made Tri-fuel Hybrid car

Engineering students are observable swollen with pride to have the latest design of car and developed by them presented at ongoing Auto Expo-2008 at New Delhi Pragati Maidan.

They are made Tri-fuel Hybrid car, it is India’s first hybrid car and first four-wheel drive car also Off-Road vehicle developed by Engineering Student of Amity has been showcased at expo.

The Off-Road vehicle of amity student had won the chairman’s award from Mahindra & Mahindra at esteemed SAE competition.

The students of Amity are very much excited to their cars presented right next to car designer Dilip Chabria’s creation.

Via: My India news

Hungary Hybrid Car - Antro Solo

June 27th, 2008

Puneet in Latest cars, Latest news

Hungary is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about cutting edge green vehicles, yet. If the creators of the Antro Solo have their way, the country will be synonymous with green machines by 2012. The Antro Solo is a solar, human and gas-electric hybrid vehicle. It looks like nothing else out there, and has a fuel efficiency of more than 150 miles per gallon!

The Antro Solo is a three seat gas-electric hybrid prototype made entirely out of carbon fiber. This material choice allowed the graphic designers to lower the weight of the vehicle to a measly 270kg. This also allowed them to achieve phenomenal fuel efficiency and a pretty decent top speed of 87mph. All of this is impressive enough, but the Solo’s designers were not content to stop there.

In order to maximize the efficiency of the vehicle, the designers installed solar panels on the roof. These solar panels store energy in the car’s batteries which can be used for short 15-25km trips. If there hasn’t been enough sun to power the batteries, each passenger’s seat comes equipped with pedals that can power the vehicles generator. If you are by yourself, or everyone gets tired, the car can switch to its small combustion engine that is capable of running on petrol or ethanol.

The prototype was shown at the Budapest Museum of Transport. It is set to go into production in 2012, and expected to cost around $20,000 dollars.

Hybrid Vehicle Technology: Theory Of Operation Through 5 Driving Modes

Welcome to Hybrid theory 101. Hybrid cars operate differently depending on your current driving modes. We can divide your typical driving into 5 different modes. Your hybrid car acts differently in each of these 5 driving modes, in some modes the electric motor is operating, and some modes the gasoline engine is operating, and sometimes both are operating. Knowing how your hybrid vehicle operates under each mode is crucial to getting the most gas mileage, and minimizing emissions output. Of course the car makers don't tell you this, they just make it sound like you always get super high gas mileage like a Bingo free spot, no matter how you drive, but that may not be the case. Here are the 5 hybrid vehicle driving modes and their theory of operation:

1) Full Stop: At a full stop, like at a red traffic light or stop sign, the gas engine usually shuts off to eliminate idling, and reduce emissions. The electric motor is now ready to propel the car when push on the gas pedal. This is usually pretty seamless, and you might not even notice without seeing it on the power monitor indicator. In crowded cities with lots of stop and go traffic like the opening scene of Office Space, this can save you a lot of fuel.

2) Low Speed/Initial acceleration from a stop: First of all, I should point out that being a scofflaw maniac driver, I never drive in this mode. Starting from a stop, and driving in a normal sane, just-like-your-grandmother acceleration from the stop line, the electric motor usually propels your car, powered by the electric motor's battery pack. This type of downtown stop and go traffic is where you save the most fuel with hybrids, counter intuitive to normal gas engines, where you burn the most fuel. The electric motor works up until about 15 MPH without any help from the gas engine. The gas engine turns on and off as needed while you drive. I have zero patience for losers at stoplights. If you have a life to live and a lead foot like me, your hybrid SUV will be less efficient in this mode, because flooring the accelerator will demand extra power, causing the gas engine to kick in. This eliminates the fuel savings potential offered to you by your electric motor during this driving mode. Also, if you spend all day in stop and go traffic, the constantly used electric motor battery may discharge quicker, causing the gas engine to turn back on to charge the battery. So your fuel economy savings for hybrids may really only benefit you in a much more narrower range of operating conditions than the car makers will admit. Moral of the story: If you don't drive your hybrid car like you are supposed to, don't expect to get the advertised fuel economy.

3) Heavy Acceleration: This is my personal favorite mode of operation. This mode quickly puts a lot of forward distance between you and the aforementioned losers at stoplights, stuck there during indecision attacks when the light turns green. Here your power comes from both the gas engine, AND the high torque electric motor, typically through some type of power splitting device. During this mode, you probably will not be saving as much fuel as you expect from all the advertising.

4) Highway Driving: This is where the fuel efficiency of Hybrid cars and SUV's works counter intuitive to what you would expect. The reason is that in this driving mode, the car is typically powered only by the gas engine, which may be charging your electric motor battery pack at the same time. So the electric motor is not typically contributing during highway driving, meaning your hybrid vehicle is just another gas guzzling, car at highway speeds. If you are a highway commuter that drives an hour to work each way on the open highway with no stop and go traffic, a hybrid vehicle will probably offer you little fuel savings.

5) Braking, Coasting and Deceleration: When you brake or coast, forward kinetic energy that in standard car normally gets dissipated as heat is instead converted to electric energy. This is accomplished by using the old reliable spinning electrical motor in it's other role, now as a generator to charge the battery pack. This is why hybrid cars never need to be plugged in, despite old wives tales you might hear. This process of charging the battery is known as regenerative braking.

6) Backing Up: Ok I lied, there's a sixth mode, but who really counts going in reverse as a driving mode? In reverse the gas engine does not operate, the electric motor does all the work. Not that this will add huge amounts of fuel savings for you. I drive about 50 feet max in reverse on a daily basis. Now maybe if you're Burt Reynolds...

How Much Better is Hybrid Car Gas Mileage?

In certain driving modes, hybrid electric gas cars offer you no better fuel efficiency than standard cars. Also the fuel efficiency of Hybrid cars and SUV's works counter intuitive to what you would expect. Your gas mileage could be more volatile with a hybrid vehicle due to the way it operates in different driving modes, and how much time you spend in each driving mode. In some driving modes, your fuel efficiency can be better, and in some modes your fuel efficiency can offer you no benefit at all. We will give you enough information here to help you decide if a hybrid vehicle is right for you. But first, let's clear the air on the common myths and misconceptions of hybrid vehicles.

Stop blaming the President, stop blaming the oil companies and Congress about oil prices!

Everyone wants to blame everyone else for their problems. Don't blame the President or oil companies for high gasoline prices. If you want to blame someone, go into the bathroom and point into the mirror, because it's your fault! It's my fault, it's everyone's fault. Sure oil companies took advantage and charged a bit more in 2005, making record profits, that's called capitalism dudes. You sell your camera on eBay and it bids way up because the demand is there to support it. Is that someone's fault? But think about this, oil companies would not have had a leg to stand on with pricing if the demand for fuel from you and I were not so great. We all drive around in gas guzzling SUV's. Think about it, in 1994, there were very few SUV's on the market. Remember the 70's? Riding bikes to work, carpooling? Hardly anyone does that anymore. China's insatiable demand for oil, cement, and lumber had not kicked in yet. The population was a lot lower than, and there were fewer houses requiring electricity and heating oil. So the fault here lies with you and I much more than the President or Congress oil companies. Instead of complaining about their record profits, buy their stock! China alone was the root cause of the largest increases in lumber and cement the last 2 years. All of us need to do what we can to conserve oil, not just with our cars, but in conservation and recycling of other resources we use that depend on oil. We need to attack this from multiple angles. Hybrid vehicles are one of many steps that we should be implementing. Hybrid cars CLAIM a 40% to 60% improvement in fuel efficiency for city driving. Just think if all of us drove hybrid cars, what that would do to the demand for gasoline. It does not take much of a drop in demand for oil at all to tip the scales and cause prices to drop.

Hybrid Cars Save Money

Hybrid Cars Save Money If you have been sitting on the fence about deciding to purchase a Hybrid car, you no longer have any excuse to be squeamish. Consumer Reports just released a study this August that confirms that Hybrid cars will in fact save you money over the long run.

The combination of generous tax credits along with the fuel saving nature of these vehicles is what makes them a good long term value. The difference in up front cost between a hybrid and its traditional counterpart is often between $1200 and $7000. Thats a wide gap, and can be enough to leave you wondering if its worth it.

The good news is that if you act fast and purchase your new Hybrid car before the tax credits phase out in 2007, alot of that upfront additional cost will come back to you in the form of a tax credit. Meanwhile, you will enjoy long term savings on fuel costs.

Did you know that as of 2006, Hybrids account for only 1% of new car sales in the US? As gas prices rise, the ratio will likely change as people seek to cut costs out of rising fuel prices. Unfortunately, if you wait too long you will no longer be able to take advantage of the tax credits that are being phased out. If you are considering purchasing a Hybrid car, you are better to do it now.

The study, conducted by Consumer Reports assumes that you keep your Hybrid car for several years, long enough to notice the difference in cost of filling up. Of course, the more you drive to work, school, or on vacation, the faster and greater your savings will add up.

