenge for any electric car company in the country is the lack of infrastructure to support their products. So much so that country’s biggest carmaker Tata Motors is not too keen on bringing Indica and Nano’s electric versions to the country! Prakash Telang, MD, India Operations, was quoted saying, “Infrastructure is a problem and so is the manner in which electricity is produced in India. It’s more about the source of electricity and unless we are assured that we aren’t removing pollution from the roads, only to add those emitted by electric plants, we can’t move into the local market.”

This is not all, high pricing, servicing problems and travel possible only in a limited range are some other key factors that have been hampering the growth of electric cars. However, once these limitations are addressed the future might just belong to these eco-friendly beauties across the world.

Nissan Leaf Might Lose the EPA Fuel Economy Battle Over the 2012 Mitsubishi

2 Comments 

Nissan Leaf Might Lose the EPA Fuel Economy Battle Over the 2012 Mitsubishi

The announcement from Mitsubishi last Thursday stated that its 2012 Mitsubishi i beats the Nissan Leaf in terms of EPA fuel economy and this was based on the numbers that they have.

This announcement can be considered as very timely since the 2012 Mitsubishi i would go on sale this November starting off from the West Coast and followed by a nationwide roll out. Given this, statements that could expose its best feature which is in this case the vehicle’s impressive fuel economy would surely attract more buyers who are currently doing their best to find cars for sale with such a feature.

In addition to this, comparing the fuel consumption of the 2012 Mitsubishi i is more than just a mere challenge on the part of Nissan but also a good way to caught the attention of most car finders who are after for fuel efficient vehicles and encourage them to take out some of the available auto loans just to purchase the Mitsubishi i.

This was probably the way that Mitsubishi would want the launching of its Mitsubishi i to proceed. However, a lot of car experts might be wondering why Mitsubishi’s announcement sounded like the “i “is more fuel efficient compared to the Nissan Leaf.

This claim might be true since the 2012 Mitsubishi i could deliver 126 MGPe or “miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent” when driven in the city while the Nissan Leaf only delivers 106 MPGe. In addition to this, the Mitsubishi i deliver 99 MPGe on the highway while the Leaf is 92 MPGe only.

However, these numbers might be compared directly since the Nissan Leaf has a driving range of 73 miles on a single charge while the Mitsubishi i’s driving range is only 62 miles on a charge making the comparison of the fuel economy of the two vehicles less significant.

In terms of pricing, the 2012 Mitsubishi i is cheaper since it will be sold at a starting price of , 850 and a destination charge of 0 while the Leaf has an MSRP of about , 780. With this price, it is possible that more car finders would prefer buying the Mitsubishi i over the Leaf.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

7 Comments 

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

 

Hybrid cars are great and have a lot of advantages, no doubt about it. Hybrid cars save you gas, therefore keeping your wallet thick! These cars also have less contribution to the greenhouse effect than conventional cars. These are the two biggest pros of a hybrid car. But we all know if something has advantages, it has disadvantages too!

The Price

The biggest disadvantage of hybrid cars is definitely the price! For instance, the 2008 Toyota Camry costs about ,000, while the hybrid version costs almost ,000. That is approximately a ,000 difference, which is a lot of money. Another example is the 2008 Honda Civic with a base price of ,000, while the Civic Hybrid is costs ,000 more. On average, the hybrid version of a car costs between ,000 and ,000 more than the non- hybrid version.

Dangerous in Accidents

Although the electric engine gives you more mileage and helps you save gas, it can be also dangerous in a collision. Most hybrid cars use metal hydride batteries and the high voltage that they store can be really unsafe when the wires are exposed, thus there is a chance the driver will get electrocuted when involved in an accident.

The Battery

As mentioned above, the batteries in hybrid cars can kill theoretically. There are some other issues with the battery. Hybrid car manufacturers include warranties to cover the batteries for 80,000-100,000 miles. The carmakers also say the car’s battery will last forever. But what if something unforeseen happens and the car’s batteries are not under warranty anymore? Unfortunately batteries cost a fortune! The other problem with the batteries is that it needs to be recharged at least every second week. So, if you go to vacation you might need to find a “car-sitter” to take care of your car. Some hybrid car owners also report problems with the battery in cold weather.

Performance

No offense, but most hybrid cars are slow! They have slower acceleration and a lower top-speed than conventional counterparts. If you are in need for speed, hybrid cars won’t satisfy your needs! Hybrid cars will make you drive slow, which is actually not a bad thing!

Despite all these drawbacks, hybrid cars are the way to! Car manufacturers are working to eliminate these disadvantages. I am pretty sure hybrid cars in the near future will be lighter, safer and provide better performance!

 

Electric cars have a difficult future

25 Comments 

Electric cars have a difficult future

Mahindra and Mahindra took over Reva i Electric car company to expand its presence in the electric segment, GM is all set to roll out its electric car Chevrolet Volt, Nissan is ready with the Nissan Leaf that has received phenomenal response in the world market and Tata Motor also displayed the electric version of Tata Nano at various auto expos. The electric car trend is catching up fast across the world and it seems like a greener future is not too far.

But there are a few points related to electric cars that the experts, critics and oil lobbyists like to point out, first one being the lack of proper infrastructure to support too many electric cars. By next year the world is expected to get several hundred thousand electric cars and hybrids. But there are not enough charging stations to support these electric cars. Also, electric cars take time to charge unlike oil driven ones that can be re-fuelled within minutes. A partial charge takes about 30miutes while a full charge can take up to eight hours. The regulatory authorities do not have well developed methods to test electric cars for crash, fire and other hazardous situations. In case of fire, the fire fighting departments need to be well equipped to fight electric fires.

But it is not just the charging stations and car testing authorities that lack infrastructure even our houses are ill equipped. Companies like Nissan plan to send an electrician to ensure there are right fuses and circuit breakers installed but there is still a lot that needs to be done. Even the power supply grids are not capable of handling too much demand for energy at once.

Most importantly there are no strict laws regarding the disposal of car batteries that can become a threat to the same environment electric cars are trying to protect. Lastly, are electric cars feasible in a country like ours where there is always a shortage of electricity for basic use!

Stock Car Racing For The Uninitiated (Car Racing)

Leave a Comment 

Stock Car Racing For The Uninitiated (Car Racing)

Let’s face it: stock car racing looks great fun. Tearing around a track, bashing into other competitors cars like bumper cars on steroids. But the origins of the sport trace back to the 1920s.

Originally, it was gangsters in the prohibition era trying to outrun the police that started things off by racing each other.

The term ‘stock’ cars originally referred to cars that had not been modified in any way from their original manufactured configuration but that definition has become somewhat looser over the years.

In the UK, the sport started in the 1950s with the ever popular ‘banger’ type cars, wrecking each other as they drove round the circuit.

While there are other classes of stock car racing in Britain, it is this class of racing that is the most enduringly popular with the public.

Nowadays, the cars are production models that have been modified for safety. For example, the drivers doors are reinforced, roll over bars are added and windscreens are removed. The pleasure in this type of stock car racing is watching the cars crash into each other as they compete to win.

The race tracks are usually around 440 yards and oval in shape and there can be as many as 250 cars booked to race at any one event. In fact,  the annual “Heavy Metal Classic” event in January at Standlake Arena in Oxfordshire has had over 270 at its peak.

Getting involved in stock car racing is quite easy – you don’t need to spend much on a car after all and the British Stock Association is the first port of call for anyone looking to get into the sport.

If you want to get your feet wet, many gift experience companies have stock car racing days, which would make an ideal birthday gift for the boy racer in your family.

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Recommended Guide