FFV: flexible fuel vehicle. Are you interested in reducing your fuel costs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and stopping our dependency on foreign oil? If so, ethanol may be the way to go. E85 is the “new” fuel source giving drivers an alternative to overpriced hybrids and clanky diesels.

All the talk about gas-electric hybrid vehicles is overlooking another area where fuel economy can be realized. No, I am not talking about diesel engines and I am not even thinking about hydrogen power. Instead, corn powered vehicles are coming into their own. That’s right, ethanol, a fuel that has a history going back a full century, may be the fuel of the future. Is ethanol a good choice for a fuel source? I’ll let you be the judge of that!

Back during the days that Henry Ford was building cars, he designed his Model “T” to run on ethanol, a fuel that is typically derived from corn. His idea was to give the driver a choice between gasoline and this particular alternative source of energy. Historically low gas prices however, made the need for ethanol pretty much a moot point at that time. Why fuel up with ethanol when gas was being sold for a quarter or less?

For its part, the U.S. government has long held that ethanol is a good fuel source and has mandated that vehicles built since the early 1980s, have the capacity to run on E10 ethanol –a blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Since the 1990s another type of ethanol, E85, has been receiving plenty of press coverage. This fuel is made up of 85% ethanol and just 15% gasoline. That’s right, a truly alternative fuel source derived from corn.

With E85, only specially designated models can run on this type of fuel. No, they aren’t some odd looking vehicles like the Honda Insight, instead they are every day vehicles including the Dodge Durango, Mercedes C240, Chevy Silverado, and other select models specially outfitted to accept E85. These FFVs, or flexible fuel vehicles, are distinctive models that can run on E85 or on unleaded gasoline. They can also run on any blend of ethanol/gasoline from an 85% ethanol/gasoline mix on down.

E85 does affect fuel mileage for the typical vehicle with fuel economy dropping as much as 10% depending on the model. At face value this can look like a bad thing until you consider the following:

1. E85 fuel prices are much lower than straight gasoline. Depending on the station, as much as one third lower. So, even with the reduced fuel economy many drivers are saving as much as 25% on their weekly fuel bills.

2. E85 burns clean. Remember, this is a chiefly corn based product. With only a minimal amount of gasoline used, E85 is better for the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

3. E85 reduces our dependency on foreign oil. The biggest problem in America today when it comes to energy consumption is our overdependence on foreign oil. E85 is developed in the U.S. thanks to our abundant and extensive corn belt. By using E85, you help farmers in America’s heartland instead of oil rich sheiks in the Middle East.

Currently, in some areas of the country E85 stations are few and far between. However, as the number of E85 models being built continues to grow and consumers accept E85 as an alternate fuel source, more stations will be built. E85 availability is high in the middle of the country so motorists have more choice in there. Regardless of pump availability, a FFV can run on straight gasoline when E85 is not available.

So, will you take the “bite” and purchase an FFV? Perhaps a few years ago you wouldn’t have considered one, but with rapidly rising fuel prices, worries over global warming, and frustration over our dependency on foreign oil, an FFV is worthy of everyone’s consideration.

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• 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."

Did you think GM or Toyota invented the hybrid? Think again. The hybrid has been around a lot longer than you think.

The first hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company wanted to supply a car that gave you the best of both worlds.

The best part is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.

Only the electric motor could be used while going in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

The car battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric cars of the time. Once the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was done by the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph.

Available for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an extra $25. Or you could ‘pimp’ your vehicle out for another $100 (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success.

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• 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."

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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
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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."

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Your car’s engine must have two or more sources of power in order to call it a hybrid. Most of those sold in the market use gasoline and electricity. We have used gasoline for a very long time and electricity is something new and just like the first, a little chemistry in hybrid cars enable it to work.

But let’s remember first how does gasoline powered car works. The gasoline that we put into the vehicle turns the transmission and this is what makes the wheels turn. Using electricity follows the same principle because with a set of batteries, it provides power to an electric motor that will turn the transmission and then turn the wheels.

The idea of using electricity to power a car is nothing new given that this is used in golf cars. The only problem was that you had to plug it in to recharge the batteries . Todayís hybrid cars donít have to be plugged in because the batteries inside the vehicle are recharged every time you step on the brakes better known as regenerative braking.

