May 14, 2009

Hybrid Vehicles – What They Are, How They Work And Why You Should Buy One

Hybrid Vehicles - What They Are, How They Work And Why You Should Buy One
Although hybrids may seem like a modern fad, in reality, the concept of a hybrid vehicle has been around for over a century. In fact, versions of “hybrids” have been around for even longer. Today’s modern hybrid began with Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, the designer of the original Volkswagen Beetle. In 1901, Porsche designed and created the “Mixte,” a car that powered a generator with a gasoline engine. The generator then powered a series of small electric motors, creating a battery pack. The Mixte was based off of an even older design of Porsche’s called the “System Lohner-Porsche.” Later, in 1915, Woods Motor Vehicle created the “Duel Power,” a car that ran on an electric motor below 15 mph and gasoline above that. This car was in production until about 1918, but since few people actually have the money to purchase a car, let alone a hybrid car, and with the invention of the self-starting gasoline engine, this idea eventually fizzled out. People played with the idea of hybrids during the mid-20th century, but no ideas stuck until the 1990s, when Japanese car company Toyota launched their Toyota Prius. The Prius was the first hybrid car available to the masses, and it was the result of decades of research, starting with the 1977 prototype, the Toyota Sports 800 Gas Turbine. In 2000, the Prius became available in the United States, after success in the Asian market and success of the 1999 launch of the Honda Insight hybrid. Demand for hybrids has been exploding ever since, and car companies are struggling to keep up the supply without flooding the market. Experts predict that over 450,000 hybrids will be sold in 2007, up from under 100,000 in 2004.

Author:James L. Benson

Kindle Edition:
Kindle Book

Company:James L. Benson
(2008-11-19)

List Price:$4.40
Amazon Price:$3.52

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