Tot Hybrid Cars
A hybrid car, also known as an HEV or hybrid electric vehicle, is an automobile that is powered by two sources; an internal combustion engine, and an electric motor.
The combination allows the electric motor and batteries to help the conventional engine operate more efficiently, cutting down on fuel use. Meanwhile, the gasoline-fueled combustion engine overcomes the limited driving range of an electric vehicle.
Gasoline-fueled HEVs are among a select few vehicle technologies that can provide dramatically increased fuel economy and extremely low levels of smog-forming and cancer causing emissions, while delivering the safety and performance the public has come to expect.
Number 1 - Toyota Prius
In the new Prius, the electric motor can propel the car up to 25 miles per hour without any help from the engine. And that is all free energy, most of it stored while we were slowing down! The electric motor can also be used along with the engine to provide extra power when it is needed. This setup allows Toyota to use a smaller, more fuel efficient engine without compromising adequate acceleration. If the electric motor is able to handle the forward motion without the help of the gasoline engine more...
Number 2 - Lexus GS 450h
For the GS 450h, Lexus has selected its latest V6 creation, the 3.5-liter unit from the new Toyota Avalon/IS 350 performance sedan (not the existing 3.0 V6 from the GS 300). Like the IS, the motor is transversely mounted to drive the rear wheels, and is mated to a CVT gearbox with a permanent magnet motor sandwiched in between. Seeing as info on the electric half is closely guarded, well have to entertain you with stats on the ICE (gasoline engine). Key features include dual VVTi on both intake and exhaust valves, and more...
Number 3 - Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid significantly improves the power density of the hybrid drive system to meet the power demands of an SUV in available space. At the heart of the Escape Hybrid is a compact hybrid transaxle linking Ford's efficient 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, 65-kW electric motor, 28-kW generator and the drive wheels. This "full" hybrid functionality is packaged neatly in place of the standard transaxle and is powered by a 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located beneath the rear load floor. more...
