Hybrid cars are a fusion of technologies. Unlike standard cars moving on a single propulsion system, hybrid cars are driven by the power of multiple propulsion systems. Most common among these hybrid vehicles are those cars that use gasoline and electrical energy as their source of power. Serious experimentations with ethanol or plant based oils are also being conducted. History The history of hybrid cars runs back to the time when inventors were strongly battling to switch over from steam-powered automobiles to electrically driven carriages. At best, these could be termed as trials and were limited to working with just one, two or few models. Success on a mass-scale came about the beginning of the twentieth century; however, it was not until 1999 (on the verge of the 21st century) that America saw the launching of the hybrid car on a commercial-scale, to be bought and used by the mass. Components The hybrid car driving mechanism consists batteries, an electric motor, a fuel tank, a gasoline engine, a generator and a mode of transmission. Each part has its definitive role and keeps a hybrid car running. How Do They Work? As said, the dual mechanisms employed in these hybrid vehicles make use of both gasoline and electric energy to set the vehicles into motion - while gas cause the internal combustion engines (ICEs) to function, the electric batteries supply power to the car's electric motors. The recent car models are even converting kinetic energy (produced by the engine) into electric energy to charge the batteries. Conclusion Hybrid cars with their comparatively smaller gasoline engines contribute to the pollution-free, greener environment cause. Moreover, with their sleek, aerodynamic designing and ultra light materials joining hands to give these vehicles driving force of about 60-90 horsepower, you can be sure that the hybrid cars will rule the automobile industry until the arrival of new eco-friendly, efficient cars. |
