Hybrid Car Technology

Cars with hybrid technology combine the power of an electric motor with that of a combustion engine. The electric motor in a hybrid vehicle can function as a propulsion mechanism as well as a braking mechanism which recharges the vehicle's batteries (regenerative braking). Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time, and the transmission then turns the wheels. The electric motor can use electrical energy from the batteries to accelerate the car. When acting as a generator, it can slow the car down and return energy to the batteries.
Toyota Prius


Prius can accelerate to a speed of about 15 mph (24 kph) before switching on the gasoline engine. The engine only starts once the vehicle has passed a certain speed. And once the engine starts, it operates in a narrow speed band.

The Prius is rated 60/51 mpg City/Highway by the federal government's Environmental Protection Agency, with a Combined rating of 55 mpg. You're more likely to see less, maybe 41 to 48 mpg. Don't blame the manufacturer for the difference. Hybrid power plants do well in EPA testing and your driving style will determine your mileage.
Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

The Ford Escape Hybrid SUV continues to add credibility to the hybrid vehicle concept. Using a 4-cylinder gas engine in combination with an electric motor, the Ford Escape Hybrid nearly doubles the fuel-efficiency of its 6-cylinder stable-mate. With its popularity increasing, there are competitors who now have hybrid SUVs on the street, having seen the light.


Hybrid Car: Test Drive

Click the power switch to activate the display.
The vehicle will use the electric motor up to about 35 miles per hour. As you reach a higher speed, the combustion engine starts and begins to accelerate the vehicle. The Prius has a lower threshold of 15 mph before the engine starts.
Hybrid Battery charging

To slow the vehicle, the inertia of the generator/motor is overcome by the forward force of the vehicle and uses some of that forward kinetic energy to generate electricity to recharge the battery.
Hybrids in our Future

Sales of hybrids have increased exponentially in the four or five years since their introduction, as they contribute toward alleviating our dependence on fossil fuels. Get used to hearing about new hybrids on the block with new models from manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus, Mercury and the Mazda respond to the public putting its money on the line. There is little doubt that this technology will become firmly ensconced in our environmental armamentarium.


J. Prinz