Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools.

Some of the advanced technologies typically used by hybrids include

• Regenerative Braking. The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor.
• Electric Motor Drive/Assist. The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone provides power for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient.
• Automatic Start/Shutoff. Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from idling.

For fuel economy information on these vehicles, please visit the Compare Side-by-Side section.

POST BY: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml

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There are nearly two million registered hybrid vehicles within the U.S. today, and more than 50 percent of respondents to a recent online survey said they're considering a hybrid purchase within the next five years. Searching out and finding the right car loan for one of these can also be a daunting task.



As popular as the vehicles are, some buyers worry that hybrids can be more expensive and more difficult to maintain than a non-hybrid vehicle. In fact, routine maintenance is actually that of a non-hybrid vehicle-and might even be cheaper in some cases. Following are a few general guidelines on maintaining a hybrid vehicle. Always consult your vehicle manual for information and maintenance schedules specific to your car.



Oil changes: For non-hybrid cars, a 3,000-mile interval between oil changes has long been the standard. (Even though experts are convinced that new oil blends permit a longer interval between changes.) For hybrid cars, a less frequent interval of 5,000-10,000 miles between oil changes is considered standard. Auto experts might point to oil and oil filters for hybrids that are different from manufacturer recommendations. These filters can cost a bit more, but it's for you to decide which recommendations you choose to follow.



Brakes: Brake pads in a hybrid may get less wear (due to the vehicle's regenerative braking capabilities). So you'll likely to end up in a position to replace them less frequently. Inspect brakes every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.



Batteries: Replace the air filter on the hybrid high voltage battery system every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. If the high voltage battery isn't maintaining 60 to 70 percent of their charge, it's time for you to replace it-and that's about $3,000. (The good news? The warranties on a hybrid's high voltage propulsion motor battery are up to 8 years/100,000 miles and achieving 150,000 miles from an original battery isn't unusual.)



Drive Train: The internal combustion engine, electric motor and transmission are interconnected in a hybrid and may have different maintenance requirements than vehicles you might have previously owned. Only qualified technicians should check or make an effort to service components of the high voltage hybrid drive system and battery.



Financing: Many of the manufacturers are offering special auto financing plans aimed at the hybrid buyer. However, many consumers are looking online for all of their auto loan needs. By researching and gaining your financing before stepping foot in the dealership, you are more in control of the car buying process. What most consumers are starting to realize is the finance department is one if not the largest profit center in most dealerships. Having that financing taken care of up front eliminates the dealer from being able to profit from that portion of the sale.

Category: articles

Read More...

There are nearly two million registered hybrid vehicles within the U.S. today, and more than 50 percent of respondents to a recent online survey said they're considering a hybrid purchase within the next five years. Searching out and finding the right car loan for one of these can also be a daunting task.



As popular as the vehicles are, some buyers worry that hybrids can be more expensive and more difficult to maintain than a non-hybrid vehicle. In fact, routine maintenance is actually that of a non-hybrid vehicle-and might even be cheaper in some cases. Following are a few general guidelines on maintaining a hybrid vehicle. Always consult your vehicle manual for information and maintenance schedules specific to your car.



Oil changes: For non-hybrid cars, a 3,000-mile interval between oil changes has long been the standard. (Even though experts are convinced that new oil blends permit a longer interval between changes.) For hybrid cars, a less frequent interval of 5,000-10,000 miles between oil changes is considered standard. Auto experts might point to oil and oil filters for hybrids that are different from manufacturer recommendations. These filters can cost a bit more, but it's for you to decide which recommendations you choose to follow.



Brakes: Brake pads in a hybrid may get less wear (due to the vehicle's regenerative braking capabilities). So you'll likely to end up in a position to replace them less frequently. Inspect brakes every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.