There are two types of gasoline electric hybrid cars in the market namely the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid .

With a parallel hybrid, both gasoline and an electric motor power the car. In a series hybrid, you use gasoline or electricity separately to move your vehicle.

The nice thing about hybrid cars is that there are no carbon emissions and you donít use up a lot of gasoline compared to a conventional car. If you open the hood, you will notice that the reason for this is the small engine and this is replaced with huge rechargeable batteries .

To compensate for the weight of the batteries, manufacturers use lightweight batteries as the body of the vehicle like aluminum fiber or carbon fiber. While some may think that this will not provide adequate protection to the driver and the passengers, test have shown that it can withstand a major accident.

Another way to make the car go faster is the aerodynamic design so that it can keep up with conventional cars in city and highway driving .

Believe it or not, hybrid cars use low rolling resistance tires because the conventional tires causes a significant amount of drag in these vehicles. To cut that down, specially designed tires were created and it reduced drag by half.

If you think that such technology makes the hybrid car hard to maintain, think again because studies have shown that it is cheaper than what you will pay for when you use a conventional car. The warranty is also much longer and this includes both the engine and the battery.

Note: Read more about the first hybrid car .

But the batteries used in most hybrid cars to day are designed to last for a very long time. Today’s batteries are made from nickel and lithium which are much safer than nickel and cadmium because it can be fully recycled.

Since 2000 until the present, Toyota claims that when they introduced their Prius in the US market, they have not yet replaced a single car battery.

The number of people who own hybrid cars has steadily increased over the past 8 years. You can argue that the price of oil is one factor but even when the price of gas at the pumps has gone down, there are still people willing to trade in their old SUV for this vehicle which is a more fuel efficient one.

Will there ever come a time that hybrid cars will be replaced by vehicles that run on other renewable sources of energy? The answer is yes because BMW was able to create a hybrid which is powered by gasoline and hydrogen. This just means that maybe in 15 or 20 years from now, you will see cars on the road using another energy source.

The chemistry in hybrid cars is not about combining one or two elements but really taking into consideration certain factors to make the vehicle road worthy. By putting in a smaller engine and a large rechargeable battery in the hood, you make the car consume less gasoline making it environment friendly. By using lighter weight materials and using an aerodynamic design, you make the car just as safe and fast as others on the road.

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• 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."

This is a review of the Toyota Prius by a reader of Hybrid Cars, Trucks & Vans . The reviewer clearly loves the Prius. Find out why.

We had the pleasure of borrowing my sister-in-laws new 2008 Prius this summer. After experiencing the Toyota Prius first-hand I’ve decided that it will be my next car purchase. Let me tell you why:

1. The Prius is roomy and has lots of creature comforts. We often had four people in the car and everyone was comfortable. Several times we hauled large suitcases and wedding presents. For these jobs the back seat folded down and the tailgate provided easy loading access. The interior finish also seemed pleasant and sturdy.

2. The car handles well. We drove on the back roads, climbed mountains, and used the highway. In all cases the car performed to my expectations. Initially I was worried that the Prius might be slow accelerating on the highway, but this car had enough power to be safe on the highway. I was concerned we might see sluggishness climbing the mountains, again the car performed beautifully.

3. GAS Mileage! I think we averaged about 45 miles to the gallon. It was amazing. We really enjoyed the visual display of the engine performance. The constant feedback helped you adjust your driving habits to increase gas mileage.

4. The car is quiet, especially when the electric engine is running. In fact really you don’t even know that the engine is running. There were a few times that we tried to restart the car, but the engine was already functioning.

5. One area that does need improvement is the air conditioning. It was hot outside in Colorado. The internal car temperature was lower then outside, but not really cool enough to be comfortable. I understand that in the 2009 Prius, the air conditioning is supplemented by solar panels on the roof. Excellent idea! I guess the heating works fine, although we did not test it.

6. Hybrid cars like the Prius are more expensive initially. It’s been widely reported that it takes several years to pay back that extra money through reduced gas use. While that maybe be true, using a hybrid seems to be one area where I can make a difference. I know it is small difference, but it is something that I can do in a world that so many things seem out of my control. Toyota has designed a winner with the Prius. This car is fun to drive and easy on gas. However the best part is you really get a very functional and comfortable car.