If you are researching Hybrid cars, be sure to check out http://www.hybridrevolution.org This site lists updated information on all makes and models of Hybrids available and soon to be available.

About The Author

Amber Lowery is an author and webmaster. You can read more about Hybrid cars by visiting her site: http://www.netcarshopping.info/hybrid.html or by visiting: http://hybrid.autobuyerworld.info

Ford’s Hybrid Car: A Giant Step towards the Reduction of Oil Consumption and Air Pollution

Ford’s Hybrid Car: A Giant Step towards the Reduction of Oil Consumption and Air Pollution.

Today’s financial crisis comes as a main concern with the price hikes of main commodities and the tremendous raise in petroleum prices. More and more people—interest groups, government administrators, consumers and the industry are bothered by these. Since one cannot do away with transportation utilities, alternatives to the conventional gasoline engine are a current issue to both consumers and auto manufacturers.

The United States ranks as the world’s largest consumer of oil. Transportation is responsible for roughly 65 percent of petroleum use not to mention that it is likewise the major cause of air pollution. The Department of Energy sees the transitioning to vehicles which are fueled by less oil thereby yielding to higher gas mileage as the solution to the dependence on the already dwindling and too expensive resource that may lead to the reduction of pollution.

Hybrid cars are on the watch list. Several government leaders from all over America recommend the use of hybrid cars since they combine gas and electric fuel sources. Hybrid cars integrate a gasoline engine with both an electric motor and a powerful battery to continuously recharge and store energy therefore the configuration it produces allows less energy to be lost and holds a high gas mileage.

Practicality and technology speaks for the hybrids. Several manufacturers started coming up with their hybrid concepts to respond to the consumer and the present time’s call. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, as Plato puts it. Ford is basically spurred by a sense of necessity, practicality, inevitability, and the reality that it is the ultimate relief to today’s downtrodden economy.

Ford Escape Hybrid is the very first vehicle to combine SUV capability with an outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact. True to the qualities possessed by an SUV leader, Ford’s Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly, and contains no compromise features expected of an efficient SUV.

"When we began work on Escape Hybrid, we made a commitment to delivering a no-compromise, authentic Ford SUV that's fun to drive, spacious, comfortable and capable, with substantially lower fuel use and emissions," said Mary Ann Wright, director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs, Ford Motor Company. "Mission accomplished! It's wonderful to see the vehicle we originally envisioned resonating so strongly with customers," she added.

Escape Hybrid has earned the highest fuel economy numbers for an SUV as certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with its 36 mpg city/31 mpg highway/33 combined in front-wheel-drive configuration; 33 mpg city/29 mpg highway/31 mpg combined for the four-wheel-drive model. It is certifiably a clean vehicle to run and operate producing 97% less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles that meet the nationwide Tier I emissions standard. No wonder Ford Escape Hybrid has been named "North American Truck of the Year" for 2005.

Ford owners need not worry of their Ford aftermarket parts for it’s just a click away. Check out http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD for affordable and the largest array of Ford auto body parts to choose from. Try it out and see for yourself the superior quality replacement and aftermarket parts catered by Parts Train. Why wait? Give yourself the enticing experience of shopping for nothing but the best!

About The Author

Jenny McLane works as a Market Analyst for one of the country's leading auto parts distributors. She has been in the auto parts industry for over ten years now.

jenny@partstrain.com

All About Hybrid Cars

Environmental issues have never been in the spotlight as much as they are today. Consumers are becoming much more environmentally conscious and companies are scrambling to appease them. This is also very true of automobile companies and this trend has lead to the development of hybrid cars.

As the name suggests, hybrid cars are just that – hybrids. They do not run on one specific type of propulsion or fuel system. Rather, hybrid cars can typically use at least two propulsion systems. While many systems have been investigated, the most common hybrid cars are those that can run on either gasoline or electricity in the form of a battery. Most recently, hybrid cars have been manufactured which can use an ethanol derivative, commonly termed Flex Fuel.

Inventors have long been conducting experiments to create hybrid cars, without success. In fact, the first experiments were conducted in the 19th century when manufacturers were attempting to phase out steam-driven vehicles. The first successful hybrid car wasn’t created until the turn of the 20th century, but it was more than 90 years before the hybrid car was released for public sale.

Typically, hybrid cars contain the main components of an everyday gasoline-driven car. There is a fuel tank, a transmission and a gasoline engine. However, today’s hybrid car also contains electric mechanisms such as a battery and an electric motor. In some cases, the battery of the hybrid car is powered by solar energy. That way, the battery can recharge itself during the day. Some owners of hybrid cars prefer to switch propulsion systems depending on whether it is day or night. Amazingly, recent developments in hybrid cars have allowed for the kinetic energy created by the gasoline engine to be used to recharge the battery.

Hybrid cars are riding a wave of popularity. Most of the major car companies, including Toyota, Honda, and even Lexus, have introduced their own hybrid cars to the automobile market. With their smaller gasoline engines and reduced output of emissions, hybrid cars appeal to any socially responsible individual. The decreased size of the engines in hybrid cars have also led to new, sleeker designs and the incorporation of much lighter materials. So, the efficiency and power are quite satisfactory for the typical user, with hybrid cars reaching a horsepower of as much as 90. With the advancements in modern technology, it can only be expected that the hybrid cars of the future will be more efficient, cheaper and in great demand.

About The Author

John Francis Amberden is a regular article contributor on many topics. If you have found this article helpful, visit his resource sites, http://www.lookforanewcar.info and http://www.newcarloanapp.info. For information on other topics of interest, visit http://www.moreinformationservices.com.

Reducing Cost Of Gas With Hybrid Cars

The first successfully designed, engineered and launched hybrid car was by Ferdinand Porsche all the way back in 1899. How surprisingly long ago it has been since the first hybrid car and only of recent years have we been able to find a way to bring hybrid cars to the home users.

With the continual rise in the cost of gasoline, most consumers welcome the new breed of cars in the form of hybrid cars. Hybrid cars use multiple propulsion systems to provide power. It combines the use of gas and also electric to power up the car. Hybrid cars are comparatively smaller than the usual internal combustion engines and have been known to save consumers quite a bit of money every month on gas.

One question lingers on…how can a hybrid car save me, the consumer, money? Well, the basic reason is because hybrid cars don’t use as much gas as the normal cars we see on the road. When the hybrid car is being driven or in use, they are recharging their batteries. And when the hybrid car is cruising or stationary, it also charges the batteries.

Of course, we’ve heard of the all-electric cars which use nothing but electric which requires one to charge the car up whenever not in use through an external source and we’ve also heard of the range extending trailer. But if convenience, safety and money are important to you, consider the hybrid car as a complete life saver. Although not completely certified to be so because the hybrid car continues to use gas (which is not environmental friendly), the hybrid car, when compared to the conventional car, is more environmentally-friendly. In fact, the fuel economy advantage provided by hybrid cars is good enough for the US Government because they provide a tax credit of up to $3,400 for owners of hybrid cars.

How can a hybrid car save me money?

Because the use of self-charging electrical components within the car means that the hybrid car uses less fuel.

Because the internal combustion engine in a hybrid car is much smaller than the conventional car. Therefore, it is not only smaller, but it is much lighter and more efficient than any other cars we’ve known.

Because when the car is moving, is idle or stationary or when the car brakes, it is a chance for the batteries to recharge itself. The more electricity it uses from the batteries, the less fuel it uses. Simple and logical.

About The Author

Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.gascosts.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Why Buy A Hybrid Car?

For anyone interested in saving money at the gas pump and helping the environment, the new hybrid cars are an excellent choice. Small and fuel-efficient, hybrids are now being made by more manufacturers than ever.

Although hybrids cost more, and can be hard to find due to high demand, it still pays to choose a hybrid. Consider the following reasons to buy a hybrid next time you are in the market for a new car.

Smaller, More Efficient Engines

The hybrid's fuel efficiency is increased by its small size and the use of lightweight materials. Periodic engine shut-off is another fuel saving feature of the hybrid. When it is stopped in traffic, the hybrid's engine temporarily shuts off. The engine restarts automatically when the car is put back in gear.

Hybrids are powered by the combination of an efficient gasoline engine backed by an electric motor for acceleration. The electric motor is powered by batteries that are recharged automatically by recapturing the kinetic energy usually lost during braking, known as regenerative braking. When the car is slowing down, the electric motor runs backwards, acting as a generator to charge the battery.

With this collection of advanced fuel efficiency features, hybrids can outperform conventional cars in several arenas.

Environmental Friendliness

Another reason hybrids are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas engines is that they idle less and use fuel more efficiently. The hybrid not only gets better gas mileage, it produces less pollution than other, non-hybrid cars. Some hybrids are getting 10 to 20 miles per gallon more than a regular gas engine. They are also capable of reducing harmful emissions by 90%.

