Last 20-30 years Hybrid Cars designs Hybrid cars appear in different forms, depending on the mix of energy used and propulsion systems used on the vehicle. There are two designs of hybrid cars namely the series hybrid and the parallel hybrid car. In parallel, the electric motor and gasoline engine work together to supply the power that drives the wheels while in a series hybrid, the gasoline engine produces electricity that charges the batteries and the electric motor drives the wheels. Parallel hybrids are used in cars with low power so that the gasoline and electric motor can be operated together to produce power.
On the other hand, series hybrids are used in high power systems. They have a gas turbine that drives a turbo alternator in order to feed electricity into the electric drive. Series hybrids are used in cars with high voltage including trucks between 150 Kw and 1000 Kw (Crolla 175). Advantages Fuel Efficiency Gas is one of the most demanded commodities in the world. Most economies depend on oil for continuity and thus the demand goes higher. Since the hybrid vehicle does not fully rely on gas, it is possible to reduce over reliance on the commodity and hence move towards renewable and sustainable energy (Kibbe).
With the rising cost of gasoline, using a hybrid car would bring about fuel economy to the owner of a hybrid vehicle as well as reduce reliance on countries that produce oil. This is because hybrid cars are designed to consume two thirds of the fuel consumed by gasoline cars. Unlike gasoline cars, the engine of a hybrid car can shut off automatically when it is not being used. For instance, in a traffic jam or in a red light, the engine shuts off temporarily and will restart automatically once the car is put back into gear.
Since the hybrid vehicle does not fully rely on gas, it is possible to reduce over reliance on the commodity and hence move towards renewable and sustainable energy (Kibbe). Reduce Pollution An additional advantage of hybrid cars is that they can be used to reduce global warming. Environmental conservation has taken root due to changes in the climate that have had disastrous consequences. Gasoline powered vehicles emit toxins that damage the environment in several ways and a move to hybrid vehicles would reduce the emissions that harm the environment.
This is one of the greatest advantages of hybrid vehicles. Pollution of the environment is also reduced which is unlikely using gasoline powered vehicles. This is because they consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions. Although they are not absolutely environment friendly because of the internal combustion, hybrid cars reduce emission of pollutants such as carbon dioxide that are the main cause of the current climate changes. It is therefore important for consumers to utilize these cars in order to overcome global warming (Hantula 12).
Cost of Transport Using a gas powered vehicle means that use of fuel is increased since the fuel is used in the entire journey. However, with a hybrid vehicle, better mileage is achieved since the vehicle will use the electric energy and the gas energy is only called upon when more power or speed is needed. A combination of these two energies therefore helps cover more distance at a cheaper cost and thereby reduce the cost of transport. Cost of the Vehicle While the vehicle is generally expensive than gasoline powered vehicles, it is important to note that most of the parts of the vehicle come with batteries and other devices that have a warranty from the manufacturer.
Unlike gas powered vehicles which do not have such warranties, a hybrid vehicle can be repaired at the cost of the manufacturer hence giving it an advantage over the other vehicles. Maintenance costs are therefore lower hence saving the person from other liabilities. Regenerative Breaking Hybrid cars also use regenerative braking to reduce wear on the brakes. The electric motor in hybrid cars functions as a generator in this case. It initially applies pressure to the drive train thus slowing down the wheels.
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