What Motivates You to Buy/Not Buy a Hybrid Car?

What Motivates You to Buy/Not Buy a Hybrid Car?

What to Look For and How to Make Up Your Mind

Pay close attention to its appeal and promise, potential and possibilities – these are all factors that draw in the masses and the diverse crowd of interested consumers in these new automotive genius on our roads. Here just some of the ‘perks’ and bonuses:

§ Eco-smart and environmentally conscious we can all certainly appreciate the qualities and benefits that these vehicles bring with them.

§ Fuel economy

§ Reduced emissions, less pollution,

§ slower depreciation

§ great savings for the pocketbook,

§ less reliance on fossil fuels in the future

§ Lower fuel emissions help to curb the infamous "Greenhouse Effect" and saves the ozone and atmosphere, the air that we and children are left to breathe and live off of

§ High-demand for Hybrid cars let them hold their value much longer as supply and demand still fuels these fires!

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

Different Types of Hybrid Cars

Different Types of Hybrid Cars

MORE ON parallel hybrids

- Uses both a fuel tank with gasoline and a set of batteries. Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time.

- Fuel tank and the gas engine connect to the transmission and the batteries and electric motor connect to the transmission separately.

MORE ON series hybrids

- gasoline engine turns a generator

- Generator either charges the batteries or powers the electric motor that is used to turn the transmission.

- Gasoline engine is not used to power the vehicle directly.

- all of the components eventually connect with the transmission

Hybrid cars typically produce less power. They are however very light weight and well designed to compensate for that. Typically, carbon fiber or aluminum is used. Aerodynamic characteristics are more prevalent than on most other cars, cutting down on drag and wind resistance, noise etc. Excellent fuel economy and helping the environment by cutting down on pollution are definite bonuses from driving these vehicles.

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

But How Exactly Do Hybrid Cars Work?

But How Exactly Do Hybrid Cars Work?

It is a passenger, commuter vehicle, powered by a ‘hybrid’ engine. What that means is an engine that combines two or more sources of power. In most cases, they will be gasoline and electricity.

There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars:

(I) the parallel hybrid, and

(ii) The series hybrid.

Both use gasoline-electric hybrid technology, but in radically different ways.

§ Our scientists from Hybrid center online, quotes and summarized the differences as follows: In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward,

§ In a series hybrid, the gasoline engine directly powers an electric motor that either powers the vehicle, or charges batteries that will power the motor.

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

Types and classifications

Types and classifications

There are numerous types and classifications making their way into this automotive category and hot seller:

§ “mild” hybrids (Honda’s Insight and Civic Hybrid) employ the first three technologies above

§ “Full” hybrids, (Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid) also sport electric-only drive.

§ “Plug-in” hybrids that utilize all five technologies are not currently available as passenger vehicles.

§ “Muscle” hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, provide only a fraction of the potential fuel economy and environmental benefits.

§ In-between hybrids (Honda Accord Hybrid) fall somewhere midway between mild and muscle hybrids.

§ Also "Hollow" Hybrids which is not more than a marketing gimmick to sell conventional cars and simply calling them hybrids

Visit the Union of Concerned Scientists’ website at www.hybridcenter.org to learn more about hybrid cars and even view some side-by-side comparisons. These are extremely useful when you compare and test drive hybrids for yourself. (Yes, we do recommend you drive as many of the models you are considering, YOURSELF!)

Hybrid cars have many environmental and economical incentives and benefits. You can cut down on pollutants and emissions and get tax breaks, rebates and benefit in the long run from saving on gas for example and low maintenance costs.

We have in all probability not seen the last of tax rebates and incentives. There will be more to come to encourage consumers that it is a wiser choice.

Fuel economy is a big selling factor of these hybrid cars and vehicles. Some say they will have slower depreciation too pretty soon as more and more of them make their way onto the road.

