Hybrid vehicles have come a long way since the Toyota Prius came out. Several models from different automobile companies are investing in hybrid technology. Companies are creating cars that are fuel efficient and environment friendly at the same time. With soaring gas prices, more people are switching to these vehicles to save money. After Toyota launched the first hybrid vehicle and sold it on the market, Honda created their own.
Honda Insight was the second hybrid vehicle sold on the market. It was mass produced and sold on the American market in 1999. It used the same concept in hybrid technology with an odd design. The vehicle was light weight and only available as a two seater.
Japanese Insight
Following the footsteps of the Toyota, Honda manufactured their own hybrid car. It was considered to have the highest mileage compared to other cars. It was sold in America under $20,000 and was soon followed by other hybrids such as the new upgraded model of the Toyota Prius in 2000. The insight was available in three trims: a manual transmission with or without air-conditioning, and a variable transmission with air.
Its low weight was attributed to engine mounts, calipers and break drums made of aluminum, plastic fuel tank, and a small wall pipe exhaust. The reduced weight made it more fuel efficient. Its flat back was the same with CRX, while the rounded hood was similar to the Honda Civic.
The Insight uses Honda's own hybrid technology called the Integrated Motor Assist. It has a 3.1 Liter engine and 10 kW electric motor. Nickel metal hydride batteries were placed behind the driver's and passenger's seats which has the capacity of 144 V. The vehicle uses the electric motor for added power in high speeds. In deceleration it acts a generator and recharges the batteries by using regenerative breaking. It has a 5 speed manual transmission which is considered the most fuel efficient among the variants of the Insight.
Like other hybrids it also has a computer on board to determine which and how much power it will use from the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Unlike the Toyota Prius, Insight cannot run using the electric motor alone. Therefore it is not considered a full hybrid.
Honda Insight's production was stopped in 2006 and is planned to be replaced by a smaller hybrid car. Although it is no longer produced it is one of the pioneers in hybrid technology.
Selasa, 03 April 2012
Honda Civic Hybrid
Hybrid technology has come a long way since Toyota released the Prius. Sales substantially picked up in the market prompting other automobile companies to make their own hybrids. Following in the footsteps of Toyota in 1997 Honda made its own hybrid. The Honda Insight was a moderate success. Although it was a fuel efficient car it had different technology under the hood. The hybrid technology was new at that time and the public perceived the Insight to look to odd to be driven around the city.
Honda then turned to one of its famous compact sedans. The Honda Civic was released in a hybrid version in 2003. The design was pretty much the same with the conventional Honda Civic incorporated with Honda's own hybrid technology.
Honda Civic Hybrid
The first generation Honda Civic hybrid came out in 2003. It operates with a different hybrid technology compared to the Toyota Prius which is the basic template for all hybrids. Instead of the hybrid synergy system, the Honda Civic hybrid uses an Integrated Motor Assist system that was also used in the Insight.
The first generation was produced from 2003 to 2005. It has a 1.3 liter lean burn internal combustion engine with Honda's VTEC cylinder cut-off system. This allows 3 cylinders to stop operating while decelerating which reduces friction losses. This in turn creates a more effective way of regenerating energy. It has a 15 kW permanent magnet motor which also serves a generator for recharging the batteries. It also has a 120 V nickel metal hydride battery, 5 speed manual transmission, regenerative braking, electric power steering, and low rolling resistance tires.
The second generation was also equipped with the same thing with a few changes. A high profile camshaft was added, fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist and third stage VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management replaced the previous ones. It has a satellite-linked navigation system and an audio system that supports mp3 and WMA. It also comes in with an average fuel consumption regulator. An idle stop feature automatically shuts off the engine in idle periods.
The second generation was also an improvement from the first one which used lean burn engine.
Honda has stopped producing Civic hybrids to replace them with smaller and affordable types to compete with Toyota. Nonetheless previous the second generation proved to be a worthy competitor to the Prius. Although they may differ in terms of technology, fuel efficiency was still attained.
Honda then turned to one of its famous compact sedans. The Honda Civic was released in a hybrid version in 2003. The design was pretty much the same with the conventional Honda Civic incorporated with Honda's own hybrid technology.