Many hybrids use aerodynamic design to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Low rolling tires made of special resistant rubber reduce friction on the road. The high capacity, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is reliable and available to power the hybrid when needed. Hybrids also use the latest in power-train technology, for integrated power management that contributes to fuel efficiency.

Popularity Enhances Styles And Choices

More makes and models are now being offered as the popularity of hybrid cars continues to escalate. Buyers can now purchase the Honda Civic and Accord, Ford Escape, and Toyota Camry in hybrids. GMC and Chevrolet are currently making 2 hybrid pick-up trucks. In the near future, Saturn, Lexus, Honda, and Chevrolet will make hybrid SUVs available to the public. Chevrolet has plans to offer its Malibu in hybrid form in 2007.

You can get a hybrid that looks like a conventional car, such as the Ford Escape. Or you can choose a hybrid that looks completely different from anything else on the road, such as the Toyota Prius. With so many hybrid cars on the market, there is a style to suit almost everyone.

Tax Incentives Available

People who buy hybrids can get significant tax breaks from the US Federal government through 2006. The amount of your tax break is determined by your tax bracket and when you file. Some states are also starting to offer hybrid car tax breaks as well. Tax breaks backed up over the long run by lower fuel costs make hybrid cars a good buy.

Fuel Efficiency Becomes A Reality

Although most people have been aware of hybrids only in recent years, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Ferdinand Porsche built the first successful hybrid car in 1899. But hybrids first began to catch on in the 1990s when Honda introduced the Insight and Toyota introduced the Prius.

It's been a long wait, but fuel-efficient transportation is finally becoming a reality with the hybrid. As more of these cars take to the road, our air will become cleaner, and our country will be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.

About The Author

Visit http://www.eco-car4u.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at http://www.ronxking.com.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

Facts You Need To Know About The Hybrid Car

The term "hybrid" means that something is mixed with its original form. The hybrid is a car that has both an electric and a gas motor to run it. But, unlike electric cars of yesteryear, the hybrid will recharge itself, hence no need to plug it into an outlet.

The gasoline engines in these cars are smaller than in standard vehicles and where they leave off the electric engine takes over. The hybrid can work on just one of these engines, but hybrid owners will use both to conserve on fuel.

What's Under The Hood?

Most hybrids use the gasoline engine primarily. But when more power is needed, the electric motor kicks in.

In the gasoline motor, there is energy conservation, for example, it instantly shuts off when the vehicle stops. When you hit the pedal again, the engine smoothly turns back on. Meanwhile, the battery keeps all of your appliances on -- lights, radio and other needed features.

Because the gasoline engine cuts off and on, it is usually virtually silent. This can confuse the driver and parking attendants, who may think the car is off, but it is actually on. Fortunately, an indicator light has been added, showing the status of the engine.

Benefits

One huge benefit of the hybrid is the fuel savings -- it offers up to 60 miles per gallon. Because of the high cost of gasoline, this makes the hybrid a very popular choice.

Not only do they use less gas, though, they also emit fewer pollutants into the air. In fact, they are up to 90% cleaner than other vehicles. Because the engines are small and efficient, they reduce their total exhaust emissions. This makes them environmentally friendly.

There are many corporations offering incentives such as free parking to those who drive hybrids.

Plus, the US government in offering attractive tax incentives to lure new buyers who are on the fence.

Construction

There are many differences between the hybrid and conventional cars. One is the construction of hybrids. Made of aluminum and plastic, they are lightweight in their design, which in turn makes them able to be powered by smaller, lighter engines.

Many would fear that this offers less protection than other cars, but the fact is they are just as safe. Additional strength is created by manufacturers using panels in specialized shapes to reinforce the strength of the material to resist impact.

Who Makes Them?

The 2 major manufacturers are Honda Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation. They brought hybrid vehicles to the US in 2000. The first were the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. Both had great success.

There are now plans for a sport utility vehicle to be made as well as full size trucks through hybrid mechanics. This will be quite popular to many drivers. The hybrids that are on the market are well liked. With all of the environmental issues today as well as the high cost of gas, there is no wonder why this is so.

The bottom line is that hybrid cars are effectively lowering the cost of powering a vehicle and keeping the Earth clean. Hybrid technology offers a highly effective way of moving from place to place.

About The Author

Visit http://www.eco-car4u.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at http://www.ronxking.com.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

Hybrid Cars - Technology Of The Future Or Passing Fad?

Hybrid cars have been getting a lot of buzz the last three or four years, and now with the soaring cost of oil and gasoline, hybrids are expected to get hotter than ever. Here are some Questions and Answers about hybrids.

1. What is a hybrid car?

A vehicle is a hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power. Hybrid cars almost always have a gasoline engine and an auxiliary electric motor system that runs off rechargeable batteries.

We normally assume that the point of hybridization is to save fuel, and that is definitely the case with most of the smaller compacts and sedans. But in fact some of the more upscale hybrid models are more concerned with boosting power and "performance" without the usual loss in fuel efficiency.

2. Do you have to plug your hybrid in at night?

You may assume because a hybrid car runs part of the time off its battery pack, that it is necessary to plug it in at night and recharge the batteries (like a golf cart!). But this is almost never the case. Hybrid cars recharge their batteries "on the fly" by making use of unused energy which is normally wasted during normal driving.

For instance, most have a system that captures some of the energy used while applying the brakes, and converts it to electrical energy to charge the battery. This is called "regenerative braking".

If hybrids had larger battery packs that you could plug into the electricity grid, they would be able to transfer more of the vehicle's power requirements over to the electric motor(s), and use even less gasoline. But most auto makers have been unwilling to go this route, arguing that today's batteries could not take the extra load and more extensive usage.

3. Do you have to replace the batteries?

The short answer is No. Hybrid batteries typically have an 80,000 - 100,000 mile warranty. The U.S. Department of Energy tested them to 160,000 miles and stopped testing because they still performed almost like they were brand new. Some taxi drivers have gone more than 200,000 miles in a Toyota Prius without battery problems.

In any event, since hybrid battery packs have hundreds of cells, individual cells or modules could be replaced if there was a problem.

The best way to keep nickel metal hydride batteries performing at their peak is to keep their charge between 40% and 60% -- never fully charged and never fully drained to zero power.

4. How long have hybrids been around?

Alternatives to the ICE (internal combustion engine) in automobiles have been around since at least 1900. The first patent for a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle was filed in 1905. Alternative fuel sources were wiped out as a result of two things. First was the development of the electric self-starter (in 1913) that made gasoline driven cars much easier to start.

The second development was the advent of the age of cheap oil that started around the time of the first World War. This completely removed the economic incentive to look for alternative fuel sources. This is only starting to change now, 80 years later.

5. Are hybrids expensive to purchase?

In January, 2006, there were 10 different hybrid models available from $19,000 to $53,000. The most popular models -- the Insight, Civic, and Prius -- are less than $30,000. According to auto maker announcements there should be more than 50 models available by 2010. As sales and production increase the prices should not be significantly more than for standard ICE models.

Even with the slightly higher average cost for a hybrid -- usually around $3,000 -- these additional initial costs can be offset by federal and state tax incentives, lower maintenance costs, and exceptionally strong resale values.

6. Are hybrids small and underpowered?

Initial hybrid models emphasized fuel economy, so were much lighter vehicles, and had smaller engines. The objective was to offset the loss of power in the ICE with additional power from the electric motor. This would result in essentially the same level of power while burning less fuel.

But this principle does not have to result in underpowered vehicles. In fact the Lexus Rx400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid both have a 270 horsepower power system. And the Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan is expected to have more than 300 horsepower and go 0-to-60 in less than six seconds. Taking the quest for hybrid power even further, the Toyota Volta concept venicle has a 408 hp power plant.

7. What is the main reason people buy hybrid vehicles?

Saving money on fuel is the first thing most buyers think of. But, in fact, the amount saved on fuel over the life of the vehicle may not equal the extra purchase cost of the hybrid.

There are obviously other factors at play in the gradually building popularity of hybrids. Some people want to make a "green" statement, others simply want to be the first on the block with a new and promising technology.

8. Will hybrid technology save the environment?

There's no doubt about it. Hybrids are becoming more popular. In the past five years hybrid sales in the U.S. have grown 2000 percent. Sales in 2000 were 9,500, and by the end of 2005 had grown to over 200,000.

But even this larger number is just 1.2% of the 17 million new cars sold last year. If every hybrid gave double the current fuel economy, from an average of 20 mpg to, say, 40 mpg, that would save roughly 100,000 gallons of gasoline a day. But that amount pales in comparison to the total daily gasoline consumption in the U.S. -- 400 million gallons! The savings of 100,000 gallons would bring that number all the way down to ... 399,900,000 gallons.

Not very significant. Obviously governments and auto makers will have to start getting very serious about hybrid technology before it will make a significant difference.