With battery efficiencies and related technology developments fueling continued interest in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, futuristic transportation and even humanly powered ‘machines’, more and more of us will be looking to alternative market offerings to get around.

Contribute and do your part to help the environment by purchasing a hybrid car. The main impetus and momentum for hybrid cards came in the early 1990s. Donated funds and research and increasing interest in new hybrid technologies are on the rise.

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

How to Buy a Hybrid

How to Buy a Hybrid

After weighing your options and letting your curiosity get the better of you and start researching the Hybrid’s potential to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions… you start to hunt and shop around. Yet, the internet and printed dealer brochures, car reviews and owner opinions only tell you part of the story.

ALSO NOTE: It is a fact that there are a wide range of what is put under the umbrella or identifier ‘hybrid’ that simply is not! NOT ALL are created equal.

HYBRID CAR FACT: HYBRID vehicles being marketed as hybrids, do not all utilize and leverage the full spectrum of hybrid technologies that are available.

If the environment is a personal priority and selection criteria for you, ensure that you know what you are getting and what really is under-hood, past the hype and marketing lingo.

According to online sourcing and research regarding Hybrid vehicles, there are currently FIVE TYPES of hybrid technology available to automakers:

• Idle-off capability. The engine turns off when the vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a light, and turns back on when you move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal.

• Regenerative braking. The electric motor helps slow the car, and functions as a generator to convert some of the energy typically lost during braking into electricity (thereby recharging the vehicle’s battery).

• Power assist and engine downsizing. The electric motor helps propel the car, in particular during acceleration. Because the motor and engine share the power load, the engine’s size can be reduced, saving even more fuel.

• Electric-only drive. The electric motor can power the vehicle by itself at low speeds and when first starting the car.

• Extended battery-electric range. The car runs solely on electric power for 20 to 60 miles before engaging the gasoline engine. You have to recharge the car’s battery by plugging it into an external electricity source.

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

Hybrid Sports Utility Vehicles

Hybrid Sports Utility Vehicles

Acura RD-X

§ The RD-X is a concept model

§ Acura is dedicate to make a difference

§ They illustrate their will and ability to build an impressive hybrid SUV

BMW X5 Hybrid

§ BMW developed a concept hybrid

§ It is based on the current X5 model

§ Powerful V8 gasoline engine assisted by an electric motor with an astonishing 479ft-lb of torque

Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon

§ combination of Chevrolet's hybrid technology

§ gasoline-electric upgrades

§ increase economy by 30% in the large hybrid SUV's, and similarly efficient trucks

Chevrolet Equinox

§ Available for the 2006 model year

§ Similar to Tahoe Hybrid,

§ 30% boost in fuel economy from Chevrolet's Hybrid Technology

Ford Escape

§ world's first production hybrid SUV

§ Balance of practicality, environmentally friendly emissions and fuel economy.

§

Lexus RX 400h

§ LUXURY DEFINED!

§ hybrid version of their popular RX model

§ smoother, quieter operation, increased performance

§ host of high technology accessories

§ Delivering class topping fuel economy and emissions ratings.

Saturn VUE

§ mid-sized SUV

§ GM's hybrid system

§ Better gas mileage, performance and practicality main features

Toyota Highlander

§ Practical and environmentally conscious

§ world's first 7 person hybrid SUV

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

An eclectic list of current Hybrid vehicles, Different Types, choices and price-points

An eclectic list of current Hybrid vehicles, Different Types, choices and price-points

Here is a line-up of the newest 2006 Hybrid Cars:

§ Ford Escape Hybrid is a hybrid SUV first, with V6 power and a four cylinder fuel economy to boot. According to online sources, it is a popular choice and winner in/for BOTH functionality and environmental awareness categories.

§ Honda Accord Hybrid is faster than a conventional model and a V6 hybrid.

§ Honda Civic Hybrid is a slightly modified and converted vehicle. Its features are pretty much the same, but it offers greater fuel economy and less emissions.

