More Money in your Pocket? – Hybrid Vehicles Gas up Less Often

Gas prices all over the world have been soaring for years, giving drivers no other option than to pay the high prices. With more people driving vehicles that require more gas on a weekly basis, the rise in prices in being felt financially. Although experts agree that the rise in gas prices are not significant enough to deter consumers from driving their big trucks and sports utility vehicles, the thrifty spender may see things differently. A popular option for those looking for a cheaper way to travel is the hybrid vehicle.

The “hybrid” is something of mixed origin or composition by definition. A hybrid vehicle is one that has both a gasoline engine and an electric engine in which it operates upon. The gasoline engine is often smaller than in regular vehicles, allowing the electric motor to compensate with energy. A high-voltage battery charges the electric motor when the car is parked. Today’s hybrid vehicles can operate using either engine or both at the same time. This efficient system is great for the environment and even better for your pocket book.

With hybrid vehicles running on both a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor, they do not require as much gasoline as regular vehicles. Most hybrid vehicles average around 50 mpg, which is amazing when compared to conventional gasoline engine vehicles. The incredible gas mileage is one reason hybrids are being thrust to the front of the industry during the soaring gas prices. On another note, since hybrids burn less gasoline than most vehicles, they also emit fewer pollutants. Studies show they are 90% cleaner than a conventional automobile. The small and efficient engines also help reduce their total exhaust emissions, making them not only financially wise choices but also environmentally wise choices.

The fact that hybrids have two engines that work together to get the most efficient results in vehicle travel is the main reason why hybrids get great gas mileage. There are a few other minor reasons that also contribute however. Most hybrids are being sold with low-rolling resistance tires included. These tires are named as such because they have proven to roll easily on the road. The easily rolling measurement also means that they minimize the energy used by the tire. With the tires using less energy, they are allowing the car to be more efficient and in turn get better gas mileage. Studies have shown that hybrids with low-rolling resistant tires have saved drivers an average of 6% more on gasoline usage.

The average driver of a sports utility vehicle may complain of spending up to $50 a week on gasoline for their vehicle. These drivers are those they have only traveled in their own town during the week. An average hybrid driver estimates they spend less than $20 a week in gas for their hybrid. This is due to the fact that hybrids get better mpg than conventional gasoline powered cars. Different models of hybrids will in fact get different mpg rates.

Charts show that if you own a vehicle that gets 21 mpg, you will spend an average of $8,500 a year on gasoline. If you own a hybrid that gets 46 mpg, you will save over $4,600 a year, spending only $3,900 on gasoline. Buying a hybrid that gets 55 mpg or more, you will save between $500 and $1000 more a year compared to a 46mpg hybrid. These facts are enough to make conventional SUV owners want to run toward a hybrid.

If you are tired of paying way too much at the pump, then you should certainly consider an alternative form of transportation. You can choose to ride your bike, take a city bus, or carpool. The most luxurious option however is to purchase a hybrid. There are many different models of hybrids offered at this time. There are many more models coming out soon. Many hybrid models have distinct looks, while others, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid will have a typical “Camry” look. No matter what styles and models you like, there is something in a hybrid option for you. hybrid vehicles

Plug It in-The Basics of a Plug-In Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), also called a gas-electric hybrid fueled vehicle, is an automobile that is equipped with an extra battery, and also has the ability to be recharged from an exterior electrical outlet. Car owners will have the choice to plug the hybrid in, but will not be required to for operation, as the gas engine is still available. The plug-in hybrid is known for its numerous economical, as well as efficiency advantages over traditional non-hybrid automobiles. Plug-in hybrids are commonly used for short road trips of a constant speed. Because these vehicles do not require the use of an internal combustion engine, and the gasoline engine is only used when absolutely necessary, they are great fuel savers.

Emission Standards.....How do hybrid vehicles perform? Part 2

As stated eariler(Part 1) greenhouse gasses, particulate matter and carbon monoxide is being released into the air every time we drive in our car. Sitting in traffic during rush-hour or at the drive-through lets one sit in a stew of toxic chemicals. All of these chemicals, gases and particles are being cut in half, or by triple, with the purchase of hybrid vehicles . Because more and more people are becoming interested in what the EPA has to say about global warming, harmful effects on the human body, and general pollution by regular cars, makers are coming out with better and better hybrid vehicles. Each year, makers like Toyota, Honda, Ford and soon GM, Saturn and Mazda, are improving the gas mileage performance of the hybrid models which directly affect how much emissions will get into the air and produce fatal results.

The EPA and other environmentally minded groups are supporting the production of hybrids simply by getting the results of their studies to consumers. Special ratings are being given to hybrid vehicles. For example, a ULEV rating indicates ultra-low-emissions-vehicle and SLEV is a super-low-emissions-vehicle. All of the hybrids are receiving these ultra or super-low emissions ratings from the EPA, while their non-hybrid counterparts are still receiving below average ratings for air pollution emissions.

Emission Standards.....How do hybrid vehicles perform? Part 1

A close look at the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) will make most people wonder why we have all not been forced to purchase hybrid vehicles. The mileage performance of the Honda Insight, which gets into the high sixties at times, should be enough incentive to get one to purchase it, without even looking at the EPA ratings. The truth is that the more gas one uses, the more emissions and air pollution you put into the air. The way to counteract the hazardous effects of gas guzzling vehicles is of course, the combination of electric and gas power. The performance of hybrids in the environmental department is not just cutting pollution by a few percentages. Some hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, are cutting numbers by a staggering 90%. It seems that the combination of electric with gas power, has not been totally perfected, but it is taking emissions standards to an unthought-of level.
Hybrid vehicles are showing what regular gas cars really are because they so vastly bypass them in emissions ratings. One-third of the world’s pollution is directly caused by cars. The burning of fuel in regular cars actually puts tons of toxic chemicals into the air. The worst of these chemicals is carbon dioxide. This is the gas which is being linked to possible global warming. Driving a Toyota Prius cuts the tons of carbon dioxide being released into the air by half. Another chemical which some studies show contributes to global warming is nitrogen oxide. This has also been known to cause lung irritation and acid rain. Driving a hybrid has been known to cut emissions of nitrogen oxide by more than half. Hydrocarbons affect the human body to catastrophic results. Birth defects and cancer have been linked to the release of hydrocarbons into the air. Honda’s hybrids have cut emissions of hydrocarbons by more than two-thirds.