Performance Car Reviews, News and Parts for the Car Enthusiast

A hybrid is a vehicle that gets its energy power from two different sources, and a moped is a fine example of it. It has a small petrol engine, and pedals. The petrol engine and the pedal power from the rider provide the power to it in two ways. You can see diesel electric buses as well as submarines in some cities.

For a long time now, the hybrids have been in use. This technology has also been used in the cars by the automobile industry. Carmakers are turning to hybrid technology because of the rising fuel costs, and growing green house gas emission. The most popular hybrid technology being used in cars is petrol-electric. The car is powered by a petrol engine, and electric motor.

Automakers have chosen to use these two power sources in their hybrid vehicles in many different ways. The most commonly used way of combining the power of the gasoline engine, and electric motor is called parallel hybrids, and series hybrids. Petrol engine and an electric motor, both work independently to provide power to the transmission that turns the wheels of the car in a parallel hybrid.

Batteries charge the electric motor, and the gasoline engine is fed with fuel. In some of the models of hybrid series, the petrol engine charges the batteries and in turn, it drives the electric motor. Power to the motor is provided by the electric motor, so that it powers the transmission that propels the car. However, most commonly parallel technology is used in cars.

The engine of a hybrid car is smaller, and lighter than that of conventional cars. Therefore, the fuel consumption is less, and so are the emissions. The lighter and smaller engine in a hybrid car achieves the same performance of a similar car with the help of the electric motor. When extra power is required, the electric motor provides that power.

A number of hybrid cars use only the electric motor for power when they are travelling below thirty miles an hour. When the accelerator is pressed for more power, the petrol engine starts up, and provides the power. When the car is coasting, braking, or stopped at a traffic light the electric motor acts, as a generator, and charges the batteries. Some hybrid cars use start/stop technology, which means that the petrol engine is switched off when the car is stationery.

Hybrid cars are lighter in weight, and advanced aerodynamics is used to reduce drag. Low rolling resistance tires are used in hybrid cars to reduce drag. These tires are inflated to a higher pressure, and are stiffer than conventional tires. This reduces their drag. Lightweight materials are used to reduce the weight of the car. Carbon fiber is now being adopted by more, and car manufacturers to reduce the weight of cars.

Aluminum and magnesium is also being used to reduce weight. Hybrid cars are selling well, as more and more people are buying them. Hybrid cars consume less fuel, emit less emissions, and there is no reduction in performance. Almost all car manufacturers are adopting hybrid technology in some of their cars.

Browse the Lexus range of Hybrid Cars and book a test drive online, visit the Lexus website for more information.