§ Lexus RX400h Hybrid is the top-line entry in the hybrid SUV class, it is a popular selection for the upper class budget and environmentally conscious.

§ Mercury Mariner Hybrid is Ford’s first hybrid attempt at the market.

§ The all-time favorite Toyota Prius Hybrid for a breath of fresh air and affordable, yet responsible automotive excellence.

§ Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is a popular choice as well generating a lot of buzz and interest lately.

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

Fundamental Steps to Consider When Buying a Hybrid

Fundamental Steps to Consider When Buying a Hybrid

1. There is a wide variety and choice of hybrid vehicles already on the market, with lots of newly launched, concept and alternative innovative hybrids making their way onto the market. Supply and demand fuels and drives this fire further. Do not assume that your choices are limited just because the technology is relatively new. DO NOT GET OR BE CONFUSED OR MISLED BY INDUSTRY VERBIAGE: Learn the terminology, language and culture behind these vehicles. (Tip # 3:Take the time to study the differences, classes and types of hybrid vehicles – it will help you narrow the field and tell the real hybrids from the ‘impostors’)

(i) Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle (90% cleaner than the average new 2002 model year car, according to the California Air Resources Board Standard); and

(ii) An Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle (about 50% cleaner than the average new 2001 model year car). NOTE:

(iii) There are also furthermore zero-emission cars on the road at present, but they are electric vehicles, plug-ins, not HEVs.

2. Self-assess your current situation, commute, driving habits, preferences and needs. How and where you drive you vehicle (most) is a definite valid question to be asking. This reflection and consideration will help you decide whether an HEV is right for you.

§ Typically thought, as a general rule of thumb, hybrid vehicles are reliable and greatly suited for urban and suburban driving:

§ The short trips and stop-and-go traffic make for impressive fuel savings, if your car runs on an electric engine at low RPMs.

§ Highway and interstate commuters who drive these cars will have lower fuel economy.

§ Combination/hybrid engines (combustion/electrical assist) less to no difference on the fuel economy.

3. They say that variety is the spice of life. Choices and options are limited still with Hybrid vehicles and sometimes for the more popular models you might have to wait a while for delivery of yours as well. Lots of hybrids are being introduced in the market and it will be expanding annually. (Tip # 4: Keep a watchful eye on the car-shows, expos and industry announcements on Hybrids. The market is highly competitive and some automakers are even collaborating to get products to market quicker)

4. SLIGHTLY HIGHER COST will still be an issue. They are high in demand, short in supply, complex technology to manufacture and will become cheaper as the market grows. Some aftermarket offerings are already making its way into the marketplace.

5. Availability and maintenance might be issues in certain areas (outside or urban centers for example). Repair and auto-body shops that work on hybrid cars have to be researched closely as well to ensure smooth operating and regular service as required, done by someone who is familiar and certified to work on these cars.

Take advantage of numerous tax deductions and even free parking for the purchase of a hybrid car.

If you are considering a serious purchase of a Hybrid vehicle

§ Consider all the pros and cons, benefits and costs of a Super Ultra Low- and Ultra Low-Emission vehicles

§ Keep in mind that the availability and choice for HEVs are limited

§ Local repair shops, maintenance and cost of ownership might be a little more expensive than your normal run of the mill car, SUV, truck or Minivan.

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

So what is or what makes a ‘hybrid’ vehicle?

So what is or what makes a ‘hybrid’ vehicle?

A typical hybrid electric vehicle or HEV as the automotive industry aptly quipped and dubbed its newest brain-child and ingenious concepts, is a popular option to consider if you are in the market for a new or replacement vehicle.

But what makes a hybrid a HIBRID vehicle? In simple terms. As the word implies it is a combination, mix or cross between two things. The ‘hybrid’ actually in effect has TWO engines. One is electric and the other is internal combustion (which we al know, love and are used to). These work on their own, independently, as well as together or collectively/collaboratively to make your car go and perform consistently.

