Hybrid Cars

The one consumer decision most people make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car we drive.

Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and affordable option. After years of 'on the road' development, gas-electric hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers.

A hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive.

There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward, while in a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.

Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:

Smaller and more efficient engines.
Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.


2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT automatic or manual
mileage (mpg): 40 city/ 45 hwy
range per fillup: 650 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $23,550


Features
Full climate control, Micron air filtration
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
New USB Audio Interface
Keyless Remote Entry

Specifications
110-hp, 1.3 litre SOHC i-VTEC® Engine 4-Cylinder Engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System
Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 12.3 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials


2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid

4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: 4-speed CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 25/32
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $27,930

Features
Two-Mode Hybrid gas/electric powertrain
AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player; 6 speakers
Solar-Ray deep-tinted windows
Tire-pressure monitor system
Steering wheel integrated audio control

Specifications
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder, Hybrid (172 hp [128.3 kW] @ 6500 rpm, 167 lb-ft of torque
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 18 gallons / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System
Wheels: 17" w/ aluminum alloy rims; Tires: P225/60R17 all season, blackwall, LLR

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