9. Does that mean hybrid technology is only a fad?

No it does not. Because the only way towards a sustainable future is to find a combination of fuels that will reduce our almost total dependence on oil. Hydrogen fueled vehicles will be part of that future, as will fuel cells, deisel, and alternative fuels such as ethanol.

But what is almost certain is that every promising solution will involve some kind of hybrid combination of technologies. So today's hybrid vehicles are an important and necessary step towards a much more promising and sustainable future.

About The Author

Rick Hendershot does website promotion. Get 100 Links a Month at http://www.linknet-promotions.com/linknet-news.com | California Traffic School - http://www.trafficinteractive.com | Freesms in deutsche handynetze versenden - http://www.sms2website.de

Consider A Hybrid Car To Save Gas

Why you should consider a hybrid Vehicle...

Hybrid vehicles work by combining a gas powered engine with an electric motor generator that gets power from a battery pack. You do not need to plug in or charge your hybrid, as most vehicles have the ability to charge themselves while you are driving. This onboard system is called RESS (rechargeable energy storage system).

You may already know that hybrid vehicles are a good way to reduce pollution and harmful emissions and are therefore more environmentally friendly. But did you know that a hybrid vehicle can save you up to 250 gallons of gas each year?

There is also a special program implemented by the IRS that allows new owners of hybrid vehicles to apply for a tax break. Your local tax preparation office or any dealership that sells hybrid vehicles can tell you more about this special financial benefit.

You can expect to pay a few thousand more for a hybrid vehicle than you would a non-hybrid of the same type. How much the vehicle costs will depend on the year, make and model. For example, the affordable Honda Accord hybrid runs around $30,000. On the other end of the spectrum, the luxury RX400h SUV hybrid offered by Lexus will cost at least $10,000 to $15,000 more.

With rising gas prices and increasing alarm about the condition of our environment, hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more mainstream with each passing day. If you're considering purchasing a hybrid vehicle, research is the first order of business. It's always a good idea to do a little preliminary searching online before ever entering a dealership so you will know more about the vehicles you are interested in as well as how much you can expect to pay for them. You may initially be paying more for a hybrid car, but when you consider the overall benefits, purchasing a hybrid vehicle may prove to be a wise investment.

About The Author

Lyn Davis is a freelance writer who specializes in consumer information. visit http://www.hybridmod.com for more information on hybrid cars.

Aptera new concept . Unique design Hibrid car

March 27, 2008 - Update: 1100 people have put down a deposit to buy an Aptera

March 26, 2009, 12:12 pm
Another View of the Electric Future
By Lawrence Ulrich
Norman Mayersohn/The New York Times Lawrence Ulrich interviewing Paul Wilbur of Aptera, with the 2e in the background.

While its windswept shape recalls jet aircraft, the Aptera 2e could also be the silicon sister of Eve, the streamlined robot from the animated film “Wall-E.” And as it glided silently through Lower Manhattan on Wednesday, the three-wheeled electric car seemed as futuristic and provocative as Wall-E’s icy-white object of desire. From children to usually stoic cops, onlookers pointed, grinned and gaped at this ultralight two-seater, which its backers said would go on sale later this year.

The Aptera took its star turn for the media, including a video I’m shooting for this Web site, at the Classic Car Club in SoHo. The car’s California-based backers discussed everything from the price — $25,000 to $40,000 depending on the powertrain — to its roughly 100-mile driving range, top speed of 90 miles an hour and eight-hour charge time on a normal household outlet.
Norman Mayersohn/The New York Times The face of the Aptera.

Paul Wilbur, Aptera’s chief executive, who used to work at Chrysler and Jeep, said the Aptera would be the world’s most energy-efficient car, in part because of its aerodynamics, which require only a modest electric motor to power the front wheels. The company plans to sell the electric model only in California at first and to roll it out nationally over the next year or two, while it develops plug-in hybrid and gasoline versions.

The Aptera was supposed to go on sale in late 2008, but Mr. Wilbur said he held up the car with demands to add power windows and other consumer-friendly gear. As with the electric Tesla Roadster, Mr. Wilbur said that some celebrities, including Tom Hanks, Shaquille O’Neal and Robin Williams, were among customers who had put down $500 deposits to reserve a place in line.
Norman Mayersohn/The New York Times The Aptera ventures onto the streets of New York.

“I’m not sure Shaquille would fit, but he’s interested,” Mr. Wilbur noted.

From my perch in the passenger seat — and despite its wobbly looking layout — the Aptera felt as stable and responsive as any car, thanks in part to a low center of gravity, with roughly 500 pounds of lithium-ion batteries wedged below the cockpit. While the Aptera weighs barely 1,700 pounds, its backers said the composite body is six times stronger than steel and is designed to meet all federal crash standards.

The cockpit is surprisingly roomy for two large passengers, and there’s enough luggage space for three golf bags. Slick-looking digital readouts display everything from the remaining driving range to mileage, expressed here in miles per kilowatt hour.

After a 20-minute drive, Mr. Wilbur eased through the doors of Classic Car Club into a garage filled with members’ exclusive rides: a BMW Z8, a Ford GT, a vintage Ferrari, a Porsche Speedster replica, Ducati motorcycles and even a Tesla Roadster. But passers-by seemed to look right through the exotics to focus on the Aptera’s one-of-a-kind shape. Wall-E would have understood.

Aptera is being developed in a tidy industrial park here, a few miles north of San Diego. CEO Fambro, 41, and COO Chris Anthony, 31, a former stockbroker who also runs a boat-making shop, have about 15 employees so far, mostly fabricators and engineers.
At present, Aptera has one working prototype of its electric car. A hybrid gas-electric version is being built. Production is scheduled for later this year.

Having received its start with an investment from company start-up incubator Idealab, Aptera is currently looking for another round of financing. Anthony, who spends most of his time on investment matters, says he has attracted interest. [see FAQ's]

They are drawn by the unique design. The prototype features high-tech touches such as rear and side cameras instead of rear-view side mirrors to further reduce wind drag. There's a solar panel on the roof to provide a bit of extra power. Making the car out of laminates slashes its weight to about 1,500 pounds, making it potentially one of the lightest cars on the road. Less weight means longer range. The company also hopes to use off-the-shelf lithium phosphate batteries that are proven and safe, Fambro says.

Even though there is a lot of work left to be done, Aptera has an advantage when it comes to development time. The three-wheel design - two in front, one in back - means the resulting vehicle will be classed as a motorcycle in many states, including California. The red tape required to market a motorcycle is less rigorous than for a four-wheel car. "It allows us to leapfrog into the market," Fambro says.

A motorcycle classification and Aptera's electric drivetrain also fulfill his dream of developing a car that's legal to drive solo in California carpool lanes.

But some involved with alternative-power vehicles warn that buyers could be dubious about the three-wheel arrangement. That worries some alternative-energy advocates. "Will consumers be able get their heads around driving something with only three wheels?"

Aptera will be crash tested by an independent lab using the same protocol as the one followed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, including a side, rear and 45-mile-per-hour frontal offset hit, Fambro says. The car has a special nose that absorbs a frontal impact, pushing the frame down and away from passengers. "We want to define the brand based on safety and efficiency," he says.

Even then, it could be a tough sell, says Ron Cogan, publisher of GreenCar.com, a website and journal devoted to environmentally friendly transportation.

"Consumers are hesitant to buy into new concepts until they prove themselves on the road," Cogan says. "The market for three-wheel vehicles has been slim to none, and I don`t see that changing in a significant way anytime soon."

There's also the prospect that major automakers could race ahead and make their own unique alternative-energy vehicles. General Motors for instance, has promised to have its Volt electric-gas vehicle in production in 2010.

Fambro says he isn`t worried because Aptera is more nimble than the giants. For example, when the company needed to choose low-rolling-resistance tires, it didn`t spend weeks or months quizzing manufacturers. The crew simply mounted each one they could find on a cart loaded with 400 pounds of sand, then rolled it down a hill and up the other side to see which tire would carry it the farthest. "You don`t need a six-month study to get good data," he says.

Before production starts, managers are being issued copies of books detailing how Toyota (TM) cuts waste and encourages quality on assembly lines.

The goal is to produce two or three cars a week once production begins. The company expects to become profitable once production hits 160 vehicles. [no problem with over 1000 on order!]

If nothing else, Fambro is confident that Aptera will be a hit on the beaches near headquarters."You can fold down the front (passenger) seat and put in a surf board," he likes to point out.

The Aptera, with a range of 190 miles between charges, is intended to sell for around $30,000.

Riding in the Typ-1 is sort of like being in a high-tech fishbowl. There's incredible visibility from all sides except the back, which is equipped with a rear-view camera that displays whatever's happening behind the vehicle on a trio of computer screens.

formed from high-tech fiberglass that isn`t just lighter than steel but 10 times stronger, according to Fambro. The Typ-1 has yet to be crash tested, but Fambro says the crumple zone on the Typ-1 is longer than that of a typical car, and the crush strength of the roof and side doors is stronger than what's been mandated for a regular passenger vehicle.

