ALT-6 Hybrid Overview
What on Earth is a hybrid...
Hybrids are powered by two unique engines: 1) an internal combustion engine, and 2) an electric engine. An internal combustion engine is a fancy technical term for a car powered by gasoline or diesel. An electric engine is powered by batteries, like a golf cart, except with this engine, you can sometimes accelerate faster than a car (for short distances). Since the late 1800's, both have been around, but not together, until lately. Hybrids combine the power of gasoline engines and the fuel efficiency of electric motors.
The latest marketing spiel says they're great. I agree, however, there's more to hybrids than the PR-hype. Time for a reality check.
How do they work...
There are two types of hybrid cars: mild and full hybrids.
A mild hybrid uses the electric engine to give the gasoline engine a quick power boost when needed, such as leaving a stop sign or going uphill. In fact, the small electric engine can only push the car for a short time at a low speed. And, since they're usually not on, the hybrid behaves much like a regular gasoline car, getting better mileage on the highway. This marketing compromise combines solid performance with about a 10% increase in fuel efficiency, allowing you to drive a fast sports car or sturdy truck while doing your part for a greener world. Mild hybrid examples are the Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and Chevy Silverado.
The most common hybrid, a full hybrid, uses the electric engine much more than a mild hybrid. In addition to giving the car quick acceleration when needed, the clean electric engine powers the car up to about 25 MPH. The gasoline engine isn't turned on during stop and start traffic, so full hybrids have great city mileage (up to about a 50% increase in efficiency). Full hybrid examples are the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid.
Why bother...
Most people are cautious about this new technology, after all, you can't just take a hybrid down to your local mechanic. The repair skills and parts availability haven't spread beyond the dealerships. Like all cars, the electrical system repairs can get expensive. To help comfort consumers, manufacturers have been providing longer warrantees.
Obviously, there's a changing trend towards accepting hybrids, mostly due to a reminder that occurs every time you pay at the gas pump.
Use less fuel...
Hybrids are fuel efficient, but how much? The original market hype listed the Prius at 60 MPG on the highway, but owners soon discovered that this estimate was optimistic. The Environmental Protection Agency recently changed their testing evaluation methods. Their hybrid mileage values now reflect reality, significantly lower than before, but still outstanding.
A hybrid's mileage is remarkable for the following reasons:1) A gasoline engine wastes much of its energy in idling, start and stop traffic, and accelerating. Hybrid electric engines take over during those times, thereby saving a lot of gas.2) When the car is coasting or braking, the regenerative braking system applies a resistance to the drive train, using the wheel movement as a generator to power the battery. Fuel is saved by transforming kinetic energy (the car moving) into potential energy (storing it in the battery).3) Their sleek aerodynamics and lightweight composite materials also save on fuel.
Cleanliness...
For environmentalists, the nicest selling point is that hybrids give off less pollutants. The greenhouse gas emissions are directly related to the reduced usage of the gasoline engine, so a full hybrid can make a big difference, up to 99%.
Another environmental perk is reduced noise pollution. A hybrid, when under battery power, only makes a slight noise from vibration, tires crunching on the pavement and maybe your stereo blasting some tunes.
Other incentives...
This new technology cost about $5000 at one point, but it has been dropping over time. To further encourage the public, the Feds and some states have taken a serious interest in getting you to buy a hybrid. Get these benefits while they last.
The Feds provide an Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit up to $4,000 for hybrid cars, thereby offsetting much of a hybrid's higher sticker price. The amount varies, so check IRS form 8910 for more details.
Your state may provide a rebate or tax benefit, or, may allow you to drive your hybrid as a single occupant in a commuter lane, but only if your car qualifies (for example, California's minimum 45 MPG rule only allows the Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight or Toyota Prius).
The future...
Many hybrids use nickel metal hydride batteries. They're reliable and durable, but they don't give much power (related to the driving range).
Newer lithium battery technologies are lightweight and give more power, but, unfortunately, they sometimes overheat and explode. In Germany, the LiTec company has developed the best lithium batteries yet: greater thermal stability, 30% smaller and 3 times more driving distance. This could lead to a driving revolution, once the industry starts to mass manufacture them.
Future hybrid models may have a plug-in connection which allows you to charge the battery at home. There has been some grumbling about the necessity of certifying installers for your home charger with the accompanying possibility of additional regulation, insurance and inspection requirements. A plug-in car's battery may also have a reduced lifetime because it may get cycled more often. And, the outlet energy comes from the electric company, which often relies heavily on dirty coal power, but, on the upside, that pollution would be localized, and not spread all over the place like a million car exhausts.
In the future, alternative fuels, such as ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, natural gas and propane, may be matched up with electric engines, but only if the infrastructure can support them.
What's the best choice...
If you're curious, look at these sites for comparisons: edmunds.com, caranddriver.com, automotive.com and fueleconomy.com.
Overall, I'm positively excited about hybrid technology, but please, if you wish to try it out, choose wisely. Best of luck to you!
