Hybrids: The Vehicles of Our Future

By: Lizzie Napleton & Meredith McDonald

What is a Hybrid?

• A hybrid is said to “combine elements from different species.”

• A hybrid, by definition, is a vehicle that combines both an internal combustion engine with an electric motor as its power source ultimately in order to improve efficiency and improve emissions.

What is a Hybrid?

• So, simply put, a hybrid is a vehicle that runs on BOTH gasoline and an electric motor

How does a hybrid work?

• Like a regular car, a hybrid’s engine generally runs all the time, while the electric motor placed between the engine and the wheels helps motivate the car.

• By assisting the engine, this electric motor improves fuel economy and reduces emissions

•Bottom line: hybrids improve fuel economy.

Electric + Gasoline = Hybrid

• An electric car has batteries that give electricity to the car’s electric motor, which turns the transmission.Then the transmission turns the wheels.

• A gasoline powered car has a fuel tank that supplies gas to the engine, turns the transmission, which turns the wheels.

• A hybrid is a combination of the two!

What’s the difference between a hybrid and a normal gasoline vehicle?

• A hybrid has a sophisticated transmission and powerful battery that work together to make the most of your gasoline, which as you know is rather expensive these days.

• The hybrid uses both its electric motor and battery power up to 30% more fuel savings over a comparable gasoline powered vehicle

Most important components: fuel tank, battery, engine

What it looks like

How it works

What actually goes on when a hybrid is running?

•Operates on electric power for several miles at a time while the driver is going slower speeds

•When the electric engine is sufficient to power the car, the gas engine shuts off

•Car coasts or brakes, the battery pack recharges

•In some hybrids, the engine is turned off completely when the vehicle comes to a stop, and is restarted instantly when the brake pedal is released.

• http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc3pj-7emvY

(shows how a hybrid Prius works)

A Video to further explain what goes on….

Different Types of Hybrids

•it is important to know the different types of hybrids:–Two-mode hybrids–Single-mode hybrids–Plug-in hybrids

Single-mode hybrids

• The typical, basic hybrid car• Shuts down its engine

automatically at stops to amplify its battery power

• Efficient at low speeds because the car can be propelled without the engine

Two-mode hybrid

• Not only allows for fuel efficiency at stops, but also on the highway at high speeds, unlike the single-mode

• Increases fuel efficiency by 25%

– Why? Allows more parts of the engine to quit

Two-mode hybrids

• Accommodate to larger vehicles• More reliable and inexpensive

parts• Two transmissions• Unlike single-mode’s bulky parts• Higher speeds, accelerate more

efficiently

Comparing Hybrids to other vehicles

Pros• improved fuel economy• additional auxiliary power for

electronic devices and power tools• Tax credits• Save money on gas• Produce less pollution• Reduce emissions of greenhouse

gases

Average MPG for popular hybrid vehicles:Vehicle Average

MPGToyota Prius 46Honda Civic Hybrid

42

Nissan Ultima Hybrid

34

Toyota Camry Hybrid

33

Ford Escape Hybrid

32

Cons• Repair bills $• Expensive vehicles (generally

$2,000-$5,000)• Less powerful engine• Lower acceleration capability• Safety issue• Special tires used are expensive to

replace

• Hybrid sales have increased drastically within the past ten years, so join the crowd and drive a vehicle of the future!

The Future for Hybrids

•Sales will increase drastically•Trucks are predicted to make

up almost 35% of hybrid sales within a few years

•Automobile industry may demand laws for cleaner emissions regarding diesels

What can you do?

Encourage parents, older siblings to buy a hybrid

Explain to the people in your community how important a hybrid is

Simply ride your bike or walk wherever you can to save gas and produce less pollution

Buy a hybrid yourself and do your part!