A Hybrid Car: The Best Of Two Worlds

If you have followed along with the news lately, you have no doubt noticed the growing interest towards hybrid cars. What is this all about?

After nearly 100 years on the road the combustion engine is slowly becoming an old-timer. The environmental pollution and its unlimited thirst for fuel cause problems from smog to global warming. Furthermore, conventional engines actually become increasingly inefficient as they grow in size. Most cars use at the most one third of the energy present in the fuel, the remainder is lost in the form of heat and sound.

But only if gasoline starts costing way over 3 dollars per gallon, traditional cars will be considered as too thirsty - apart from the fact that they get the environment dirty. But the cleaner electrical technology, as in electrical vehicles, is not the ideal solution either. And hydrogen or gas cells are not fully developed yet. Here the hybrid car has its window of opportunity - a new automobile technology, which unites the best of two worlds: a gasoline and an electric motor.

The results?

The most pollution free motorised vehicle on offer thus far.

The hybrid technology manage to do this by connecting a small petrol engine with a torque-strong electric motor and a battery. And can in this way lower the fuel consumption and have a lower pollution factor.

In fact, some hybrid vehicles produce 50% less emissions than your conventional car. Although this is very good indeed, one has to admit that two power sources under the hood is more complicated, more susceptible to errors and may sound a bit wasteful even.

But if this will allow almost any driver to have 50% of gasoline savings and reduces the emissions by a third, it certainly can't be all wrong. And the best of everything is that these hybrid cars - in the short time the have been on the market - have proven to be very road worthy vehicles as well.

Especially in the USA, where the environment is quickly becoming more and more polluted, hybrid vehicles play an increasingly important role - not least in California, where "Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger have opted for strict environmental protection guidelines.

For this reason no doubt, we can also see somewhat of a Hybrid car craze in Hollywood right now. During the Academy awards of 2005, the most prestigious way to travel was not the long black limousine, but a hybrid car , which supposedly showed the environmental awareness of the celebrities.

On the other hand, one can also assume that the above phenomenon was a way to show ones status, as hybrid cars where rather rare and expensive at the time. Among the celebrities that where seen arriving in various hybrid cars were Cameron Diaz, Robin Williams Harrison Ford and (surprise, surprise) Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon.

About The Author

Charles Hawkins is the editor of http://Knowmoreabout.net, where you can now get a gold of a thoroughly researched guide to hybrid cars that will teach you everything about this technology: http://www.knowmoreabout.net/store/go/Hybridcars

The Emergence of Hybrid Car: The Alternative of Future Vehicle

Almost all people from all level of life are troubled and worried about the rapid hikes in oil prices. Therefore, the purpose of driving cars is forcefully narrowed into plain necessity. Otherwise, it would be totally impractical.

Due to this rapid increase of gasoline prices, giant car manufacturers had heralded great news about the development of modern cars, which called as “hybrid cars” that would significantly cut oil consumption.

The Japanese car makers Toyota and Honda were the pioneers in this particular endeavor, followed by their United States and German counterparts.

So, what exactly are hybrid vehicles? Literally, the word ‘hybrid,’ means a crossover. When it is apply to the term hybrid vehicles, the word can be define as an integration of two types of cars, the gasoline powered cars and the electric powered cars.

Hybrid vehicles generally refer to those types of automotives or cars that run on the joint power brought about by gasoline and electricity stored in high-capacity electric batteries.

Hybrid vehicles save on fuel because there are certain times when the vehicles rely on the electric power produced by the batteries. Therefore, the consumption of gasoline is significantly lowered, leading to reduced oil or gasoline bills by the owner.

The technology for the manufacture of hybrid cars is continuously and consistently evolving over the years, marking significant changes, modifications and improvements time after time.

Since hybrid vehicles have reduced gasoline consumption, it follows that smoke and greenhouse gas emissions are also significantly reduced. Therefore, the emergence of hybrid vehicles is like hitting two birds in just one stone. You would practically save on gasoline and oil costs and at the same time help save the environment by reducing the rate of green house gas emissions.

About The Author

Fakhrul Anuar is a Webmaster and publisher of Hybrid-Cars.CosmoMatrix.com. He provides wide information about hybrid cars at http://Hybrid-Cars.CosmoMatrix.com.

Copyright © Hybrid-Cars.CosmoMatrix.com All Rights Reserved.

The 2 Types Of Hybrid Cars

Many automobile companies have spend millions of dollars each year in research and development of more efficient fuel consumption for cars. Each year more and more cars are rolled out the production plants and there is an urgent call by consumers and environmental groups to reduce the fuel consumption of automobiles.

With the increasing cost of fuel and the environmental concerns regarding harmful emissions of toxic gases into our atmosphere, automobile companies are forced to developed radically different types of cars. One of which is the hybrid car

A hybrid is powered by conventional fuel as well as uses electric energy. Hybrid cars have lower fuel consumption and are more environmentally friendly.

All hybrid cars are powered by two engines : a gasoline engine and a electric engine. Typically, they work in tandem with each other. The gasoline engine is used during starting and stopping the car. Once the car is travelling at a certain speed, the electric engine will take over automatically.

In the current market, there are 2 types of hybrid car. The first type is the series. Typically, the gasoline engine is used to start and stop the car. Once the hybrid car has attained a certain speed, the electric engine will take over. The gasoline engine is also used to charge the electric engine’s batteries. As you can see, both engines are used in tandem with each other but never together.

The second type is called the parallels. It has the same physical configuration of the series hybrid however the operation is quite different. Both the electric engine and the gasoline engine can be used to start and stop the car. The electric engine is used to boost the power of the car when required. Parallel hybrid cars are more suited for long distance travelling.

Usually, hybrid cars are built using very lightweight materials in order to reduce the load on the hybrid car when travelling. This help to save fuel by requiring less energy to move the vehicle. The tires are made more rigid than conventional vehicles with higher tire pressure to increase fuel efficiency.

In on whole, a hybrid car consumes 50 to 60 percent less fuel than a conventional car. The only obstacle is the high cost at the present moment but I am sure as consumers start to recognize the benefits of hybrid car, the prices will start falling and become more affordable.

About The Author

Ricky Lim operates a hybrid cars site at http://www.all-hybrid-cars.info Visit his site for more information on hybrid car battery and hybrid car tax and other hybrid cars information.

A Quick Look At 2006 Hybrid Cars

Demand for hybrid cars has sharply grown over the past three years, as pump prices continue to surge and eating a considerable part of the household budget.

Hybrid cars may not be the complete solution to rising oil prices but they are very economical, as they rely more on electricity instead of gas for power. For 2006, business conditions have remained turbulent. The current crisis in Israel and Lebanon will likely have an adverse effect on oil markets given that they are very near the world’s top oil producers.

Other issues that will keep gas prices high include China’s demand, terrorist attacks on refineries and volatility in stock markets. Is 2006 finally the right time to jump on the bandwagon for hybrid cars? For 2006, the top Japanese car makers Honda and Toyota have released an impressive line of hybrid cars that have been updated to conform with the demands of the daily driver.

The hybrid cars for 2006 promises more power behind the steering wheel but gas consumption will be comparable to a child guzzling a bad-tasting cough syrup.

Honda 2006 Accord Hybrid

The new Accord Hybrid from Honda is 4-door sedan ideal for families with 2-3 kids. This car comes in two trims and 5-speed automatic transmission. Overdrive option is standard equipment. For those that enjoy long and leisurely rides, Honda is offering a Accord Hybrid equipped with a Navigation system.

Both trims are powered by a standard V6, 3.0-liter, 253-horsepower engine. The Accord Hybrid is capable of 25-mpg in city driving and 34-mpg in highway driving.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is well suited for the highways and boasts of excellent responsiveness and outstanding acceleration.

Initial impressions

The 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid has been criticized for its disappointing fuel economy but lauded for its outstanding performance especially in fast-driving. The car battery used in the car is relatively low in power and supposed does not effectively maximize the hybrid technology unlike rival models.

Some users have also been critical over the “rough” automatic transmission shifting between gears and poor flawed synchronization between engine and battery.

Honda 2006 Civic Hybrid

The new Honda Civic Hybrid is a 4-door sedan ideal for small families. The vehicle comes in two trims namely the the CVT AT-PZEV w/ Navigation System and the CVT AT-PZEV

A standard I4 1.3-liter 110-horsepower hybrid engine powers the 2006 Civic Hybrid car. This model has the capability to run 49-mpg in city driving and 51-mpg in highway drives.

Initial impressions

The 2006 Civic Hybrid car is a top-notch performer especially for who are looking for the perfect driving experience. The interior has been lauded for its attractive lay-out and design. Gas consumption is exceptional, as delivers near or slightly above its specifications.

However, the 2006 Civic Hybrid has been criticized more on its ambitious despite. The digital speedometer is a nice new touch but can be distracting especially during night drives. The Civic Hybrid only comes with rear drum brakes, which is disappointing considering that the Civic has been named car of the year.

