Hybrid vehiclesBy: Madison Layden

Hybrid vehicles

• A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. However, other mechanisms to capture and use energy may also be included.

cost

• Automakers spend around $US8 million in marketing Hybrid vehicles each year. With combined effort from many car companies, the Hybrid industry has sold millions of Hybrids.

• According to the automotive research company Vincentric in Bingham Farms, Mich., the average model-year 2012 hybrid car or truck costs $5,243 more than its gasoline-only equivalent, yet realizes just $3,583 in fuel-cost savings

Power

• Coal, wood or other solid combustibles

• Compressed or liquefied natural gas

• Electricity

• Electromagnetic fields, Radio waves

• Electric vehicle battery

Power (cont.)

• Human powered e.g. pedaling or rowing

• Hydrogen

• On-board or out-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS)

• Petrol or Diesel fuel

• Solar

• Wind

Vehicle type

Two-wheeled and cycle-type vehicles:

• Mopeds, electric bicycles, and even electric kick scooters are a simple form of a hybrid, as power is delivered both via an internal combustion engine or electric motor and the rider's muscles.

Vehicle type

Heavy vehicles:

• Hybrid power trains use diesel-electric or turbo-electric to power railway locomotives, buses, heavy goods vehicles, mobile hydraulic machinery, and ships. Typically some form of heat engine (usually diesel) drives an electric generator or hydraulic pump which powers one or more electric or hydraulic motors.

Countries and Continents that use hybrid vehicles

• Europe

• North America

• China

• Japan

• India

Advantages

• Reduced Fuel Costs

• Fewer Emissions

• Instant Torque

• No Idling

• Developing More Frugal Driving Habits

• High Resale Value