Honda Civic Hybrid
The first generation Honda Civic hybrid came out in 2003. It operates with a different hybrid technology compared to the Toyota Prius which is the basic template for all hybrids. Instead of the hybrid synergy system, the Honda Civic hybrid uses an Integrated Motor Assist system that was also used in the Insight.
The first generation was produced from 2003 to 2005. It has a 1.3 liter lean burn internal combustion engine with Honda's VTEC cylinder cut-off system. This allows 3 cylinders to stop operating while decelerating which reduces friction losses. This in turn creates a more effective way of regenerating energy. It has a 15 kW permanent magnet motor which also serves a generator for recharging the batteries. It also has a 120 V nickel metal hydride battery, 5 speed manual transmission, regenerative braking, electric power steering, and low rolling resistance tires.
The second generation was also equipped with the same thing with a few changes. A high profile camshaft was added, fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist and third stage VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management replaced the previous ones. It has a satellite-linked navigation system and an audio system that supports mp3 and WMA. It also comes in with an average fuel consumption regulator. An idle stop feature automatically shuts off the engine in idle periods.
The second generation was also an improvement from the first one which used lean burn engine.
Honda has stopped producing Civic hybrids to replace them with smaller and affordable types to compete with Toyota. Nonetheless previous the second generation proved to be a worthy competitor to the Prius. Although they may differ in terms of technology, fuel efficiency was still attained.
Ford Escape Hybrid
Sport utility vehicles were infamous for their fuel consumption and contribution to pollution. They are widely popular among the public but its design has undesirable ramifications due to its size and effect on the environment. That was until The Ford Company decided to make the Ford Escape Hybrid. Following the example of the Japanese, the Ford Escape hybrid was the first sport utility American made vehicle on the market.
Combining the design and capabilities of the SUV which made it famous with a fuel efficient and environment friendly power source, Ford has created a new step in the hybrid technology. The vehicle filled the gap between looking good and being practical.
The Ford Escape Hybrid
The vehicle was launched in 2004. It is a gas-electric hybrid. It utilizes a full hybrid system which enables it to run by electric power, gasoline power or a combination of both for maximum efficiency. It also uses the regenerative braking which turns the electric motor to a generator. This recaptures the energy and then converts it back to electricity for storage in the battery.
The hybrid versions have badges on the doors of the front driver and passengers. The window in the cargo area on the driver's side is smaller to give way to a ventilation slot for the high voltage battery. Customers have the option of choosing the "Special Appearance package" which gives The SUV a lower cladding silver finish.
The Ford Escape uses the same technology as the Toyota Prius. It is also designed to give the same performance as that of a regular Escape with a V6 engine. It has a 133 horsepower engine with 70 kW electric motor. It can accelerate up to 63 kilometers per hour when using electric power. It can go a maximum distance of 1.5 to 1.8 miles using electric power alone before switching to the gasoline engine. Its top speed is 102 miles per hour.
Ford agreed to share their patents with Toyota after realizing that their technology might conflict with Toyota. Ford used some of the Toyota's hybrid technology while Toyota was licensed to use Ford's direct injection engine and diesel technology.
Customers who purchased the Ford Escape Hybrid were also given tax credits by the government. The vehicle is said to be 75% efficient in city driving. The Ford Company is also planning of creating plug in hybrid Sport utility vehicle in the future.
Combining the design and capabilities of the SUV which made it famous with a fuel efficient and environment friendly power source, Ford has created a new step in the hybrid technology. The vehicle filled the gap between looking good and being practical.
The Ford Escape Hybrid
The vehicle was launched in 2004. It is a gas-electric hybrid. It utilizes a full hybrid system which enables it to run by electric power, gasoline power or a combination of both for maximum efficiency. It also uses the regenerative braking which turns the electric motor to a generator. This recaptures the energy and then converts it back to electricity for storage in the battery.
The hybrid versions have badges on the doors of the front driver and passengers. The window in the cargo area on the driver's side is smaller to give way to a ventilation slot for the high voltage battery. Customers have the option of choosing the "Special Appearance package" which gives The SUV a lower cladding silver finish.
