Hybrid Cars, Trucks & Vans

One huge problem with hybrids is the lack of electric car noise. Put another way, hybrids don’t make enough noise so hearing impaired people are at serious risk of injury or even death.

There is currently a bill in Congress to address the biggest issue that electric cars currently possess. Electric car noise is nonexistent in the current crop of hybrid cars. That’s right, they make little to no noise and as a result pedestrians who are either blind, lost in thought and not watching the road or simply looking in the wrong direction, can suffer injury because they never heard it coming.

The bill in Congress would like to have the Department of Transportation to establish safety guidelines so that the issue of electric car noise would cover the lack of sound made by hybrid and electric vehicles that would include having it make some kind of discernible sound or at the very least, an audible beep when in range of a person.

In a new video produced by Subaru, blind people were placed on the side of the road to see if they could the electric car noise was audible to them in their new hybrid synergy drive. The answer was a resounding NO. Hybrid and electric cars are potentially silent killers, and the proposal which is strongly backed by the National Federation for the Blind is for the car manufacturers to add some kind of fake engine noise. The bill is also backed by 16 US Congressman who wants to establish a minimum sound level.

This is being pushed further by the fact that just last month a boy was hit by a Toyota Prius due in part to the fact that he didn’t hear it coming.

On a positive note, two Stanford students think they come up with a workable compromise where they have the hybrids making a sound something like a motorbike with a cold that’s in need of service. It has been joked that perhaps Brian Eno , who designed the Windows 95 sound, might be called on to help with the sound issue.

While it’s true that the hybrids and electric vehicles offer low carbon emissions and are on the cutting edge, they should have a non-threatening sound that heralds the fact that they’ve just passed you. It doesn’t need to be very loud, but just loud enough to warn people when crossing the street.

As they stand, electric car noise is still not there, and these vehicles pose a hazard to pedestrians and especially the blind who are totally dependent on their ears to navigate streets and roads. Children and seniors are another group that’s vulnerable. As of now, the National Federation of the Blind is gathering attention by putting up web pages and making videos to highlight the problem with the Quiet Cars that are currently being manufactured.

Recommended Reading

• Top 10 Best Hybrid Cars
• Types of Hybrid Cars
• Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

More Information on Green Living

• Convert Any Car to Electric — "All the steps are numbered with diagrams to be easy to follow. The conversion does not take too long, all you have to do is follow the simple plans I provide and in a month, you will cut your gas bill to zero."

The GMC hybrids are coming on strong. This line consists of the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Sierra hybrid . The Yukon is an SUV and the Sierra is a pickup truck. Both of these GM hybrids good fuel economy with all the amenities found in the gasoline models. The GMC Yukon Hybrid is a true American hybrid SUV that is designed and built right here in the US. The Sierra hybrid offers buyers the towing capacity and payload capacity of a regular truck, but with the added benefit that comes from being one of the electric trucks.

Fuel Economy/Engine

Both GM hybrids provide better than average fuel economy for buyers, considering the size and performance that each offers. The hybrid SUV and the Sierra truck both are averaging 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for the 2-wheel drive versions. Until the release date of the Sierra in 2009 we will just take a look at the fuel economy of the 2-wheel drive version, because it is not certain if GMC will be able to offer this clean fuel vehicle in a four-wheel drive.

With the Yukon, you have a four-wheel drive hybrid SUV that averages a fuel mileage rating slightly down from the two-wheel drive model. The 4-wheel drive version of the Yukon delivers 20 mpg in the city and highway. Customers who choose the four-wheel drive model are not giving up very much in the way of mpg. Most buyers will accept the cost (reduced fuel mileage) for the added benefit of having the extra power going to all four wheels.

The total fuel tank capacity of both models (two and four-wheel drive) including the Sierra is twenty-six gallons, so you are looking at one tank of gas lasting five hundred and forty six miles. The gasoline engine in the Yukon and Sierra is a Vortec six liter V8 . This has an active fuel management design that produces 332 horses and 367 pounds of torque. Accompanying the gasoline engine is the electric motor than can quite easily operate this vehicle unassisted in low speed conditions. The electric motor combines with the gasoline engine to provide extra horsepower for rapid acceleration, towing or passing.

