New Tecnologies, to move the World: - Hybrid Vehicles -
For this post we will talk about another technology, that is moving our vehicles today, in a more environment friendly way. If you have been following our posts on these new technologies, you will know what we are talking about.
You've already heard about this new "Hybrid" vehicles that are trying to make a revoluti
on in the automotive industry. But I bet many of you don't really know how these vehicles work. What is the secret of this "Hybrid" cars? How do they save our money, and on top of this, help the environment? They sound pretty cool don't they? Lets find out how they work.
The Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine an internal combustion engine propulsion with one, or several electric propulsion system. This combination is intended to get better fuel economy, in other words, save some green. There are several varieties of HEVs,but the most common, and is the one driven by a gasoline internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by batteries. The way they work together is actually very simple. The HEV works with the electric energy produced by the batteries, and although it does not produce the same efficiency (efficiency mostly meaning: speed), it does reduce pollution and is much more healthier for the planet.
But then, what role does the combustion engine plays in this mechanism? Simple, once the car is running out of battery, or if you just want to increase your vehicle's efficiency, the combustion engine, by the use of regular fuel, comes in and saves the day. Depending on the type of HEV, the combustion of the engine will either recharge the battery set, or start working as energy source in your car.
There are several aspects that makes HEVs a reliable, money saving, environmental friendly
etc etc option. For example, the braking mechanism of several models is a much more efficient and energy saving. Besides, although the gasoline engine is smaller in these vehicles, in several cases you have the option to use both engines at a time, making your HEV as efficient, and even more than a regular fossil-fuel vehicle.
You probably attribute the invention of HEVs to Toyota, with the release of their Hybrid Prius
in 1997; but the invention, of Hybrid vehicles goes back to 1917, in American soil. The Woods
Motors Vehicle Company of Chicago presented the first idea of a gasoline-electric hybrid car. But this hybrid was a complete failure, being way too slow for its price. Besides back then it was not very easy to find a mechanic for Hybrid cars. It was until Toyota presented the Prius, and later on Honda the Insight hybrid car, when
they came back to light. But still when they were released, they were not considered as necessary as they are now, for the price of gasoline and diesel was not so high.
Nowadays Hybrid cars are becoming, more than a sensation, a need. It is very likely that few years from now we will find a lot more HEVs on the streets... and this is not the only new technologies that we will find, running along on our streets in the future.
Keep Track of these posts to learn more about the new technologies, that are moving our world.
