Finding the Best Hybrid Automobiles in the Market Today by Benedict Smythe

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Hybrid vehicles have exploded in the Western market today. The rising cost of gasoline has made it a necessity. The environmental issue has also paved the way for the popularity of the hybrid vehicles. Governments are also doing their part to encourage the use of hybrid vehicles. Driving a hybrid automobile can mean tax benefits in the form of tax incentives and tax credits.
The Japanese have been the leaders in the hybrid vehicle race and have already been producing some of the world's most fuel-efficient cars at very affordable rates. American car manufacturers decided to join the race releasing their own lines of hybrid cars.
Hybrid vehicles use an electric battery that powers it and is accompanied by a combustion engine. Depending on the type of engine used and the automobile model, the electric engine and combustion engine model can either work independently and dependently of each other. Here are the popular hybrid engines in the market today:
* Toyota Civic Hybrid
Introduced in 2005, the Honda Civic Hybrid has increased fuel economy and has to date, the cleanest emissions on the planet today. It increased fuel efficiency to more than five percent. The 2006 Toyota Civic Hybrid is comparably better than the 2005 hybrid model increasing power and torque by twenty percent making it fuel efficient, fast and affordable. The car gives a smooth ride to the driver with little effort when stepping on the gas pedal.
The new 2008 Honda Civic hybrid is a little shy in MPG or miles per gallon on the highway compared to the 50 miles per gallon of the 2006 Civic hybrid. However, fuel consumption has been drastically improved on the 2008 version.
* Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD
The American manufacturer of sensible pick-ups has launched its own line of hybrid vehicles, specifically in the SUV department. The Escape hybrid takes its cue from the Toyota Prius. The system runs on the Atkinson cycle having greater expansion ration by taking in less air-fuel mixture. The results is a more efficient and economic car in terms of fuel consumption.
The disadvantage of the Ford Escape however is its relatively decreased torque and power. The Atkinson system is the reason for the reduced power since the car inhales more air than fuel. The Escape hybrid has a maximum of 133 horse power from the original 153. The difference, aside from the decreased horse power, is negligible and is rated at 29 miles to the gallon on a 400-mile highway.
* General Motors Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
SUVs are considered to be the most fuel thirsty vehicles in the market today. General Motors, makers of the country's most popular SUVs have decided to shift their focus towards a greener car that still delivers the power, size and style that makes them very popular with people from all walks of life.
The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid was named Green Car of the Year because of its drastically improved fuel efficiency in the V8 engine division. The Tahoe hybrid boasts of 21 miles to the gallon efficiency and is higher than that of the Toyota Camry sedan which also sports a v8 engine. Power and torque are not compromised and the fact that this is large-sized vehicle, its high fuel efficiency makes it a good choice without sacrificing its big size advantage.
About the Author
If you are learning to drive you can practice your theory test at theorytest.co.uk. If you have been in an accident while driving Real Compensation can help you claim car accident compensation

Buying a Hybrid Vehicle Could be the Best Automobile Purchase by Benedict Smythe

The rising cost of gasoline today has finally knocked some sense into the American automobile market. The absurd prices of gas may have taken the country unexpectedly but other countries have already been exploring the use of alternative fuel and more fuel-efficient cars. Brazil, for example has been using ethanol from corn since the 1970s when the Middle East embargo forced the country to consider other fuel options. They are now one of the world's largest producers of ethanol.
Japan is also one of the leaders when it comes to the use of hybrid vehicles, even releasing designs and prototypes for a fully-automated electric vehicle. Majority of the automobiles that come from Japan and other Asian countries have the best fuel economy feature.
Unfortunately, the United States have been lagging behind in terms of alternative fuel use and fuel efficient cars. General Motors have been criticized for its very uneconomical automobile line but recently, they have released hybrid versions of their popular vehicle lines.
Environmental Impact
Hybrid vehicles have become very important in recent years not only in terms of the fuel crisis spanning the world but also of the environmental impact that it causes. Oil refineries are one of the world's largest producers of air pollution and oil spills brought on by large tankers often kill diverse marine and aquatic plant life that has taken millions of years to evolve.
The use of Biodiesel and ethanol tried to solve this problem. Ethanol from corn is very popular but it can also be taken from other vegetable products. It produces considerably less air pollution and emission from the vehicle is almost zero. Environmentalists and biologists call it carbon neutral, the emission from ethanol refineries and vehicle emission equaling only to the nitrogen released into the atmosphere by the natural decay of corn and other vegetable product.
Hybrid Vehicles
A hybrid vehicle uses an electric motor for power and combines that with an internal combustion engine. It increases fuel efficiency and causes less pollution. Depending on the type and model of the hybrid vehicle, it can save you at least 30 percent on fuel cost.
There are three types of hybrid vehicles using the following engine types:
* Mild hybrid engine - This engine type does not have an electric motor but have an oversized engine starter that will turn off the gas engine during coasting or braking but can instantly turn on when power is needed.
* Full hybrid engine - This engine types have an electric motor and a combustion engines that can work independently of each other.
* Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model - uses electricity from any wall outlets that can recharge the battery which acts as back-up for the internal combustion engine.
Why Drive a Hybrid?
Hybrid vehicles, aside from being fuel efficient and cost-effective, are also safe to drive at par with any gasoline-powered automobile. Hybrid vehicles are designed to be one of the safest cars in the market today with airbags and anti-lock brake systems. If alternative fuel, in the form of biodiesel or ethanol is used, the driver can cut further his fuel budget in a month.
Another point in driving a hybrid is the tax rebates made available to the US automobile-buying public. Some states in the US offer tax incentives, tax credits and tax breaks if you purchase a hybrid vehicle. This is part of the program of the government to encourage consumers to purchase cars that can help save the environment as well as solve the fuel crisis in the country.
About the Author
If you are learning to drive you can practice your theory test at theorytest.co.uk. If you have been in an accident while driving Real Compensation can help you claim car accident compensation