The hand brake is also placed on odd location and will be discomforting for those with large thighs. The 2006 Civic Hybrid is a “driver’s car” and will perform best when used in the highways.

2006 Toyota Prius

Updated for 2006, the new Toyota Prius is a 4-door sedan, ideal for small families. This hybrid car only comes in one trim has a 4-Door Liftback.

The 2006 Toyota Prius is powered with by a standard I4, 1.5-liter, hybrid engine running 110-horsepower. In city driving, the Prius can achieve 60-mpg and 51-mpg in highway driving.

Initial impressions

The Prius features a spacious interior that can easily fit small families. Ideal for pedestrian drivers but those conscious with performance should stay away, as acceleration is slow. In addition, consumers have also been disappointed over the inability of the car to reach its advertised consumption and high price. For those tht want to save the world the Prius is great but look the other way if you want to save money.

Article courtesy of http://www.hybrid-vehicles.com

About The Author

Ned Jones - I know about these cars because I have one. I never do anything without researching it first and I have a lot of knowledge to share. I'll no doubt be submitting a few 'hybrid car' articles at some point in the future.

Top 3 Picks For Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are fast becoming more and more popular due to the rising fuel costs and the prices of hybrid cars are becoming more and more affordable. The performance of hybrid cars are also comparable to diesel/petrol cars so there’s no reason not to get it.

There are plenty of new hybrid car models introduced every year but here are my top 3 picks that offers the best performance and features for the price.

#3 Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic hybrid is not a new model and has been on the market for some time. The price retails around $20,000 and the fuel performance is 47 city mpg and 48 highway mpg.

Though it isn’t terribly fast, what I like about the honda civic hybrid is that it can carry up to 5 people. It is more functional and is suitable as a family car. It also pass the crash test rating with a good score of 5.

If you have a family and do not need to get anywhere fast, then going with a honda civic hybrid is a good buy.

#2 Honda Insight

The honda insight is a two seater hybrid car which have fuel performance of 57 city mpg and 56 highway mpg. The price is about the same as the honda civic hybrid. It is a very reliable car which I have owned for a couple of years. So far, it has not given me such problems.

There are a couple of disadvantages, firstly it is 2 seater which means it’s not a family type of car. Secondly, the horsepower isn’t that great with only 71 hp.

It is my second top pick because I like its reliability and when you compare price to performance, it is pretty good.

#1 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius hybrid car is my top pick because it offers the best performance for the price you get. It cost around $19,000 which is the cheapest out of the three. It has more horsepower at 110 hp and can do 60 city mpg and 51 highway mpg. It is a family sized car which can hold 5 people quite comfortably with some space left in the trunk.

It also get a 4.5 score for it’s crash test rating. For price and performance, you can’t beat the toyota prius.

About The Author

Ricky Lim operates a hybrid cars site at http://all-hybrid-cars.info Visit his site for more information on hybrid car battery and hybrid car tax and other hybrid cars information.

Hybrid Cars Go Stylish

Hybrid cars are taking the world by storm - figuratively, literally. And here are just two of the latest hybrid cars that avid car fans and buyers are sure to love.

If you want an eco-friendly hybrid car that not only drives like a dream but is a weight off your conscious too, then you must see the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG. This nifty little hybrid car will run on bio gas making it essential in today's fight against global warming.

You may be forgiven for thinking that hybrid cars are going to end up looking, well, ugly. This is simply not the case where the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG is concerned. Looking at the car's rounded edges and the sleek design you may as well be looking at one of the top sports cars in the world. With a soft top to boot, you can make sure your next luxury car is a hybrid one.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG has been developed by BRA GmbH. This company has been at the very forefront of the development of hybrid cars for well over ten years now. They are based in Germany and they have developed not only environmentally-friendly hybrid cars but cars that have excellent style and design, as well.

The car itself isn't due to be released until March 2008, but you can be sure it will open to a fanfare of utter amazement! The car is only likely to cost around 48,000 Euros making it not only environmentally-friendly but also friendly on your pockets, as well.

The Cadillac Provoq concept

America has realized that the gas-guzzling, environment-harming vehicles are not going to save the world any time soon. The eco-drive and style brought by hybrid cars have finally found their way to America and they have managed to do it in amazing degree... Not that we expected anything less of course.

As the flag bearer of hybrid cars, the Cadillac Provoq concept car has two main points. On the one side, it clearly shows the style, class and beauty that is renowned with Cadillac cars. It also has in its favour the hybrid car technology that is actually making the car a sure heart-stopper.

The Cadillac Provoq concept car is made to appeal to the luxury car owners; it oozes class and style and is sure to stand up in its own right against other luxury cars. If it is luxury next to hybrid car technology that you are looking for then you need not look any further.

The Cadillac Provoq concept hybrid car has wheels that are powered by the car's 94bhp motor, which of course is electric. The car's rear wheels have the 54bhp motor each. These features enhance the Provoq's mileage for every small amount of gas it consumes - saving the planet and your pocket from hundreds of dollars spent on fuel. This is something that Cadillac Provoq owners would be very much proud of.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG and the Cadillac Provoq concept will fit right into any city or town and with their sporty look and sleek design they are simply head turners.

About The Author

Alex Baumm. Find more tips at our car forum http://www.CarClubTalk.com

Coming Soon To A Garage Near You - The Hybrid Car

Buying a new car is a costly affair for most people, and with the ever rising oil price it is becoming a more and more expensive affair to own your own car too. With an oil price that works in a way so that a rain in north America raises the price people in Finland pays for gasoline from Russia, it is not strange that the market is eager to be offered more economical cars.

To make metters even worse, we are today well aware that the large scale use of fossil fuel like oil is very bad for the environment. Burning up things that have taken hundreds fo thousands of years to accumulate within a couple of hundred years is obviously not a very good idea.

All of the above has resulted in a new breed of cars being rapidly developed. These cars combine the best features of the electric cars with that of conventional, gasoline powered cars. These type of cars are called hybrid cars, and you are likely to hear a lot about them in the very near future.

The electric car revisited

The electric car first sounded like a great idea, since it has no emissions while it runs. However, this is only partially true as how clean this can be considered depends on how the electricity for the electric car is produced - if it comes from a coal plant for example, it isn't very clean at all.

Furthermore, the storage of large amounts of electricity is problematic at best and in practise turns electric cars to pure bread city cars. At least with the ways we currently store electricity.

Hybrid cars combine an electric engine with a gasoline powered one, which means the use of gasoline isn't eliminated entirely but it can be greatly reduced. The dual engines also allow for smaller engines to be used, and they take advantage of things like regenerative breaking.

Naturally the hybrid cars are also extremely lightweight and aerodynamically well designed, all to reduce the energy needed to run them. In slow city traffic the conventional engine is automatically shut of completely, producing no emissions whatsoever. When more speed and power is needed, the conventional engine is allowed to seamlessly kick in partially or fully.

Hybrid cars are here NOW

Like much of the car market today, it is the Japanese who have been a leading force to develop attractive looking hybrid vehicles, such as the hybrid powered Honda Accord and Toyota Prius. Contrary to what one might believe, these cars have also been a great success on the market.

The idea of saving on gas is obviously appealing to a lot of people.

Most well known North American manufacturers are also expected to jump on the bandwagon of this lucrative market very soon. Many of them, including Ford, Chevrolet and Mercury have in fact already launched hybrid powered version of some of their models.

Since this is now a phenomenon that all big manufacturers are getting into, you can expect to see many of these cars appearing more commonly at local car dealers. As this is considered cutting edge technology, one can expect the initial prices to be rather high though. But then again, a hybrid car will mean considerable savings on buying gas. As the competition will no doubt be stiff, it will be interesting to see how the pricing of these cars develop during the next few years.

While the best thing for the environment would be to chuck oil out of the picture completely, hybrid cars represent one of the best alternatives one can decide to buy right now - combining the cleanliness of the electric engine with the mileage of a conventional combustion engine. Hybrid cars are certainly not to be considered unorthodox or overly futuristic - they are here NOW.

About The Author

Charles Hawkins

The Know more about network (knowmoreabout.net), has more consumer information about hybrid cars at: http://www.knowmoreabout.net/automotive/hybrid-cars/

Tips on Car Washing

Most of us have been helping to wash the car since we were kids, so while some of these tips are going to be well known, you may find some details here that are missing from your weekend car buff and shine.

Prep work: First remove your Car Bra, lower antennas, and get anything else off the vehicle that might collect wax bits or make it harder to do a complete job.

What we need:

Wash bucket
Wash mit
All wheel safe cleaner
Wheel brush
Car Soap
Chamois
Start with a rinse first. While it is tempting to splash on the soap water and start in with the scrubbing, rinsing removes the dust and road grime first, so that we don't sandpaper our paint job.