Batteries: Replace the air filter on the hybrid high voltage battery system every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. If the high voltage battery isn't maintaining 60 to 70 percent of their charge, it's time for you to replace it-and that's about $3,000. (The good news? The warranties on a hybrid's high voltage propulsion motor battery are up to 8 years/100,000 miles and achieving 150,000 miles from an original battery isn't unusual.)



Drive Train: The internal combustion engine, electric motor and transmission are interconnected in a hybrid and may have different maintenance requirements than vehicles you might have previously owned. Only qualified technicians should check or make an effort to service components of the high voltage hybrid drive system and battery.



Financing: Many of the manufacturers are offering special auto financing plans aimed at the hybrid buyer. However, many consumers are looking online for all of their auto loan needs. By researching and gaining your financing before stepping foot in the dealership, you are more in control of the car buying process. What most consumers are starting to realize is the finance department is one if not the largest profit center in most dealerships. Having that financing taken care of up front eliminates the dealer from being able to profit from that portion of the sale.

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An electric car uses several electric motors to propel it. In this class of cars there are three types of that are available; the first category which is directly powered from an external power source, secondly those powered by stored electricity and thirdly those that are powered by an electrical generator fitted with the car like the hybrid electric vehicle or the hydrogen fuel cell. The first came into use in the nineteenth century due to the preference of electricity methods for motor cars driving force which was able to provide comfort and easier to operate that could not be achievable when using gasoline cars of that day.

The conversion kit are items used by those who have come to realize that fuel guzzlers will not last for long due to their cost of maintenance in terms of fuel cost. Many people have started to revert to use electric car conversion kit so that they may convert and transform their cars to become fuel efficient cars. This is so because it is projected that fuel cost will continue to go up as the new emerging economies persist in high demand for more fuel to keep their development. Through conversion, a fuel guzzling car is turned into an environmentally friendly and full thus reducing on the money required for buying gas. Therefore, fuel efficient cars are gaining fast in importance as the price of oil continues to rise by the day. The number of people who depend on cars for transport is on the rise. These cars however are a major focus globally due to their emissions which are contributing greatly to the climate change. To solve this problem an electric car conversion kit is being looked at as the solution.

It is now seen that future will dramatically reduce the dependence on crude oil for vehicle transport in an efficient and sustainable approach. The current fuel guzzlers will reach a point where owning and maintaining one will be next to impossible because of rise in fuel cost. The advocacy for environmental conservation will also fuel the adoption and use of the future electric cars. Electric cars will be expected to provide an overall reduction of greenhouse gas production. Most of these cars will be expected to be used in the urban centers where they will contribute positively in the improvement of the quality of air and reduction of noise in the city centers.

In conclusion, these cars are expected to play a major role in the improvement of the lives of the inhabitant of planet earth.

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An electric car uses several electric motors to propel it. In this class of cars there are three types of that are available; the first category which is directly powered from an external power source, secondly those powered by stored electricity and thirdly those that are powered by an electrical generator fitted with the car like the hybrid electric vehicle or the hydrogen fuel cell. The first came into use in the nineteenth century due to the preference of electricity methods for motor cars driving force which was able to provide comfort and easier to operate that could not be achievable when using gasoline cars of that day.

The conversion kit are items used by those who have come to realize that fuel guzzlers will not last for long due to their cost of maintenance in terms of fuel cost. Many people have started to revert to use electric car conversion kit so that they may convert and transform their cars to become fuel efficient cars. This is so because it is projected that fuel cost will continue to go up as the new emerging economies persist in high demand for more fuel to keep their development. Through conversion, a fuel guzzling car is turned into an environmentally friendly and full thus reducing on the money required for buying gas. Therefore, fuel efficient cars are gaining fast in importance as the price of oil continues to rise by the day. The number of people who depend on cars for transport is on the rise. These cars however are a major focus globally due to their emissions which are contributing greatly to the climate change. To solve this problem an electric car conversion kit is being looked at as the solution.