Prices/Availability

The GMC Yukon hybrid is currently on sale in the market and this hybrid electric vehicle just became available earlier this year. The GMC hybrid Sierra should be available to the public around mid 2009. With the surge in popularity for hybrid vehicles such as these, companies are pushing to develop more of these models. The Sierra Hybrid can do it all, from hauling passengers to hauling boats. The availability is limited because demand exceeds the present supply. With the hybrid Sierra’s towing capacity of 6,100 pounds, it offers an appeal to boaters, campers, and contractors. The high towing capacity is a factor in the limited availability of this model while it is still in pre-production. The current price of the GMC hybrid SUV is around fifty to fifty three thousand dollars, and this is the base price. It can go higher, depending on the model and options selected. Even at this price, it is still a very attractive choice in the hybrid market. It is expected that the Sierra Hybrid will be priced a little less, but the price will still remain close to that of its cousin.

Safety

Both GMC hybrids have the latest and best safety features that are currently available. The Yukon Hybrid has On Star services offered free for one year, and the upcoming Sierra Hybrid will have the same offering as well. The Yukon Hybrid is also equipped with a dual stage driver and passenger side airbag as well as a side head curtain airbag that extends all the way back to the second and third row passengers. The Sierra Hybrid will also have these same airbag features.

Quality

Both of these GMC hybrids offer great quality for the price. The hybrid SUV cost is only a few hundred dollars more than the gasoline model. This occurs because of additional servicing required for the electric motor. There are still the factors of overall fuel savings to be considered as well as the benefit to the environment with the hybrid trucks. The quality of interior materials in the hybrid SUV is on par with comparable gas powered models of the same class.

Overall, both of these GMC Hybrids should have broad appeal to consumers. This should help drive sales up for GMC. Customers are pleased to be offered well made hybrid trucks that only saves them money on fuel, and helps them contribute to the good of the environment. Driving a clean fuel vehicle at low speeds greatly helps in the effort to decrease pollution.

Recommended Reading

• Build a Solar Car
• Top 10 Best Hybrid Cars
• What is Hypermiling?
• Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

More Information on Green Living

• Convert Any Car to Electric — "All the steps are numbered with diagrams to be easy to follow. The conversion does not take too long, all you have to do is follow the simple plans I provide and in a month, you will cut your gas bill to zero."
• Renewable Energy Solutions — "Family living off the grid with renewable energy takes know how and applies it to solar panels and wind generators."
• Build A Wind Generator — "For the past 15 years our family has been living off the grid with only solar and wind power. We moved to our present location, built our own house ourselves and set to work to find alternative energy options for our home that we could afford."

Learn about the types of hybrid cars: series, parallel, and full. This article about hybrid vehicles covers engines, technology, history, performance, and more.

More and more people are asking what are the types of hybrid cars nowadays. This is because many people are getting aware how drastic the increases on the prices of fuel are and the effect of fuel emissions on the state of global warming. Many of them also think the solution to these problems is one type of car which promote lesser fuel or gas emission to the atmosphere and a type of car which is designed and developed to consume lesser amount of fuel — the hybrid cars.

Since hybrid cars use two sources of power — the engine motor that runs on electricity and the gasoline — it can solve these two major problems when utilized properly. To help reduce fuel emissions in the atmosphere that is the primary cause of global warming, hybrid cars are developed to cut the consumption of gasoline or fuel almost 60 percent. The engine motor makes this possible because the battery that hybrid cars use can be recharged. In addition, one can stand alone if you want your car to operate. Although these two can be used together, it is best to use them separately to ensure that you are saving the environment by cutting down on fuel consumption.

Available hybrid technologies

Many experts say that the types of hybrid cars would depend on the hybrid technology that has been used to build it. Today, two types of hybrid car technologies are considered in the automobile market — the "series" and the "parallel." In the first type of hybrid technology, the gasoline engine is designed to be used first to be able to start up the vehicle. Once a certain level of speed is attained, the motor engine that is run by electricity takes over. This same process happens when you use the brakes to stop the moving car only in a reversed mode: the electric engine will shift gradually first then the gasoline engine will follow. If electric source is not available, the gasoline engine itself can be used in charging the electric-motor engine.

Experts call the second technology as "parallels." When it comes to physical configurations, the technology that is being used in the first type is the same. What sets this technology apart from the former is when it comes to performance. Here, the gasoline engine is used not juts to start up the car but also to ensure that there will be more power when the car would need it. This type of hybrid technology is used for cars that are meant to travel for long distances because it can start and stop the vehicle while allowing the electric engine to enhance the vehicle’s power.

Different types of hybrid cars

Out in the market, car manufacturers come up with different types of hybrid car so they consumers or the buying public can have options to choose from. For some people who are not knowledgeable in hybrid cars maybe confused because the following types have great similarities to one another:

1. FULL HYBRID . Many people consider this as an amazing type of hybrid car because it can easily propel forward. This is possible because the hybrid car can go at really low speeds without the use of gasoline.