The hybrid cars generally run on a either or basis UNTIL the driver would require MORE POWER, or wanted to go much faster, say passing, changing lanes or flooring it. Then the combination of the two engines together delivers the power and performance on-demand that you want and desire.

They can work individually quite well and self-sufficiently, BUT YET, they also collaborate and pool their resources under certain circumstanced to give you that extra horse’s under-hood, willing, capable and able.

They are like flip-sides of a coin, working separately, but combined is their best currency and purpose. They operate almost in tandem.

If you are opting for, or looking particularly for a low emission, fuel efficient and downright wonderfully aerodynamic, automotive style and design, then the Hybrids are for you!

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

The Questions and Rationale behind Hybrid Vehicles

The Questions and Rationale behind Hybrid Vehicles

The best way to start off writing this book, I thought, was to ask several people (proud new owners, prospective buyers and just the general public at large, across gender, age group and preferences, randomly selected) the same two questions: (i) What are the TOP FIVE reasons to buy/invest in a hybrid as well as (ii) the TOP THREE reasons they would not consider buying a hybrid. (TIP # 1:You can ask and answer these yourself to, it helps to provide some perspective)

Most frequent responses regarding reasons to buy:

§ Easy to drive, handling and ease of parking

§ Fuel efficiency

§ Doing my part/good for protecting the environment

§ Reduction in fuel emissions

§ Reduced engine maintenance costs

§ Value, Economical, Purchase price

§ Costs to operate

§ Cutting edge technology

§ Proclaimed longevity

Most frequent responses regarding reasons NOT to buy:

§ Added cost to purchase a hybrid vehicle

§ Do not like the selection of hybrid vehicles currently available

§ A follower, not a leader when it comes to new trends

§ Preferences for larger automobiles (for safety reasons)

§ Larger vehicles are not yet available in hybrid versions

§ Insufficient track record

§ Driver and passenger safety concerns

§ Lack of storage

The range, scope and depth of the answers received surprised me in some cases, not in others. What are your reasons? (TIP # 2: write them down, sort and prioritize them, it helps later, when you get to the point where you might be stuck between two or more choices, or are trying to compare selection criteria).

Also talking with owners of Hybrid vehicles to get the ‘facts’ and inside scoop, going for a test drive yourself and comparing features and performance according to some pre-set criteria can all help you to make up your mind on what to buy.

If you are considering a hybrid, maybe getting this book, was your way of figuring out if the value-proposition held anything for you specifically. We wish you well on your selection endeavor and musing on purchasing a hybrid (or not!)

As gas prices keep soaring, with not relief for consumers on the horizon any time soon and fossil fuels not a sustainable, renewable energy source, the sale of hybrids seem to be in a positive correlation. They higher the gas prices goes, the higher the sales tend to be for hybrid vehicles as people try every which way to break free and save a couple of bucks!

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com

To Buy A Hybrid, Or Not … That Is The Question!

To Buy A Hybrid, Or Not … That Is The Question!

It is true that a very diverse set of drivers, owners and enthusiasts, (even most people), consider hybrid cars for a variety of different reasons (your own musings and reasons will probably just add to the list here) …

§ As a concept and environmentally sound alternative it shows good global citizenship

§ It is a trend that they want to be part of and be associated with

§ Conservation and sustainability of our world, the legacy we leave for our children

§ Leading by example and being a pioneer

§ Weird-looking and a cool idea to have one, gadget, newest ‘toy’ to add to the list

§ Fuel-economy and saving money, gas

§ Less emissions and pollutants into the atmosphere

§ Less gasoline/fossil fuel reliant

§ Potential investment

§ Keeping up with the Joneses!

Whatever YOUR particular incentive, motivation or rationale for getting one, hybrid car sales are soaring. According to recent news-reports in the USA over the last 12 months an increase of 139% was cited. It is a definite trend and here to stay. The wave of the future…undeniably here!

http://www.allaboutlongisland.com