It is now seen that future will dramatically reduce the dependence on crude oil for vehicle transport in an efficient and sustainable approach. The current fuel guzzlers will reach a point where owning and maintaining one will be next to impossible because of rise in fuel cost. The advocacy for environmental conservation will also fuel the adoption and use of the future electric cars. Electric cars will be expected to provide an overall reduction of greenhouse gas production. Most of these cars will be expected to be used in the urban centers where they will contribute positively in the improvement of the quality of air and reduction of noise in the city centers.

In conclusion, these cars are expected to play a major role in the improvement of the lives of the inhabitant of planet earth.

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New cars now are more efficient than the old ones, but there are models specifically made to be the most fuel efficient. Fuel efficient vehicles are the choice of economical drivers, who want to save money on fuel in the long run. The thing is that the price of fuel efficient cars is often high. Hence, another consideration when buying these kinds of vehicles is their prices.

Toyota Prius



This automobile runs on an average of 50 mpg. Its 1.8L 4-cylinder engine delivers 134 hp and an acceleration of up to 60 mph in 10 seconds. This small sedan is perfect for people who have to travel a hundred miles or more to work, and it has enough room for five people. Available in the market is the 3rd generation Prius model, as well as Prius C and Prius V.



2012 Mitsubishi i (MiEV)

Electric cars are growing in popularity nowadays, due to the environmental friendly tagline. An addition to the family is the new Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is good for short trips. You can charge it up while at work. There are usually tax incentives on electric vehicles like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but ask the dealer first. It is certainly one of the most fuel-efficient automobiles of 2012. This auto is in the class of Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.



Scion IQ



The iQ is perhaps the smallest four-seater vehicle in the world. Although it is only 10 feet long, do not let the size deceive you. The features of this automobile include 11 airbags, HD technology, and Bluetooth, and the engine unleashes 37 mpg on the average.



Honda Civic Hybrid



This is perhaps Toyota's rival. Its 4-cylinder engine delivers 44 mpg of performance and a speed of 60 mph from rest in 11.3 seconds. This sporty sedan is for those who prefer Honda to Toyota.



Lexus CT 200h



Lexus CT 200h and Honda Insight rival each other, both giving 42 mpg performance. The question is whether you prefer luxury to necessity. If you do, you should be going after the Lexus CT 200h. Its 1.8-L 4-cylinder engine delivers an acceleration of 60 mph from rest in 9.8 seconds.



Honda Insight



People who need the performance of the Lexus CT 200h minus the luxury should go after the Honda Insight. Both automobiles offer the same performance. Insight's 4-cylinder 98 hp engine bestows 42 mpg. Because it's not as luxurious as the Lexus CT 200h, it's the affordable version.



Ford Fusion Hybrid



This vehicle bestows a mileage of 39 mpg and has a 2.5-liter 191 hp engine that gives an acceleration of 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. This is the more affordable version of the classy Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which has the same 39-mpg mileage and 191 hp engine. If you are after the lower price, you can go for the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The MKZ Hybrid is for those who want style.


Toyota Camry Hybrid



This automobile gives 41 mpg of mileage, and its 2.5-liter 200 hp engine gives the Toyota Camry Hybrid an acceleration of 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The Hybrid version offers greater fuel efficiency than the original Camry.

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New cars now are more efficient than the old ones, but there are models specifically made to be the most fuel efficient. Fuel efficient vehicles are the choice of economical drivers, who want to save money on fuel in the long run. The thing is that the price of fuel efficient cars is often high. Hence, another consideration when buying these kinds of vehicles is their prices.

Toyota Prius



This automobile runs on an average of 50 mpg. Its 1.8L 4-cylinder engine delivers 134 hp and an acceleration of up to 60 mph in 10 seconds. This small sedan is perfect for people who have to travel a hundred miles or more to work, and it has enough room for five people. Available in the market is the 3rd generation Prius model, as well as Prius C and Prius V.



