SAY HI TO HYBRIDS
Ava Burns & Andrea Hult
What is a Hybrid?
A vehicle is a hybrid if it utilizes more than one form of high density energy to achieve the act of driving or moving forward. This usually means a hybrid will have a traditional internal-combustion engine and a fuel tank, as well as one or more electric motors and a battery pack.
Advantages
-Performance Improvements: better gas mileage
-Incentives: tax benefits and savings by little money spent on fuel
-Regenerative Breaking: each time you break, the battery gets recharged a little
-Lower Fossil Fuel Dependence: reduces dependence on foreign oil=less greenhouse gasses
-Lighter Weight: doesn't have to expend as much energy, while doing the same task
-Warranties: electric batteries are expected to last up to 200,000 miles, and most come with a 8-year warranty
-Electric Hybrids: run strictly from a power outlet; all electric
Disadvantages
-Poor Handling: do not handle as well as conventionally-powered vehicles
-High Center of Gravity: Hybrids are usually front-wheel drive, and the easiest and safest -place for the batteries tend to be in the rear of the car. This distributes weight away from the drive wheels which tends to have a negative effect on performance.
-Maintenance Costs: Hybrid vehicles also cost more to repair because of the complexity of the dual compulsion system used in most hybrid vehicles; brakes and tires need to be replaced more often, due to increased weight of the hybrid vehicle
2012 Ford Escape Hybrid:
- 34 mpg
- $30,500
- guarantee battery life will last at least 8 years or 80,000 miles
- most fuel-efficient vehicle today
Sources:
http://www.carsdirect.com/green-cars/major-pros-and-cons-of-buying-used-hybrid-cars
http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/what-is-a-hybrid-car-how-do-hybrids-work.html
http://world.honda.com/automobile-technology/IMA/images/1_1.gif
http://www.carsdirect.com/green-cars/hybrid-cars-common-maintenance-issues
http://wesayyesprogram.cityseoexperts.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hybrid-cars-1.jpg