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."
• Home Made Power Plant — "Secret plans for producing your own electricity with the power of the wind for less than a $200 investment (once they are installed these systems will generate electricity for years and you don’t even need to worry about maintenance)"
• 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."

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The changing economic times around the world coupled with the concern for the environment has spawned a whole new generation of hybrid electric vehicles . People everywhere are looking to save fuel expenses and preserve our planet.

Lexus Corporation (Toyota) is trying to do its part and has introduced the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV . In keeping with their other vehicles they are luxurious inside and out, just like the rest of their fleet. Many people still need SUV’s as they have a large family or they need it for cargo space, so it isn’t likely that the car manufacturers will stop making this type of vehicle. Lexus hybrids will be one answer for these customer’s needs.

A Lexus hybrid will help the environment with the RH 400h, as it combines gasoline with an electric drive train. The vehicle is considered a cross over vehicle which is so popular with the automotive industry right now. The marriage of the two drive trains means you can have a Lexus hybrid SUV and the luxury you expect from their sedans. While we always think of SUV’s as four wheel drive vehicles, you will find that the Lexus RH 400h can be purchased in a front wheel drive model. This will most likely save you some money as all wheel drive usually costs more.

The V6 engine when using gasoline power gives over to battery power with ease. The acceleration is very positive when you are travelling around the city. However, it is good to know that you can count on 286 horsepower when you need to have more power. The combination will provide you with excellent fuel savings.

The interior is true luxury, although you could get cloth seats instead of leather if you want to keep costs down somewhat. The comfort controls provide you with a constant temperature, power seats for the front driver and passenger and a CD player with room for six discs. If you prefer a plusher interior you could opt for those leather seats, a sun roof, navigation system and the latest in safety; a back up camera. Of course you are provided with airbags in all the main areas such as front, side and driver knee airbags.

The Lexus hybrid SUV has been in production since 2006 and has been well received. The knowledge that Lexus has in producing hybrid vehicles is well known. You will find that the RH 400h hybrid gives you a smooth ride which can’t be said of all SUV’s. The exceptional handling you expect from a Lexus is noted here in the Lexus hybrid. The only disturbing factor is that there is a fair amount of noise when you need quick acceleration. The Lexus RH 400h SUV however is still in a class of its own.

If you desire all the trimmings on the Lexus hybrid SUV you can expect to pay around $44,000 for this mid sized beauty. There should be models for you to purchase in 2009, so you can look forward to luxury and continuing help for the planet from Lexus .

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Since 1997, people in Japan have been using hybrid cars. It is only in 2002 that this new innovation in automobiles have been brought in the United States by Honda Motors with its "Honda Insight" and the Toyota Motor Corporation with its "Toyota Prius ". But many people do not know that the world’s first hybrid car was built way back in 1899 by a young man named Ferdinand Porsche who was an engineer Jacob Lohner & Company.

Called "Mixte ," Porsche’s creation is today known as the "world’s first hybrid car" was because way back then, this man was able to see the potentials that hybrid automobiles can do.

Many people who are now using hybrid cars do not know it but this environment friendly technology has been around for 100 years. Although it has underwent a series of modifications and improvement, one thing stays the same — it’s mean to save the environment by letting people realize that they can ride into the bandwagon of modernity and efficiency without really destroying what Mother Nature has given them.

How it came to be

Many people believed that the hybrid cars were originated from Japan. Although this is true because the Japanese were the ones to reinvent the technology and introduced it to the larger scale of the market, the tribute should still be paid to the 100-year-old Porsche creator.

"Mixte" as it was called, was a car that had built in wheel electric motors combined with onboard gas. This combination was purposely designed for the engine to recharge the car’s batteries all by itself. With this initial attribute, this car is already considered a "serial hybrid " because a single engine drives the wheels. This car uses a parallel hybrid with both engines driving the wheels. This type of car was an initial breakthrough at that time where conventional cars are not using the same technology.

What sets "Mixte" apart was its in-wheel electric motors were specifically deigned to increase efficiency of the vehicle through the removal of everything that is mechanical in its parts. Another thing that sets it apart is that unlike one of its predecessors — the Volto — there is absolutely no need to plug it since it was designed not to have one.