2. PARALLEL HYBRID CAR . What sets this type apart is that it has a fuel tank, which allows the gasoline directly to the engine. Here, the batteries give out power to the electric motor and both of which can give off the right amount of energy so the car can propel forward.

3. SERIES HYBRID CAR . Here, the generator is turned on using a fuel engine. This generator can do two things: work as a battery charger for the electric motor and charge batteries themselves. When this happens, the batteries will give off energy to the electric motor, which is responsible for transmission. What sets this apart is that it does not need a fuel engine to get power directly.

For people who would want to know what are the parts if hybrid cars as well as their features and their manufacturers, a simple research would do. This can be done by getting resources online, reading motoring magazines, as well as asking people who are knowledgeable about this topic.

Recommended Reading

• Build a Solar Car
• Top 10 Best Hybrid Cars
• What is Hypermiling?
• Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

More Information on Green Living

• Convert Any Car to Electric — "All the steps are numbered with diagrams to be easy to follow. The conversion does not take too long, all you have to do is follow the simple plans I provide and in a month, you will cut your gas bill to zero."
• Renewable Energy Solutions — "Family living off the grid with renewable energy takes know how and applies it to solar panels and wind generators."
• Build A Wind Generator — "For the past 15 years our family has been living off the grid with only solar and wind power. We moved to our present location, built our own house ourselves and set to work to find alternative energy options for our home that we could afford."

Everything important about the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid is included in this popular review article. If you’re trying to make a decision do your research starting with this Saturn hybrid vehicle update.

At long last, General Motors have officially and finally announced their long talked about 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid . This car is considered to be an innovation among hybrids since it has something more to offer compared to other hybrid vehicles in the market.

Popularity At Its Best

Most experts consider that this hybrid model would be the most popular among all hybrids. This kind of expectation may be due to several reasons, mostly related to what the car has to offer its consumers. Nevertheless, Saturn still keeps up with consumer expectations as they continue to improve their Vue model.

Their 2009 model has been the talk of the town lately since it was noted that this car makes use of General Motor’s newest motor system, which is the Two-Mode Green System .

It’s All About The Engine

Since hybrids are known well for their engines, then you should expect this car to have a pretty specialized one. It actually has a gas engine that has 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection , which has been working its way up the automaker’s lineup.

For starters, you should know that the conventional Vue would have an engine that has the ability to make 248 lb-ft of torque and 257 horsepower. Its electric power consequently comes from two transmission integrated 55 kilowatt electric motors. Itís really noteworthy that merely the older model can already be considered to be a mean machine.

What is pretty interesting though is that General Motor actually claims that the fuel economy for their newest model, which is the Vue 2 Mode would be 50% way better in contrast to their gas-only V-6. Additionally they claim that their new model would also have a 500 mile range.

Believe it or not, this car is so powerful that its 0-60 time is actually expected to be about 7.3 seconds . It would also have a maximum towing load fixed at a maximum of 3500 pounds.

The Results Of Good Team Work

What most people don’t know is that this car’s 2-Mode system is actually co-developed with former DaimlerChrysler and BMW . This system actually has the ability for regenerative braking. Another perk would be its engine idle off feature. The system also has various modes like electric-only operation during low speeds, around 30 mph.

The 2-Mode system also has well-organized accessory systems such as the electric power steering. Additionally, this car wouldn’t have any traditional reverse gear. Hence, there’s no more need to worry about doing scary reverse maneuvers, since all your reversing operations would be powered by your car’s electric motors.

Viewing Down Under

This car doesn’t only impress from the outside nor the inside, but even its down under view can impress anyone. In fact, this model has gone chassis improvements and adjustments, so that it could compensate for its massive 189 pounds of additional heft, which includes stabilizer bar rates and revised springs . It also has recalibrated front struts, along with rear shock absorbers.

The Outer Make-Up

Generally, the physical appearance of the 2009 model is somewhat the same with the older version. In reality, not much has changed visually for this model. However, of course, you would find this car to have 2 Mode badges on its front doors. The bandages could also be found at its rear liftgate.

The car also sports rims that are made up of lightweight aluminum alloy . It also has special tires that are actually low-rolling resistance, which are designed to additional aid you with your fuel savings.

Additionally, subtle changes have been. One of these would be the car’s chrome door handles. In fact, it also has dual exhaust tips and rear and front skid plates that are all made up of chrome. The older version’s tachometer was also replaced with a fuel-efficient gauge, which also informs you whenever your vehicle is currently on engine-only mode, electric-only mode, or the combination of both. Hence, your gauge also serves to be a reminder that your car is actually turned on, even if you know that your engine is turned off.