2012 Mitsubishi i (MiEV)

Electric cars are growing in popularity nowadays, due to the environmental friendly tagline. An addition to the family is the new Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is good for short trips. You can charge it up while at work. There are usually tax incentives on electric vehicles like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but ask the dealer first. It is certainly one of the most fuel-efficient automobiles of 2012. This auto is in the class of Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.



Scion IQ



The iQ is perhaps the smallest four-seater vehicle in the world. Although it is only 10 feet long, do not let the size deceive you. The features of this automobile include 11 airbags, HD technology, and Bluetooth, and the engine unleashes 37 mpg on the average.



Honda Civic Hybrid



This is perhaps Toyota's rival. Its 4-cylinder engine delivers 44 mpg of performance and a speed of 60 mph from rest in 11.3 seconds. This sporty sedan is for those who prefer Honda to Toyota.



Lexus CT 200h



Lexus CT 200h and Honda Insight rival each other, both giving 42 mpg performance. The question is whether you prefer luxury to necessity. If you do, you should be going after the Lexus CT 200h. Its 1.8-L 4-cylinder engine delivers an acceleration of 60 mph from rest in 9.8 seconds.



Honda Insight



People who need the performance of the Lexus CT 200h minus the luxury should go after the Honda Insight. Both automobiles offer the same performance. Insight's 4-cylinder 98 hp engine bestows 42 mpg. Because it's not as luxurious as the Lexus CT 200h, it's the affordable version.



Ford Fusion Hybrid



This vehicle bestows a mileage of 39 mpg and has a 2.5-liter 191 hp engine that gives an acceleration of 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. This is the more affordable version of the classy Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which has the same 39-mpg mileage and 191 hp engine. If you are after the lower price, you can go for the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The MKZ Hybrid is for those who want style.


Toyota Camry Hybrid



This automobile gives 41 mpg of mileage, and its 2.5-liter 200 hp engine gives the Toyota Camry Hybrid an acceleration of 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The Hybrid version offers greater fuel efficiency than the original Camry.

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The BMW 3 Series has long been considered as the conventional lightweight game automobile. Taking this already fitness automobile to new levels is the M edition, known as the BMW M3. In the Bimmer world, the mail M appears for the organization's Motor racing efficiency department. These fun-loving technical engineers modify a given BMW model's engine for more outcome, update the revocation for even more nimble managing and add fantastic external and components of design.

BMW M3

Throughout its two years on the U.S. market, the BMW M3 has been a preferred of lovers looking for sports-car efficiency and managing from a true four-place car. Although content to easily burble around while doing everyday car owner work, the M3 changes into a back-road burning when circumstances allow and gives its head to be able to assault sides with accurate and explode out of them with passion.

BMW M3

Based on the present-generation BMW 3 Series, the M3 is provided in only one decrease level among the automobile and hardtop activities convertible body system designs. Both are operated by a 4.0-liter V8, good for 414 power and 295 pound-feet of twisting, which revs to a fantastic 8,400-rpm redline. A six-speed guide is the conventional means of submitting energy to the back tires, and a seven-speed automated-clutch guide gear box with exercise shifters is optionally available. M3s also get particular components improvements such as more extremely effective braking system, stronger revocation adjusting and a specialised limited-slip back differential.

BMW M3

Like past M3s, the current style comes well-equipped with the newest high-class services, which in this case contains xenon headlamps, set furniture, warmed energy game chairs and a 10-speaker music program. The activities convertible functions a great hardtop and sun-reflective set. Features like 19-inch tires, warmed chairs, satellite tv stations, the iDrive routing program and M Sport customized efficiency configurations are optionally available. The Competitors program available on the automobile contributes a reduced revocation, a greater monitor and reprogrammed digital damping and balance control systems.