Using a petrol-electric engine that was constantly rotating in a certain speed that was enough to drive a dynamo, "Mixte" fed current to electric motors. These motors have hubs in front of its wheels. With this design, transmissions, drive shafts, straps, gears, straps, clutch or chains were no longer needed. At that time, it was a brilliant discovery or invention because the simplicity of the car’s transmission used for operation, there was a great yield of 85 percent without losing the energy that has been produced by the mechanical friction .

Although this was a breakthrough at that time, Porsche was not able to see the reason why he should continue developing this technology in automobiles. You know why? Because at that time, gasoline was so cheap that people didn’t have to worry about their consumption with the use of conventional cars which they thought was faster and easier to use and maneuver.

Also, they did not see any reason why they should replace their conventional car into something that was not really introduced into the market yet. They thought that it was a waste of time buying something that is quite expensive because of the modern technology that was used in building it. They also saw the possibility that if they use a car that was not able to gain mass patronage yet, they will have a hard time getting spare parts and looking for people who has the expertise to fix a car such as those hybrid cars.

What Porsche did not realize is that the technology of hybrid cars will soon have a market because many people would be concerned in saving his of her environment. Maybe, he did not also anticipate that time will come wherein gasoline prices would increase its price just like what it is today.

In 1903 the so called, Lohner-Porsche was displayed at the Norvegian Technical Museum . It also appeared in the World Exhibition of Paris wherein the first hybrid car amazed and astonished the whole automobile industry. With its unique attributes, it was an initial crowd favorite. It’s success was not only visible on how motoring people reacted to it but because how it influenced the production of 300 more that was patterned after the design and the technology.

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."

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Fun Facts

The Lohner-Porsche ’s design was studied during NASA’s efforts to create the Apollo program’s Lunar Rover , and many of its design principles were mirrored in the Rover’s design. The series hybrid concept underpins many modern railway locomotives, and interest in series hybrid automobiles is rapidly growing. Although produced over 100 years ago, the car has more significance than ever.

Many people are choosing hybrid cars nowadays because it offers them brand newer perspective when it comes to fuel consumption and saving the environment. But, seldom do realize that there are also disadvantages of hybrid cars that should be paid attention to. This is very important because it will help you decide if you are really into using hybrids, then you should consider the following disadvantages:

1. The price . This is the biggest set back in buying a hybrid car . Today, most of the hybrid cars that are available in the market are super expensive which ranges from $20,000 and above. Although having this type of car can help the owner save some on fuel, the whole package itself does not come cheap .

2. The battery . This is also one of the biggest disadvantages of hybrid cars because experts say that their batteries could kill you because it costs so much. Majority of the hybrid car manufacturers today has their warranties covered from 80,000 to 100,000 miles which can last for a long time. However, there would come a time that the battery will experience problems and what if that at that time, the battery is no longer covered by the warranty? Then, it would cost you a lot more money because a new battery is needed to make the car run again. Another problem when it comes to battery is that regular charging is needed every second week of the month. If you don’t do this, the battery will not function properly. You need to pay another person to look out for the car when you are not around.

3. The pollution that are coming from the car factories themselves. Although you get to help save the environment by using cars that have lesser gas emission, can you imagine how much pollution the manufacturing of the car created? Most — if not all — hybrid cars leave carbon footprint . But unlike the conventional ones, hybrid cars leave greater pollution when they are created primarily because of the extra components required in manufacturing it.

4. The low noise . Although low noise should not be problem because it lessens another form of pollution — which is noise pollution — many people are complaining about it especially the visually-impaired people who only rely on their senses when in the outside world.

5. Can complicate accidents . Hybrid cars are dangerous when it comes to collision because majority of them uses metal hydride batteries that have high voltage. When their wires are exposed during an accident, the chances of the person inside the car to get electrocuted are higher.

6. The servicing . Usually, the car manufacturer is the one who will give service to the hybrid car owner when problems arise. But, the problem is since hybrid cars are not yet widely used, some of the auto mechanic shops as well as the manufacturers nearby most of the time don’t have the equipment required for the service jobs.