The arrival of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode , which is scheduled to go into production in late 2008, questions the future of the existing "mild-hybrid" Vue Green Line. It appears GM is going to keep that model around as a lower-cost alternative, but the presence of two similarly named models may confuse some customers. Pricing and other details of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be released closer to launch.

For sure, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would definitely be a great buy if youíre really on the hunt for something that can save you money and at the same time has a deadly engine!

Recommended Reading

• Build a Solar Car
• Top 10 Best Hybrid Cars
• What is Hypermiling?
• Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

More Information on Green Living

• Convert Any Car to Electric — "All the steps are numbered with diagrams to be easy to follow. The conversion does not take too long, all you have to do is follow the simple plans I provide and in a month, you will cut your gas bill to zero."
• Renewable Energy Solutions — "Family living off the grid with renewable energy takes know how and applies it to solar panels and wind generators."
• Build A Wind Generator — "For the past 15 years our family has been living off the grid with only solar and wind power. We moved to our present location, built our own house ourselves and set to work to find alternative energy options for our home that we could afford."

Hybrid solar vehicles can be considered as among the major breakthroughs in the world of automobiles. And why not? The combination of two technologies does not only ensure that there will be a safe environment for the future generations but it also helps people realize that Nature can also be depleted.

Hybrid is the way to go

When the hybrid technology was invented one hundred years ago by a man named Ferdinand Porsche, the world of automobiles has been changed forever. This is because there was another option to go into aside from the conventional vehicles. As defined, "hybrid cars " are those that have two or more power sources. The most usual ones are those that combine electric engine and gasoline engine in running a vehicle.

Because of its potential in helping promote reduced fuel emissions using lesser amount of fuel or gasoline, more and more people have been intrigued to try this type of vehicle and grown to love it over the years. Apart from saving the environment by cutting down your contribution on greenhouse gases, you can also save some money because you won’t be needing the same amount of fuel that you used to have in your conservational car. Since you can alternate the electric engine with the gasoline, you can save money on the liters of fuel that you will not be using.

Hybrid cars are known for using an energy storage system that is rechargeable. This is very vital to supplement the fuel energy needed for propulsion. When it comes to size, the engines of hybrids are relatively smaller compared to the traditional vehicles but they are more fuel efficient.

Many experts say that hybrid vehicles are the way to go in the world of automobiles. But, since man is insatiable for knowledge, discoveries, and innovations , there will be more to come in terms of hybrid cars and all of its possibilities.

Nature power

The power of the sun is probably the most abundant source of energy that the people of the Earth and its solar system have been blessed with. This is because solar power can be used from simple household chores to more complicated fields such as the automobile industry .

Note: Have you ever wanted to build a solar car ?

Long before the discovery of solar power’s potential in hybrid vehicles, people have been benefiting from it inside and outside their homes. In fact, there is a growing population in the world that has been relying so much on solar power that they built solar panels on their rooftops. To the parts of the world where the sun shines its brightest, people in these areas are trying to maximize its energy by creating gadgets and other things that can help them improver their lives.

Over the years, the solar power mania has also spread across the globe and encouraged more and more people to benefit from it. Today, solar power is not just used in simple chores inside the home but is also used in major industries such as in automobiles where its potential can be maximized.

When technology and nature collide

One of the most celebrated triumphs in automobile technology is when hybrid solar vehicles were introduced into the market — the "Astrolab ." It was named as such because the solar electric hybrid car takes energy from the sun to operate.

Considered as "the worldís first commercial solar hybrid car," "Astrolab" was designed by Sacha Lakic , an automobile designer. Developed by Venturi, a French manufacturer, "Astrolab" uses the power of the sun to operate. A hybrid solar car, the 16kW electric motor that is built with is only needs very little amount of energy to start propulsion.

"Astrolab" which was set to be launched early this year has the capability to travel a minimum distance of about 110 to 120 kilometers using the 120kp as top speed. A high-tech lightweight carbon monocoque material was used as a mold to its chassis — that used around 4 meters of photovoltaic cells — to ensure that it will stay in top form. The car’s performance can be compared to a Formula 1 car because it very similar to a petrol-engined vehicle.

Although there is no definite target market for the solar hybrid vehicles such as the "Astrolab" yet, experts are hopeful that the day will come that people in the world will realize how cost and energy efficient this project could be.

• Convert Any Car to Electric — "All the steps are numbered with diagrams to be easy to follow. The conversion does not take too long, all you have to do is follow the simple plans I provide and in a month, you will cut your gas bill to zero."