For anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new hybrid cars are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrids are now being made by more manufacturers than ever.
Although hybrids cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new car.
Smaller, More Efficient Engines
The hybrid's fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic engine shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid's engine temporarily shuts off. The engine restarts automatically when the car is put back in gear.
Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gasoline engine backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the car is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.
With this collection of advanced fuel efficiency features, hybrids can outperform conventional cars in several arenas.
Environmental Friendliness
Another reason hybrids are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less pollution than other, non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.
Many hybrids use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrids also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated power management that contributes to fuel efficiency.
Popularity Enhances Styles And Choices
More makes and models are now being offered as the popularity of hybrid cars continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.
You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrid cars on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.
Tax Incentives Available
People who buy hybrids can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2006. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer hybrid car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid cars a good buy.
Fuel Efficiency Becomes A Reality
Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrids first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.
It's been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.
Visit Hybrid Cars to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at Website
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_King
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles in North America
According to the United Sates Department of Energy, these are the most fuel efficient vehicles in their respective classes.
Most fuel-efficient vehicle overall - Honda Insight hybrid (60 mpg city / 66 mpg highway) Once again the Honda Insight hybrid has taken top honors as being North America's most fuel-efficient vehicle. With a 1.0 gas engine mated to an electric motor, the Insight produces 71 horsepower. The Insight was designed to make the most of that power using low resistance tires and by having a co-efficient of drag of .25 (the lower the number the better a vehicle is able to cut through the wind. A typical family sedan has a co-efficient of drag of about .31). The Insight's shortcomings include a cramped interior, seating for two, and oddball styling.
Most fuel-efficient mid-size car - Toyota Prius hybrid (60 mpg city / 51 mpg highway) Unlike the Honda Insight, the Prius is capable of carrying 5 people plus their gear. The Prius generates a total of 110hp from its gasoline engine and its electric motor. Now in its second generation, the Prius makes few compromises to passenger comfort. The sleek shape yields a low co-efficient of drag (.26) but Toyota has managed to do this with a larger, more driver friendly vehicle than the Honda Insight.
Most fuel-efficient compact car - Honda Civic hybrid (49 mpg city, 51 mpg highway) Touted as being North America's cheapest hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid takes the great design of the regular Civic and makes it even more efficient. With a total output of 110hp, the Civic hybrid is very competitive for its class. The hybrid version of the Civic costs about $5000 more than basic sedan but it includes many more standard features, and some features (like automatic climate control) that are not available on the regular Civic for any price.
Most fuel-efficient subcompact car - Volkswagen New Beetle diesel (37 mpg city / 44 mpg highway) The New Beetle diesel stays on the list even in the face of an onslaught of hybrid offerings. Making 100hp, the New Beetle diesel may not sound all that powerful but the 177 lb-ft of torque will shame every other vehicle on the list. Of course diesels still pollute more than hybrids but they offer few compromises and their long-term reliability and durability is rock solid, something that cannot yet be said for hybrid vehicles.
Most fuel-efficient small station wagon - Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix (30 mpg city / 36 mpg highway) The Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are the result of a joint venture of Toyota and General Motors. Both vehicles come equipped with Toyota engines but much of the design and engineering came from General Motors. The Matrix and Vibe are versatile vehicles suited to adventurous, active lifestyles. With a fuel-efficient 1.8L 4-cylinder producing 126hp, the Matrix and Vibe are not going to win many street races but they make up for it in smoothness, efficiency, and refinement.
Most fuel-efficient large car - Hyundai Sonata (24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway) The Sonata is the surprise of the list beating out tough competition to be rated as the most fuel-efficient large car. The 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is smooth and relatively powerful. Unfortunately, the suspension is soft, geared more towards comfort than handling. A BMW this is not. Build quality is great, clearly showing that Hyundai is no longer a second rate manufacturer. This car is all about comfort and efficiency, a formula that worked wonders for the Toyota Camry.
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for all-about-car-selection.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J.H._Johnson
Most fuel-efficient vehicle overall - Honda Insight hybrid (60 mpg city / 66 mpg highway) Once again the Honda Insight hybrid has taken top honors as being North America's most fuel-efficient vehicle. With a 1.0 gas engine mated to an electric motor, the Insight produces 71 horsepower. The Insight was designed to make the most of that power using low resistance tires and by having a co-efficient of drag of .25 (the lower the number the better a vehicle is able to cut through the wind. A typical family sedan has a co-efficient of drag of about .31). The Insight's shortcomings include a cramped interior, seating for two, and oddball styling.
Most fuel-efficient mid-size car - Toyota Prius hybrid (60 mpg city / 51 mpg highway) Unlike the Honda Insight, the Prius is capable of carrying 5 people plus their gear. The Prius generates a total of 110hp from its gasoline engine and its electric motor. Now in its second generation, the Prius makes few compromises to passenger comfort. The sleek shape yields a low co-efficient of drag (.26) but Toyota has managed to do this with a larger, more driver friendly vehicle than the Honda Insight.
Most fuel-efficient compact car - Honda Civic hybrid (49 mpg city, 51 mpg highway) Touted as being North America's cheapest hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid takes the great design of the regular Civic and makes it even more efficient. With a total output of 110hp, the Civic hybrid is very competitive for its class. The hybrid version of the Civic costs about $5000 more than basic sedan but it includes many more standard features, and some features (like automatic climate control) that are not available on the regular Civic for any price.
Most fuel-efficient subcompact car - Volkswagen New Beetle diesel (37 mpg city / 44 mpg highway) The New Beetle diesel stays on the list even in the face of an onslaught of hybrid offerings. Making 100hp, the New Beetle diesel may not sound all that powerful but the 177 lb-ft of torque will shame every other vehicle on the list. Of course diesels still pollute more than hybrids but they offer few compromises and their long-term reliability and durability is rock solid, something that cannot yet be said for hybrid vehicles.
Most fuel-efficient small station wagon - Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix (30 mpg city / 36 mpg highway) The Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are the result of a joint venture of Toyota and General Motors. Both vehicles come equipped with Toyota engines but much of the design and engineering came from General Motors. The Matrix and Vibe are versatile vehicles suited to adventurous, active lifestyles. With a fuel-efficient 1.8L 4-cylinder producing 126hp, the Matrix and Vibe are not going to win many street races but they make up for it in smoothness, efficiency, and refinement.
Most fuel-efficient large car - Hyundai Sonata (24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway) The Sonata is the surprise of the list beating out tough competition to be rated as the most fuel-efficient large car. The 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is smooth and relatively powerful. Unfortunately, the suspension is soft, geared more towards comfort than handling. A BMW this is not. Build quality is great, clearly showing that Hyundai is no longer a second rate manufacturer. This car is all about comfort and efficiency, a formula that worked wonders for the Toyota Camry.
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for all-about-car-selection.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J.H._Johnson
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