Feb
24
The myths about hybrid vehicles II
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In the second of the hybrid myth series we will dispel a couple of more myths today.
The batteries of the hybrids require frequent replacement
The hybrid technology is designed to keep the batteries charged in the range of 35% - 85%. This ensures that the battery sustains itself through the life time of the vehicle. Eventually the batteries, of course need to be replaced. Honda categorically states that their batteries are designed to last a decade! Even the Toyota Prius comes with a 8 year/ 100,000 miles warranty on all hybrid components including the battery. Industry observers and experts put the life of batteries in hybrid cars at 150,000 to 200,000 miles before the call for replacement has to be made. Well, that’s a long, long way to go.
Cold climates make the hybrids sweat
Hybrid cars can be driven at any point of time irrespective of the climatic conditions. The cars can safely be operated at 20 degrees below Fahrenheit. The batteries of the hybrid can sustain in 140 degrees Fahrenheit also. They don’t get too hot because of the internal air cooling system that they operate within.
In the long term the hybrids are not good because of the dead hazardous batteries
This is one of the most commonly held myths. As I said the batteries of the hybrid vehicles are designed to last a decade at the end of which they would need to be replaced. These are NiMH batteries which are 100% recyclable. And as a matter of fact some companies like
Feb
10
The myths about hybrid vehicles I
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As this relatively new technology of hybrid cars catches the public imagination, question are raised on the feasibility of the vehicle. Here are some of the common myths dispelled.
Hybrids are expensive than their conventional cousins
The pricing actually depends upon the model and the make. The LexusRX400h is about 6000 USD costlier than Lexus RX 350. That’s definitely a good difference. The difference between the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the starting model of Mariner Luxury AWD is only around 3000 USD. This difference is easily offset by the cost of the fuel the owner would save over a period of time. Add to this the tax incentive that would reduce the cost of the hybrid. And with the spiraling prices of oil, the savings arising out of fuel would further narrow the gap.
They are less powerful than the convention cars
This is not true to the best of my knowledge. The hybrids cars are completely self sufficient and do not require any external support source of power to keep its batteries from discharging. The batteries recharge themselves by capturing energy from the brakes. This is often known as regenerative braking.
Dec
3
Hybrids are fuel efficient only when you know how to drive it
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The single most influencing factor for fuel efficiency is the driver behind the wheel. Here are few tips to optimize the fuel efficiency of your hybrid car.
- Do not accelerate sudden. The rise and the fall – both should be smooth. A sudden acceleration will require the gasoline engine to work harder thereby increasing your fuel consumption.
- Try to minimize sudden stops. Keep an eye on the road and stop lights and apply brakes earlier than applying them at the last moment.
- Don’t drive at unnecessary high speeds. Irrespective of the type of vehicle, the faster you drive the harder the engines have to work to overcome wind friction thereby increasing marginal the fuel consumption dramatically.
- Ensure that the tire pressure is as per the manufacturer’s specifications. The smoother is the rolling of the vehicle, the better would be the fuel consumption.
- The hybrids are designed to roll on the electric motor. Coast as much as possible. The gasoline would be saved.
Nov
26
What’s a hybrid car?
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A vehicle that combines two or more sources of power to generate momentum is referred to as a hybrid car. Generally, hybrid SUVs or hybrid cars are a combination of a diesel and a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The powering unit is composed of a gas tank, a diesel and / or a gasoline engine and batteries to power the electric motor. The engines of such hybrid cars are small and efficient and they are boosted by the electric motor when more power or momentum is required.
A computer, onboard, works continuously to achieve optimum levels of performance between the gasoline / diesel engine and the electric motor. Very few people can actually notice if you are driving a hybrid since they look very much like their conventional cousins.