The Ford Escape uses the same technology as the Toyota Prius. It is also designed to give the same performance as that of a regular Escape with a V6 engine. It has a 133 horsepower engine with 70 kW electric motor. It can accelerate up to 63 kilometers per hour when using electric power. It can go a maximum distance of 1.5 to 1.8 miles using electric power alone before switching to the gasoline engine. Its top speed is 102 miles per hour.
Ford agreed to share their patents with Toyota after realizing that their technology might conflict with Toyota. Ford used some of the Toyota's hybrid technology while Toyota was licensed to use Ford's direct injection engine and diesel technology.
Customers who purchased the Ford Escape Hybrid were also given tax credits by the government. The vehicle is said to be 75% efficient in city driving. The Ford Company is also planning of creating plug in hybrid Sport utility vehicle in the future.
Features You May Want For Your Hybrid Car
Hybrid cars were not created equal. Some produce more power. Some are designed for maximum fuel efficiency. Some are built for city driving; others are made to turn heads. Most have unique features that further improve the quality of driving and fuel economy. When you are shopping for one, take note of the following features.
Regenerative Braking System.
In conventional gasoline-powered cars, all the kinetic energy (energy in motion) is lost and wasted during braking. Hybrid cars recapture this kinetic energy through the regenerative braking system back to the battery for future use. The regenerative braking system increases fuel economy and reduces wear to the brakes.
Low-Rolling Resistance Tires.
Tires are often not seen as a major factor in increasing the fuel economy. But in hybrid cars, they use low-rolling resistance tires to improve gas mileage. These stiffer, narrower, and inflated tires reduce the drag against the ground.
Fuel Economy.
Not all hybrids are fuel efficient. Some are made to perform. And even if the hybrids are made to get the longest miles out of every gallon of gas, some are still better than others. For example, the Ford Escape Hybrid runs 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on highway. Toyota Prius runs 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid runs 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. When choosing what hybrid car to buy, take note of these differences.
Periodic Engine Shut Off.
Idling consumes fuel too. So, most hybrid cars automatically turn off its combustion engine temporarily during stops. A hybrid car with this feature is most ideal if you drive in stop-and-go traffic most of the time.
Smaller And More Efficient Engine.
Logically, the car does not actually need a V6 or a V8 in order to run because most of the time, your car only requires 20 hp to move. The extra horsepower is only needed during acceleration. This is the reason why hybrid cars are so efficient. They use smaller engines.
Safety, Comfort, And Space.
These are 3 issues that are questionable to hybrid cars. In general, hybrid cars are as safe, as comfortable, and as spacious as their non-hybrid counterpart. But if you are more concerned about not getting these 3 in a hybrid car, you should not have a problem. There are several hybrid cars on the market today that focus on these 3 areas.
Regenerative Braking System.
In conventional gasoline-powered cars, all the kinetic energy (energy in motion) is lost and wasted during braking. Hybrid cars recapture this kinetic energy through the regenerative braking system back to the battery for future use. The regenerative braking system increases fuel economy and reduces wear to the brakes.
Low-Rolling Resistance Tires.
Tires are often not seen as a major factor in increasing the fuel economy. But in hybrid cars, they use low-rolling resistance tires to improve gas mileage. These stiffer, narrower, and inflated tires reduce the drag against the ground.
Fuel Economy.
Not all hybrids are fuel efficient. Some are made to perform. And even if the hybrids are made to get the longest miles out of every gallon of gas, some are still better than others. For example, the Ford Escape Hybrid runs 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on highway. Toyota Prius runs 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid runs 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on highway. When choosing what hybrid car to buy, take note of these differences.
Periodic Engine Shut Off.
Idling consumes fuel too. So, most hybrid cars automatically turn off its combustion engine temporarily during stops. A hybrid car with this feature is most ideal if you drive in stop-and-go traffic most of the time.
Smaller And More Efficient Engine.