7. The replacement parts . The price of the hybrid car itself proves that its parts are quite expensive. Since car parts need to be replaced after a period of time, replacing the parts of a hybrid car can be very expensive. Also, another thing when it comes to replacing parts is that some of them can be rare and hard to find. Unlike in the conventional models wherein you can easily find for a replacement, the parts of hybrid cars can be hard to find since they are expensive and not many people will be looking for it.

8. The performance . Some people who have tried hybrid cars would agree that most of the models are slow. This is because they have slower acceleration as well as lower top-speed compared to the conventional ones. Driving slow is not actually a bad thing because it lessens the risks for accidents. However, for those who are in need of speed, this car would not satisfy them. (Note: An exception is the Chevy Volt .)

9. The additional fee for registration . This is actually a bad thing because purchasing the hybrid car has already cost you a fortune and you have to pay additional fees before you can actually use it? Although not all states ask for additional charge, you are just unlucky if the state you are in implement this rule upon registration.

10. The complicated system . Many people also consider the complicated system as a major disadvantage of hybrid cars because the regular mechanic cannot handle it once something goes wrong along the way.

More Information on Green Eco 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."

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• Honda Hybrids

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Having a list of the top 10 best hybrid cars is a great resource for anyone who is giving serious thought to purchasing one of these. The competition is heating up among all of the automakers and it is no longer just the Japanese giants that are creating a buzz in the world of cars. Today many of the American factories are producing some great hybrid vehicles of their own.

(1) 2009 Toyota Prius MSRP $22,000.00 Estimated Mileage 48/45

The 2009 Toyota Prius is one of those great hybrids – economical, roomy, and dependable. It comes with seat mounted front side air bags, electronic brake assistance, and AM/FM radio with 6 total speakers, and CD player. There are some available options like an MP3 player, rear electronic parking aid with camera, and vehicle stability control. The 4 door Prius comes in a multitude of colors including Barcelona Red Metallic, Black, Classic Silver Metallic, Driftwood Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Seaside Pearl, Silver Pine Metallic, Spectra Blue, and Super White.

(2) 2009 Saturn Vue Greenline MSRP 25,645.00 Estimated Mileage 25/32

The 2009 Saturn Vue Greenline comes with mounted front side air bags, all speed traction control, and Onstar Telematics System. The options for this hybrid model include a changer with MP3 player, leather shift knob, and engine block heater. This four-door car is available in Black Onyx, Deep Blue, Golden Cashmere, Mystic Blue, Polar White, Ruby Red, Sea Mist Green, Silver Pearl, Sunburst Orange, and Techno Gray.

(3) 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid MSRP $25,550.00 Estimated Mileage 40/45

One of the best hybrid cars is the 2008 Honda Civic. This vehicle features the Honda Satellite linked Navigation system with voice recognition GPS and DVD navigation aids, Hands Free Link for Bluetooth Enabled Devices, AM/FM Radio With 160-Watts, Speed Sensitive Volume and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3/WMA Player; XM Satellite Radio, climate control, interior particle air filter, and rear heating ducts. This 4-door vehicle is available in the following colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Atomic Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Magnetic Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, and Spectrum White Pearl.

(4) 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid MSRP $26,150.00 Estimated Mileage 33/34

The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a fast and sporty model. It comes with seat mounted front side airbags, electronic brake assistance, and diversity in glass antenna. Available options include carpeted floor mats, remote ignition, and vehicle intrusion system. This vehicle is available in the following colors: Barcelona Red Metallic, Black, Blue Ribbon Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Desert Sand Mica, Jasper Pearl, Magnetic Gray, Sky Blue, and Super White.

(5) 2008 Lexus RX 400h MSRP $42,080.00 Estimated Mileage 27/24

The 2008 Lexus RX 400h is a definite contender worthy of being called one of the best hybrid cars . This car comes with Lexus Premium AM/FM Radio With 132 Watts, Speed Sensitive Volume and 8 Speakers Total; Cassette Player; 6-Disc CD Changer with Radio, 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes , and Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags. A rear entertainment system is a family pleasing feature. The colors for this 4-door hybrid are Bamboo Pearl, Black Onyx, Brandywine Mica, Breakwater Blue Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Crystal White, Desert Sage Metallic, