WHAT IS A HYBRID CAR?
A lot of people do not know what a hybrid car is, how it runs, how it helps the environment. We will do our best to explain the difference between hybrid cars and normal petrol or diesel engines. We will show you the savings that you can make on your fuel costs by leasing a hybrid car. Not only will you be helping your wallet or purse but you will also be helping to preserve the world that we live in.
Hybrid cars generally use a combination of two power sources. The most common hybrids currently available on the market use both electric motors and the petrol combustion engines. Batteries charge and act as a storage device to power an electric motor, usually working when the vehicle is travelling at low speed or in traffic, therefore ideal for city driving. The petrol engine, usually a small efficient unit then powers the car when more power is needed such as at higher speeds allowing the combustion engine to only operate at its more optimum efficient speeds. A number of manufactures have announced plans for diesel-electric hybrids which could be available a soon as 2008. The combustion engine is used to recharge the battery cells along with regenerative braking, therefore hybrid cars do not need to be plugged into an external power supply. This combination of battery power and internal combustion engine produces less pollution and CO2 as no gases are released when the electric motor is running.
ALTERNATIVE FUEL TYPES
Ethanol - FlexiFuel Vehicles Ethanol, also known as grain alcohol is produced from plants, usually sugar cane. The fuel has a high octane rating which in turn means increased engine efficiency. Ethanol is widely used globally as a fuel and is increasing in popularity in Europe. A number of manufactures have developed flexi-fuel vehicles (FFVs) currently available on from Ford, Saab and shortly Volvo cars. Flexi-Fuel vehicles can run on a blend of ethanol and petrol, usually up to E85 (85% Ethanol, 15% Petrol) which is the most common blend in the UK or just petrol. This gives drivers flexibility as the current ethanol filling station in the UK is limited. Bioethanol is green as it has the potential to be carbon-neutral, that is to say all the carbon dioxide emitted during use of the fuel when emitted from the vehicle is balanced by the absorption from the atmosphere during the fuel crop’s growth.
Compressed Natural Gas - CNG Compressed Natural Gas is a fossil fuel sourced from reserves deep under the Earth's surface. It has lower CO2 emissions compared to petrol/diesel but is still a greenhouse gas. Similarly to LPG it requires a conversion so that the car can be switched between gas and petrol. The gas is compressed in a cylinder rather than being stored as a liquid form. The gas mixes well with air prior to combustion and has a high octane rating and therefore is fuel efficient. CNG is popular worldwide and increasing in popularity in the UK. There are a number of aftermarket conversions available and options also available from the factory from manufacturers such as Volvo. BioDiesel Biodiesel is produced from renewable energy sources such as rapeseed, sunflower or soybean oil. Biodiesel is green as it has the potential to be carbon-neutral, that is to say all the carbon dioxide emitted during use of the fuel when emitted from the vehicle is balanced by the absorption from the atmosphere during the fuel crop’s growth. Biodiesel in some instances can be a direct replacement for diesel, however most manufacturers remain cautious about engine wear and recommend a blend of between 5% to 30% biodiesel although some modern engines are capable of running on 100% biodiesel.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a natural hydrocarbon fuel made up of propane and butane. LPG produces far less carbon dioxide than petrol and fewer particulates and nitrogen oxides than diesel. It can be used within a modified internal combustion engine after conversions which cost around £1,500-£2,000. A conversion includes the installation of a second fuel tank for the LPG which means the vehicle can switch between petrol or LPG. LPG has the special property of becoming liquid when under pressure, and reverting to gases at atmospheric pressure. This means it can be easily and conveniently stored as a liquid. About 60% of the world supply of LPG comes from the separation of natural gas products, and 40% is a by-product from the refining of crude oil. In the past, LPG has been considered as waste and flared off; now it is recognised as a major energy source and currently offered by about 10% of refuelling stations.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE NOW?
The Japanese companies have been leading the way with Toyota, Nissan and Honda at the forefront. The German car companies are closely following. The European manufacturers have recently been fined for supplying the USA for emission bursting cars, so they have taken note and are working towards hydrogen powered vehicles. The French car producers are also working flat out to find a sustainable fuel source with next to zero emissions.
The Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic GX are the two favourites at the moment.
WHY A HYBRID?
Hybrid vehicles are hitting the scene in a positive way. They are becoming the choice vehicle for many consumers. Hybrids are trendy in both style and reputation. With more consumers being focused on the ongoing problem of air pollution, it is not a surprise they are drawn to hybrid vehicle models. Hybrids are easy on the environment as well as your bank account. The fact that they are designed to be kind to the environment is getting the attention of many consumers, businesses, and governments.
The efficient system under the hood of a hybrid contributes to its environmentally friendly label. Hybrids operate using both a small petrol engine and an electric engine. The two work independently and together to create one of the most efficient methods of transportation. The smaller petrol engine uses much less petrol to operate the hybrid than a conventional petrol powered vehicles uses.
Therefore, owners of hybrids can enjoy lower fees at the fuel pump. In addition, since the hybrids use less fuel, they emit fewer pollutants. In fact, experts agree that a typical hybrid will emit up to 90% fewer pollutants than a typical conventional vehicle. These statistics are amazing and are the cause of many new developments and incentives being offered to consumers. With so many incentives being offered, the hybrid cannot be refused. Businesses are beginning to offer incentives to those employees who are planning to buy, or already own hybrids. Some businesses, such as Google, are offering £2500 for each employee toward the purchase of a new hybrid. Hyperion, the software company based in Santa Clara, California is also offering this cash incentive. Most corporations set aside millions in the yearly budget in order to compensate for these incentives. When asked, the corporations state they are giving their employees this opportunity in order to give back to the community.
They feel that their locations have given to them through sales and in return they should give back to their community by providing cleaner air. Companies like Google even go so far to offer extensive group transportation schedules as well to further the positive effects on the community's air. The fact that hybrids are environmentally friendly is also getting the attention of governments across the world. Governments are beginning to offer free parking to hybrid drivers and also free routes through congestion charging zones. This kind ofincentive is showing consumers that government is supporting smart and environmentally wise shopping.
With everyone in a community focused on being environmentally responsible, there is a common goal that leads to a better overall community. In addition to the employers and government incentives, a few insurance companies are also offering incentives to hybrid drivers, in order to reward them for their smart choice. Although it would seem that the insurance companies were offering these discounts because statistics have shown hybrid drivers are less likely to file claims, it is not the case. At this time there is not enough evidence, according to experts, to be able to determine the risks hybrid drivers may or may not pose for an insurance company. The companies offering incentives are simply doing so to promote smart environmental decisions by consumers. Consumers hear on the news and weather channel daily about the risks of global warming and air pollution. When you live in a large city, there are even days when smog alerts are as serious as a tornado. It is not fiction that air pollution damages humans and the Earth. Therefore, it is our responsibility to make wise choices when it comes to pollutants. Anything consumers can possibly do to cut down on their own personal pollution levels is a great thing. With our daily lives being busier than ever, it is not likely everyone can forgo their vehicle for the greater good of the planet. However, hybrids are now offering a nice middle ground that allows everyone to profit. Consumers, corporations, and local governments are realising the benefits.

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