Hybrid cars are automobiles that utilize two primary engines to operate. Hybrid cars use an internal combustion and electric motor to run. Although hybrid cars are much more ubiquitous today, they have a long history. Man has been trying to build fuel-efficient automobiles since the nineteenth century, but with little success. Created in 1898, the Lohner-Porsche Elektromobil is the first hybrid automobile that was released.
The Lohner-Porsche Elektromobil was able to travel 35 miles per hour and up to 38 miles on electrical power alone—which was quite impressive for that time period (source: The New York Times, “Hybrid Automobiles”). Today, hybrid cars are a commonly used source of transportation. This is because hybrid cars are very efficient automobiles. The following information shows the advantages of hybrid cars.
Benefits of Hybrid Cars – Remarkable Fuel Efficiency
Hybrid cars are very fuel efficient compared to other vehicles. This is because hybrid cars use advanced technology and techniques to preserve as much fuel as possible. Hybrid cars use the technique of regenerative braking to save more fuel. When the driver steps on the brake pedal while the car is moving, energy is taken away.
Hybrid cars capture and save this energy to use it later. Because hybrid cars have two engines, it does not always have to depend on the gasoline engine. When the driver stops at a “Stop” sign and red light, the hybrid car does not use the gasoline engine (source: HowStuffWorks, “How Hybrid Cars Work”) Hybrid cars are relatively aerodynamic and also use lightweight materials to conserve more fuel. The aerodynamic design helps reduce air resistance.
Advantages of Hybrid Cars – Environmentally Friendly
Because of increased pollution in the atmosphere, it is important to use an environmentally friendly vehicle. Because hybrid cars use the technology of regenerative braking, the gasoline engine doesn’t have to be turned on during when stopping on a red light and during burdensome traffic jams.
Since the gasoline engine is turned off, pollutant particles do not have to be released into the atmosphere. Carbon monoxide and dioxide are common harmful pollutants that are released into the atmosphere when the gasoline engine is turned on. The Green Car club indicates that hybrid cars can reduce up to 90 percent of tail pipeline emissions (source: Berkely University of California, “Hybrid Vehicles”). Gasoline can also release MTBE pollutants into the air—which can cause cancer. Therefore, hybrid cars benefit both health and the environment.