Stick with the method of starting at the top and working down the car with the hose, this way you save water and time. Spray off the obvious collection areas. Power washers are fine, but don't set them too high, or get too close to your car with the nozzle.

Once you have completed the rinse, start with the wheels first. Use an 'all wheel safe cleaner' and brush them down with a good wheel brush. Soap brush and rinse each wheel, before moving to the next.

TIP: Check the valve stem for each wheel as you go, to insure the cap is on. Lost stem caps can result in air loss and even flat tires as dirt gets lodged into them.

At this time we are ready to soap the vehicle. Start as always on the roof and apply the soap and lightly scrub the vehicle surface in a clock wise rotation moving down to the quarter panel and around to the trunk.

Once you have completely soaped the vehicle it is time to rinse, again start at the top and work you way down and around the vehicle.

Drying the vehicle

Now we will dry the car with a chamois. Take one lap quickly around the car to get excess water off the vehicle. Wring the chamois out completely and start on the roof and work your way around until the entire vehicle is dry.

Interior cleaning

What we need:

Portable Vacuum with attachments
Clean hand towels or paper towels
Plastic or vinyl cleaner
Foaming upholstery cleaner
Leather Conditioner (optional)
Carpet Brush
First remove your car floor mats, dash mats and rubber cargo liners (or other cargo liners) from the car. Organizers, and clothes bars as well.

Start with top-down vacuuming. Begin with the head rests for the seats, and work your way down through all of the crevices to the carpet.

TIP: If you have car odor you are trying to control, spread out baking soda throughout the car before starting to vacuum. This will help pickup odors and gives you a visual guide to insure that you vacuum every area.

TIP: If you have a great deal of pet hair, use a rubber or latex glove (the kind that are sold a dishwashing gloves are perfect). You'll also need a new bucket of water. Just wipe the hair collected area with your gloved hands and rinse the glove in the bucket. You'll probably be amazed at how easy it is after trying to vacuum up the hair.

Once the vacuuming is complete, we can start in on the plastic and vinyl surfaces. Push the seats all the way back so that we have lots of room.

Clean and wipe all surfaces with appropriate cleaners.

TIP: Any cleaner with ammonia as an agent is not a good idea for cleaning your car interior. Ammonia is especially damaging to tinted windows.

TIP: Don't use a product like Armor-all on your steering wheel or control pedals. This is one of those tips that you will only ignore once.

Clean and wipe all surfaces in an orderly fashion make sure to clean the door panels as well.

Remove, clean and reinstall the steering wheel cover, and gear shift boot as well.

You can use on old soft paint brush or toothbrush to get in between the cracks and vents in and around the dash and center console areas. Be sure to extend head rests and arm rest to clean any hidden areas of dirt.

Once that is complete, you can spot clean the carpeting and velour. Using the foaming cleaner spray directly on to carpet or velour. Use a carpet brush to scrub the surfaces clean and follow up with the vacuum over the carpet and seats, this will remove any excess foam. Run over the carpet one more time with dry carpet brush to apply clean stripes to the carpet.

NOTE: See our Tip Pages for Removing Coffee Stains, Grease/Sand, and Melted wax from carpet and upholstery if need. Or our Hard to fix Interior Damage article has tips on removing rust stains and fixing scratches in your plastic dash or door covers. If you have leather in the interior, see our Leather Care page as well.

Waxing the exterior

What we need:

Paste or liquid wax
Pre-wax cleaner
Several micro fiber towels
Time to move in out of the sun.

Its never a good idea to wax a car in direct sunlight. What we want as well is some control over the temperature of the car's surface. So don't star right away. Let the surface temperature cool down a bit before you start.

If your vehicle is light colored and it has been a considerable amount of time since the last wax you will want to use the pre-wax cleaner. This step removes any stains or dirt that has worked its way into the paint surface.

To apply the wax, start with the roof and apply a light coat and if possible apply in the same direction as the panel. In other words, do not swirl around when applying simply wipe back in forth from front to back. This will eliminate any cob webbing affects that can occur when viewing the car in the sun.

To remove the wax simply start where you began and remove the wax by wiping back and fourth with a clean micro fiber towel. Do no use paper towels or regular towels as they can scratch the paint' surface.

Final Detail

What we need:

Several clean micro fiber towels
Tooth brush (to remove any wax left behind in the cracks)
Window cleaner (no ammonia)
Begin by taking a quick lap around the car and remove the majority of any wax left behind. Now clean the windows inside and out using a window cleaner, if your windows are tinted, make sure you use a window film safe cleaner (no ammonia).

Now it is time to "detail" the car. Start at the fender and wipe it down paying close attention for any wax left behind. Wipe down any chrome or trim moldings as needed and continue around the vehicle under. If your hands have touched every inch of the car, chances are you are complete. Take one last looks around to be sure nothing was missed.

NOTE: Car covers can really make a difference in the condition of your car. They help save the paint from scratches and dirt build up, they also keep the interior cool, and safe from UV and sun bleaching damage. In the winter, sand and salt damage are common problems car covers help protect you from.

About The Author

Elena Maria
http://www.caraccessories.com

View their website at: http://www.caraccessories.com/interior_damage.html

Car Cleaning Products - Tips To Keep Your Car Sparkling

Since we live in a world where cleanliness is becoming of great importance, we do our best to keep our possessions in sanitary & pristine order. Whether it's our house or our prized vehicles, we want these things to stay nice and well maintained. Most of us tend to take better care of our vehicles than we do ourselves! As odd as that may sound, it could be due to the innumerable car cleaning products at our disposal. Whatever your polishing requirements are, you will definitely find a quality car cleaning product that will do the job for you.

If you venture out to any fine auto store or even Wal-Mart, you will be overwhelmed with car cleaning products. Then comes the picking and choosing. How do you know which ones are the best, and which ones are a better choice for your car? Well, it's time to turn head online for your research. The Internet can provide you with very useful and relevant feedback on a variety of car cleaning products that have been used by others like yourself. Check and see how each product is rated by them.

In our society there is an ongoing joke regarding the men and their cars. Men often pull out all the stops when it comes to their SUV or sports car. In fact, car cleaning products are no laughing matter. Luckily, these days there is everything from high quality car waxes to get the paint job in perfect condition, to shampoos that will leave the interior of your ride smelling like new.

When it comes to car cleaning products, many like the aesthetic results, but may not consider the preservation aspects. By taking good care of your vehicle, you definitely prolong the life of the car. For example, if you wax your car once a month and give the paint that ultimate protection from the elements, then it will most likely not show as much damage down the road. The nautral elements will have trouble penetrating the shield and protection given by your car wax.

All this is well worth it in the long run. This goes the same for your car's interior. The sun can be damaging to your dashboard, vinyl or leather. If you keep it clean and protected, it is much less likely to crack. There are a number of car cleaning products that can help you with this feat. No matter the extent of obsession with your vehicle, you don't have to fight the battle alone. On the internet, you can find car cleaning products galore with specifications to suit your needs, no matter what vehicle you own. The life and beauty of your car is important to you, not to mention if you intend to sell it later. Quality car cleaning products are a must when it comes to owning and caring for a vehicle.

About The Author

Ernest R. Peterson contributes his http://www.latest-entertainment-news.com, reviews and write-ups on Cars & Autos-related issues to http://www.cars-directory-guide.com

Auto Detailing: Making Your Old Car New Again

The wear and tear of seemingly ordinary, day to day driving can take its toll on even the most cautious of drivers. Nicks, scratches, dents, chips, and the like, can etch the surface of your car like an acid, marring the pristine finish it had when you drove it off the lot. These unwanted (and yet inevitable) scars are the proud automobile owner’s nightmare, but can be easily remedied by way of the talents of a professional auto detailer.

Those long bouts of highway driving we are all subjected to from time to time, can be as frustrating for the drone of the open road as much as they are for the caked layer of insects which inevitably grace the hood, bumpers, windshields, and grills of a once clean car. It’s an annoyance most easily absolved through a thorough automobile detailing. A good auto detailer can polish, buff, and wax your car back into the condition you remember it, and the condition you deserve it to be in. Of course, you might say, professional automotive detailing is not a necessity, I can scrub and polish my own car, thank you very much.” But this can be a dangerous misconception. Using the wrong equipment, or using improper techniques, or unqualified persons to work on your car can actually do more harm than good.

Cheap shampoos, soaps, scrub brushes and such, can wear down the quality of your automobile’s paint job, leaving it more spotted, tarnished, and lusterless. Even hasty, careless work with something as seemingly inconsequential as a bristly old rag can leave nearly unnoticeable scuffs, slowly wearing down the shine of a once beautiful marriage of paint and wax. This is where the talents and experience of a professional auto detailer can save the day. In the hands of a good detailer, your car can gain back the brilliance it once had, and had subsequently lost through the trials and tribulations of everyday use.