While past M3s have been efficiency celebrities, the M3 automobile is quite simply one of the best vehicles to elegance our analyze monitor. It faster from zero to 60 mph in a scorching 4.6 a few moments and came to a stop from 60 mph in an extremely short 100 toes. The zigzag and skid pad analyze results were also on par with greatly more expensive supercars, while on-road managing is beyond reproach. Getting the less firm activities convertible degrades these abilities a little, but regardless of which body system style you choose, anticipate one of the best efficiency devices money can buy.



The first-generation BMW M3 was the most extreme. Operating from 1988-'91, this M3 was basically a hard-edged, racetrack-ready edition of a 3 Series game automobile. These M3s presented strongly blistered bumpers front and aft, a little bit greater C-pillars that permitted a more strongly canted the big sleep, and a higher footwear lid fixed with a large spoiler. Under the extroverted body-work was not an inline-6, but a highly-tuned DOHC 16-valve inline-4 that marvelous out, for its time, a very amazing 195 hp without the help of a turbo charger or supercharger. An unmolested first-generation M3 is a unusual find these days and tends to require more servicing and care than the second-generation car because of its more

Category: articles

Read More...

The BMW 3 Series has long been considered as the conventional lightweight game automobile. Taking this already fitness automobile to new levels is the M edition, known as the BMW M3. In the Bimmer world, the mail M appears for the organization's Motor racing efficiency department. These fun-loving technical engineers modify a given BMW model's engine for more outcome, update the revocation for even more nimble managing and add fantastic external and components of design.

BMW M3

Throughout its two years on the U.S. market, the BMW M3 has been a preferred of lovers looking for sports-car efficiency and managing from a true four-place car. Although content to easily burble around while doing everyday car owner work, the M3 changes into a back-road burning when circumstances allow and gives its head to be able to assault sides with accurate and explode out of them with passion.

BMW M3

Based on the present-generation BMW 3 Series, the M3 is provided in only one decrease level among the automobile and hardtop activities convertible body system designs. Both are operated by a 4.0-liter V8, good for 414 power and 295 pound-fdet of twisting, which revs to a fantastic 8,400-rpm redline. A six-speed guide is the conventional means of submitting energy to the back tires, and a seven-speed automated-clutch guide gear box with exercise shifters is optionally available. M3s also get particular components improvements such as more extremely effective braking system, stronger revocation adjusting and a specialised limited-slip back differential.

BMW M3

Like past M3s, the current style comes well-equipped with the newest high-class services, which in this case contains xenon headlamps, set furniture, warmed energy game chairs and a 10-speaker music program. The activities convertible functions a great hardtop and sun-reflective set. Features like 19-inch tires, warmed chairs, satellite tv stations, the iDrive routing program and M Sport customized efficiency configurations are optionally available. The Competitors program available on the automobile contributes a reduced revocation, a greater monitor and reprogrammed digital damping and balance control systems.



While past M3s have been efficiency celebrities, the M3 automobile is quite simply one of the best vehicles to elegance our analyze monitor. It faster from zero to 60 mph in a scorching 4.6 a few moments and came to a stop from 60 mph in an extremely short 100 toes. The zigzag and skid pad analyze results were also on par with greatly more expensive supercars, while on-road managing is beyond reproach. Getting the less firm activities convertible degrades these abilities a little, but regardless of which body system style you choose, anticipate one of the best efficiency devices money can buy.



The first-generation BMW M3 was the most extreme. Operating from 1988-'91, this M3 was basically a hard-edged, racetrack-ready edition of a 3 Series game automobile. These M3s presented strongly blistered bumpers front and aft, a little bit greater C-pillars that permitted a more strongly canted the big sleep, and a higher footwear lid fixed with a large spoiler. Under the extroverted body-work was not an inline-6, but a highly-tuned DOHC 16-valve inline-4 that marvelous out, for its time, a very amazing 195 hp without the help of a turbo charger or supercharger. An unmolested first-generation M3 is a unusual find these days and tends to require more servicing and care than the second-generation car because of its more

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