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Hybrid Autos; Innovative, Efficient, new option that is now more readily available!*A hybrid auto features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive!
Hybrid Cars also gain efficiency from: Smaller and more efficient engines. Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down. Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear. Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag. Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars. To clear up a common misconception, hybrids don't have to be plugged in. They use the same gasoline that other cars do -- just less of it -- and they recharge their batteries while you drive. So,Who's making them? • The Toyota Prius was one of the first Hybrids available in the United States since 2000. The 2006 model is rated by the EPA at 60 miles per gallon in city driving, 51 on the highway. (The Prius gets better mileage off the highway, because in city driving it relies more on the battery.) • In 2002, Honda introduced a hybrid version of the Civic. The EPA rates the 2006 manual transmission version at 51 mpg on the highway and 46 in the city, with the continuously variable transmission model rated at 48 highway and 47 city. • Ford became the first U.S. manufacturer to offer a hybrid when it rolled out the Escape SUV in August 2004, then General Motors followed with their Hybrid Silverado P/U truck and other models. Their most recent release for 2008 is the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid which was recognized in Car & Driver Magazine as the "SUV of the Year"! Most Hybrid front-wheel drive version are rated from 36 mpg in the city to 31 on the highway, depending upon driving conditions. • Automakers are planning to introduce additional hybrids in the U.S. market, with Japanese manufacturers remaining in the lead. Toyota and Honda have released the Hybrid Lexus and Highlander SUVs back in 2005, and Honda, Nissan and Toyota have all announced plans to produce hybrid versions of their mid-size sedans, the Accord, Altima and Camry in the near future! So what's the problem? • Toyota's and Honda's hybrid sales are booming, and the Ford Escape has generated tremendous interest and rave reviews. Although American automakers are beginning to respond to increasing consumer interest in fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, hybrids still account for less than 1 percent of the new car market. American automakers have to put hybrids into mass production, too, and we need to spark demand for them. • Consumers who were buying Hybrids were eligible for a tax deduction (see your tax consultant) of a minimum $2,000 savings beginning 2004. However, it's not known if you still would be able to obtain such a tax deduction at this time as it's scheduled to phase out during the next year or two. Check with the IRS or your individual tax preparer for specific details! Lawmakers can do better and should provide performance-based tax credits instead of deductions, which will mean higher savings for consumers who buy the most efficient hybrids. .gif){kind=small}
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