And that’s nothing to say of the interior. We all of us know how easy it is to stain, scuff, and generally wear down the carpet and upholstery of your car of truck’s interior, leaving it a paltry version of its former self. And then there’s the non-visible horrors of an unclean car: the smell. The tiniest of coffee spills or other such filth and dirt that can so easily be trudged into your car, can burrow their foul odor deep in the fibers of carpets and seat covers. And anyone who has ever taken their dog for a ride to the park knows that unmistakable canine musk lingers on well after the dog blanket and tennis ball have been removed. Such unpleasant odors area fact of your car’s life, but are in no way a death sentence. A thorough auto detailing can exorcise even the most offensive aromas from that enclosed space where, behind the wheel, we spend so much of our time.

There’s no need to go on driving a car that is slowly deteriorating away from its former glory. We can all recall that new car smell, that fresh-off-the-lot fragrance that has burned its way into all car drivers’ memories; it’s one of the saddest truths about regular car use that this smell represents cleanliness, and whose only hope of recovery can be through cleanliness. automotive detailing is your best bet to improving the look and feel of your car is by utilizing the efforts of a good detailer. A full auto detailing will appease that nagging guilt you feel whenever the sun comes out and all the blemishes of a once fine automobile are exposed for every prying eye to see. His expertise can do what the rest of us folk have neither the time nor the equipment to accomplish – and he might just have you, if not enjoying, at the very least, dreading that unavoidable rush-hour just a little bit less.

About The Author

Christopher M. Luck

I have an extensive background of dealing directly with Auto Detailing and am now offering my free professional auto detailing advice to the public. http://www.maryvillepress.com/category/automotive-reviews.

How To Auto Security System For Your Car

by: Jintonic Sos

Like a child who has discovered a new toy, this information will open up a whole new world of awe and wonder for you.

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Auto Security System? This informative boom can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about Auto Security System.

Do you want car security? This can be a tricky question, especially if you do not feel like paying for it right now! Of course, recall that paying a little bit for a some form of car security now can except you from having to pay a undivided lot more in the future.

When a car thief sees that you have a form of car security, he or she will likely move onto an easier target.

Going through the final part of this article, we will see just how important the subject can be to many people.

There are many levels of car security, from steering controls locks to high-tech alarms and immobilisers. When it comes to your own car security system, you actually get a amount of which technology you want. There are aftermarket systems as well as pre-installed ones.

The three chief types of car security systems are:

Think about what you've read so far. Does it highlight what you already know about Auto Security System? Or was there something completely new? What about the lingering paragraphs?

Audible security systems. Such a system as this works by alerting the broad public that someone lacking authority is difficult to get into the vehicle. Yes, these are the trying systems that you here beeping and screaming while you are difficult to like a peaceful meal at a restaurant. Of course, these days, the customer can actually set the sensitivity of most modern audible security systems, shrinking the attempt of it free off for no reason. Oftentimes, the driver can know that the dread has been set based off of magnify beep or irregular of the headlights. Most of these pre-installed car security systems also include a panic badge which will set off the dread when the customer pushes a badge on the key fob. The chief problem with these systems is, of course, all the racket and latent for racket that they generate.

Inaudible systems (private alert systems). These systems eliminate the atrocious sounds by paging the possessor electronically when or if there is a break-in. Of course, there are harms that can surface with this system. For one, the possessor may be far away from the car and may not be able to get there in time. For another, if the possessor can get there while the break-in is in progress, he or she might be in danger. In a sense, all that an muffled system does is notify the possessor that there is a problem, but it does not proposal any solutions!

Ignition system immobilizers. This is the one of the newest forms of car security system technology, and it may actually become mandatory in the production of upcoming vehicles. Basically, explosion system immobilizers work by preventing the vehicle by being started by any one who as unauthorized access.

Of course, you do not necessarily have to indicate between just one of these types of car security. Many cars come with a combination of them, like an immobilizer along with an audible security system (which is possibly the most common combination). And you can forever throw in a steering sweep strand (like The Club) for good measure.

It is a good idea to commerce your car cover visitors to see which car security they suggest. Oftentimes your cover visitors will even propose discounts if you have a good security system.

This article's coverage of the information is as whole as it can be today. But you should forever place open the possibility that upcoming study could reveal new facts.

To learn more about this topic, visit your local library or do a simple Internet search to get the information you desire.

Replacing Your Automotive Carpet

by: Todd Speary

Nothing is more miserable or disgusting in a car than dirty and smelly carpet. Have you ever spilled soda, milk, motor oil or even bleach on your vehicle's carpet and thought to yourself that it would be nice to just replace the whole thing instead of trying to clean it? Well, it's actually possible to do just that, and the job isn't as difficult as you would think. Many people find it more cost efficient to replace their auto carpet, instead of trying to clean the dirt or smell from a soiled auto carpet.

What to buy?

Auto carpet can be purchased pre-molded to fit the form of your vehicle's floor pan. So, you do not need to buy flat automotive carpet and try to fit it to the bumps and ridges of your car's floor, but rather you can simply pull out the old carpet and drop in the new, pre-formed auto carpet. Buying this form of automotive carpet will make the job much easier and will eliminate most of the work. Sometimes, if you have a newer model of car, you can still buy carpet from the manufacturer, but in most cases the original OEM carpet will be 4 or 5 times more expensive than aftermarket auto carpet, and the quality of the carpet fibers can be inferior to the aftermarket carpet.

It is important to note that there are 2 types of automotive carpet backing. Most new cars, from the 90s and newer, have a type of backing/padding called Massback. It is a heavy foamlike rubber that is usually black. This type if backing is added to improve heat and sound insulation as well as some padding under the carpet. Most aftermarket auto carpet is made with a thin, plastic backing that doesn't add much in the way of padding or heat/sound insulation so most aftermarket auto carpet manufacturers will add a 1/2 inch thick jute padding to this type of carpet backing to add some padding. Some aftermarket carpet retail stores will sell you the same carpet with either type of backing.

The first thing you will need to do when replacing your auto carpet, is to purchase a carpet kit for your particular vehicle. It is important to point out that now would also be a good time to buy a matching set of floor mats from the same retail store where you buy your carpet. Most manufacturers cut your molded carpet and floor mats from the same roll of carpet and to ensure that you get the same exact die lot; you should order both at the same time.

Where to start?

Be sure to pull the new auto carpet out of the box as soon as it arrives, since it will be rolled up and crammed into the box. The carpet will need about 24-48 hours to "relax" and regain it's shape. Sometimes, letting it sit in a warm room, or direct sunlight will help speed up this process.

Once the carpet has relaxed, you can begin the job of installing the new auto carpet. The first step will be to remove the existing carpet from the vehicle. You may need to remove the sill plates by the doors, the seats and seat tracks if they are holding down the auto carpet and the center console. Basically, anything that is holding down the carpet will need to be removed in order to get the carpet out. Be careful not to destroy the existing carpet, and certainly do not throw the carpet away or discard it, as you will need to use it in a few minutes. Just set the carpet aside for the time being.

Now you should do a little prep work on the floor of your car to get ready to install the new carpet. At this time you can remove the old carpet padding, if any was left behind, but be sure not to remove any body insulation from the floor. You can install heat or sound insulation such as Dynamat at this time and patch or repair any holes in the floor of the vehicle. And it should go without saying, but sweep and clean up and dirt or loose matter from the floor of the vehicle.

How to Install

Most aftermarket auto carpet kits will come slightly oversized and without the pre-cut holes. So, there will be a little work to get the new carpet into the car. There are 2 methods of cutting and trimming your carpet to get it into the vehicle; you can choose which will work best for you. Your first option is to place the new auto carpet over your old carpet, trim the edges and cut the holes. If you chose this option, you will need to be very careful not to over cut the holes or cut too much from the edges, since you are using the old carpet instead of the vehicle itself. The 2nd option is to work the new carpet into the contours of the vehicle floor and trim the carpet as you go. This method will give you more accurate results, but may be a little more difficult. Either way, it is important not to cut and trim too much with any one cut. It is best to work slowly, making small cuts and double check that the carpet has not shifted after each cut.

A little secret for making the small holes for things such as the seat bolts is to make a small "X" cut with a knife blade where the hole was in the original auto carpet. You can then simply push the bolt through the carpet. There is usually no need to try to cut a complete hole in your new carpet.

Occasionally you will find that a small section of the auto carpet wants to lift up off the floor, or tries to create a small wrinkle. This can easily be fixed with a small shot of spray adhesive. It is not recommended to spray the entire floor of the car, since the molded carpet should be held in place with the seats and trim pieces that were holding the original carpet in place.

Once the auto carpet is in place, and trimmed to fit, now you can begin to replace the pieces that were holding the original carpet in place. If you removed the seats, sill plates and trim pieces, then all of these pieces will need to go back into the vehicle.

Once all of pieces are back in place, your job is complete. You will be amazed at how much difference a little work can make to the appearance of your vehicle, not to mention removing that horrible smell that some things like milk can leave behind!