|
|
-Your Auto Glass Could Cost You
$0
-
-Up To
$100
Off Your Deductible-
click here for more information
Hybrid Cars - All the Hype
If you are considering buying one of the new hybrid cars, you may want to think again. There are hidden costs
that need to be examined before stepping into the future.
Honda's Insight and Toyota's Prius are the first two publicly offered autos that derive power from both
an electric motor and a standard engine - a hybrid in other words. By utilizing a small engine and a
revolutionary battery at different times, these hybrids manage to get up to 68 mpg on the highway.
The Toyota Prius runs strictly on the battery alone up to 15 mph, then the 1.5 liter engine is kicked on by the
electric motor (no starter is necessary!) to assist in accelerating. The Honda Insight works quite
differently, running primarily on its 1.0 liter 3 cylinder engine until more power is needed to climb hills or
accelerate.
From a buyer's perspective, these differences could spell trouble. The car manufacturers have yet
to agree on which way is better to power the vehicle. You don't want to accidentally buy a "Beta" only to find
"VHS" the standard a few years down the road.
Hybrid braking systems are unique in that as you brake the wheel transfers power back to the electric motor.
In turn, this causes the motor to recharge the batteries. Called regenerative braking, it is a wonderful idea
to save power that was previously lost by heating up brake pads.
Unfortunately, this technology is still new and may not provide a safe set of brakes. Daniel Prud of Car and Driver's
Counterpoint road test of the Prius found "brake response is awful, as regenerative braking cycles on and off.
The Prius jerks and lunges to a stop."
Are Hybrids the Best Way to Save on Gas?
|
|
|
