Hybrid cars made big headlines as gas prices soared over three bucks a gallon in the U.S. and even though news reports have touched base on what a Hybrid does, many people still don’t know what a Hybrid is!

What is a Hybrid?

The media has said that a Hybrid is “The Next Generation of Smart Cars”, but a Hybrid is a technologically advanced vehicle that’s designed to be more efficient. A Hybrid is based on a simple concept unlike traditional cars, a Hybrid is lighter and the technology may sound advanced but it’s quite simple. A Hybrid saves driver’s money on gas because they’re not powered by gas alone but they’re powered using electric motors too, which cuts gas usage and air pollution.

What powers a Hybrid?

Technology is the first word that comes to mind when speaking of a Hybrid vehicle because the Hybrid uses a mixture of technology such as an internal combustion engine, batteries, an electric motor, hydrogen and fuel cells.

The electric motor propels the car but the real innovation lies within the internal combustion engine of the Hybrid because it keeps the batteries charged up and even helps out when a driver accelerates, distributing some power.

The fact that the Hybrid is battery, electric and gas operated may sound cool at first but there are other factors!

A few benefits of a Hybrid?

One added benefit…the internal combustion engine in the Hybrid car is much lighter, smaller and considerably more efficient than the one’s found in traditional cars. Not only the over all size and weight of the internal combustion engine is great but the electric motor plays other roles too.

Kinetic energy!

Sounds advanced but actually can be described through the degenerative braking with the Hybrid. When a driver mashes the brake on a Hybrid, the energy from the action partially recharges the batteries and the action is mechanical, leaving the kinetic energy to simply be absorbed as extra heat.

Although the batteries may be higher priced, tires on average are the same as traditional vehicles and there are the electrical aspects, there are more positive points. A Hybrid saves tons of gas; a Hybrid is safer for the environment.

Why’s it called a Hybrid?

Before the Hybrid vehicle hit the streets of America, there was a little debate about the word “Hybrid”. Traditionally “Hybrid” was used to describe a vehicle with a mixed national origin.

A good example would be a European or Japanese car fitted with American components but no one thinks of the Hybrid in that retrospect anymore.

In essence because the Hybrid uses so much technology, now a Hybrid reflects the technological components and of course the technology behind a Hybrid is a worldwide achievement. Carmakers from around the world are producing Hybrids!

Hybrid cars, trucks, SUV’s and even sporty Hybrids will soon be on a street in a neighborhood near you!

How does the Hybrid save gas?

Hybrid’s save gas because they only use gas at specific times like when a driver accelerates or more power is needed and during routine driving. The Hybrid stops using fuel when the Hybrid stops and the Hybrid idles using nothing more than the electric motor.

Experts estimate that a Hybrid can go up to 50% further than a traditional car can on the same take of gas!

In the end…

A Hybrid’s price tag is usually $3000-$7000 higher than a traditional new car and the traditional car battery can be purchased at any auto parts store for about $30-$100 while the batteries for a Hybrid car are slightly higher, anywhere from $1000-$4000.

However the federal government is said to be giving tax breaks to Hybrid owners depending on the tax bracket the tax payer is in and other factors, 2006 may be a great year to get into the “Hybrid state of mind”.

A Hybrid car may be economical but diehard motorists may not find a Hybrid that desirable to drive, a Hybrid does lack the power of a traditional vehicle. Apparently saving money does come with a price!

By: Lisa Gonzalez