- The uncertainty of high gasoline prices has stimulated the appeal of hybrid cars. Their superior fuel economy and low emissions makes hybrid vehicles in high demand with people of all demographics. Currently, there are three types of hybrids cars, series hybrid and parallel hybrids and series/parallel models. The cars are in such high demand the manufacturers are making noises about being able to meet consumer demand in the coming years due to a tighten supply of rare earth metals, according to a report by Reuters.
- Series hybrid cars used electric motors in order to drive the wheels of the vehicle. The power source for the motor may be a battery pack or a generator that is powered by a gasoline engine (engine/generator). A computing device controls the amount of power that flows from the engine/generator or battery. The battery pack is recharged by the engine/generator and by regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is a process that gathers and stores the kinetic energy generated by braking, in the batteries.
- Parallel hybrid cars are vehicles that are powered by electric motors and gasoline engines. They work in unison with computer controls and transmissions to drive the wheels. The battery pack in parallel hybrid cars are generally smaller, and, like the series hybrid, is recharged by regenerative braking. The vehicle's drive motor can be used as a back up method of renewing the battery pack. In this type of hybrid car, the engine is linked directly to the wheel, which makes it very efficient for diving on the highway.
- In an effort to get optimal efficiency out of hybrid cars, some hybrid car makers have combine the positive attributes of the series and parallel hybrids drivetrains. This results in a vehicle that functions like a parallel hybrid car when the wheels are directly powered by the engine. Operating in this mode makes the vehicle more efficient for driving at high speeds. For low speed driving, the car's engine can be disconnected. The wheels are powered by the electric motor. This dual drivetrain set up requires a generator and large battery pack. It also necessitates a more power set of computer controls.
- There are many advantages, individually and collectively, for people to buy hybrid cars. For example, better energy efficiency saves you money on gasoline purchases. Depending on where you reside, you may be eligible for tax rebates or tax credits. Some states allow hybrid owners to drive in carpool lanes. The most important benefit may be the fact that vehicle emission can be reduced as low as "zero percent emission" on certain hybrid cars.
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