Logically, the car does not actually need a V6 or a V8 in order to run because most of the time, your car only requires 20 hp to move. The extra horsepower is only needed during acceleration. This is the reason why hybrid cars are so efficient. They use smaller engines.
Safety, Comfort, And Space.
These are 3 issues that are questionable to hybrid cars. In general, hybrid cars are as safe, as comfortable, and as spacious as their non-hybrid counterpart. But if you are more concerned about not getting these 3 in a hybrid car, you should not have a problem. There are several hybrid cars on the market today that focus on these 3 areas.
A Brief Guide To Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles were the stuff of dreams centuries ago. Nobody ever thought that creating a vehicle independent from fuel was possible. Fortunately with the continuing development of hybrid technology, more efficient and practical vehicles have been created. In the recent years the campaign for global warming has brought the attention of the public. Hybrid cars are now becoming steadily popular available in different types from compact sedans to SUVs.
Environmental issues are not the only reason that has made the public favor hybrid cars. Rising gas prices is also one of the major reasons why people prefer hybrid cars than conventional ones. Its also practical in suburban environments where you don't really need horsepower but gas mileage.
Hybrid Vehicles
There are different types of hybrid vehicles. They can vary from the simplest wheelbarrows to ships. No matter what form they are, these vehicles help in reducing greenhouse and noise emissions. Although these vehicles are expensive due to their unique structures, developments will continue to provide more alternatives to the public. These cars may not compare to conventional ones with a 200 horsepower but why would you need that if you only need 20 in the streets?
The simplest hybrid would be the single wheeled vehicles. These are wheelbarrows famously depicted with sails. This can be seen in Chinese sailing carriages.
The next is two wheeled vehicles. These are usually cycle type vehicles. The best example would be the Moped and electric bicycles. They are powered by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine in combination with the rider's muscles. This concept was also used in the 1800's by motorcycles. The electric bicycle can either be a parallel or a series hybrid.
Hybrid vehicles are not just limited to private cars. There are also hybrid power trains used by heavy vehicles. There are diesel or turbo electric buses, railway locomotives, heavy duty vehicles, hydraulic machinery and ships.
In ships a diesel engine drives the electric generator or hydraulic pump which in turn powers one or more hydraulic or electric motors. Sails and engines were early forms of hybrids which may be used again due to rising fuel costs.
More developments are continually being made in hybrid structures and systems for efficiency. Today buying a hybrid car is expensive but it will be beneficial in the long run. It does not just save fuel costs but also removes pollution that can harm the health of the people and take whatever it is left of the environment.
Environmental issues are not the only reason that has made the public favor hybrid cars. Rising gas prices is also one of the major reasons why people prefer hybrid cars than conventional ones. Its also practical in suburban environments where you don't really need horsepower but gas mileage.
Hybrid Vehicles
There are different types of hybrid vehicles. They can vary from the simplest wheelbarrows to ships. No matter what form they are, these vehicles help in reducing greenhouse and noise emissions. Although these vehicles are expensive due to their unique structures, developments will continue to provide more alternatives to the public. These cars may not compare to conventional ones with a 200 horsepower but why would you need that if you only need 20 in the streets?
The simplest hybrid would be the single wheeled vehicles. These are wheelbarrows famously depicted with sails. This can be seen in Chinese sailing carriages.
The next is two wheeled vehicles. These are usually cycle type vehicles. The best example would be the Moped and electric bicycles. They are powered by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine in combination with the rider's muscles. This concept was also used in the 1800's by motorcycles. The electric bicycle can either be a parallel or a series hybrid.
Hybrid vehicles are not just limited to private cars. There are also hybrid power trains used by heavy vehicles. There are diesel or turbo electric buses, railway locomotives, heavy duty vehicles, hydraulic machinery and ships.
In ships a diesel engine drives the electric generator or hydraulic pump which in turn powers one or more hydraulic or electric motors. Sails and engines were early forms of hybrids which may be used again due to rising fuel costs.
More developments are continually being made in hybrid structures and systems for efficiency. Today buying a hybrid car is expensive but it will be beneficial in the long run. It does not just save fuel costs but also removes pollution that can harm the health of the people and take whatever it is left of the environment.
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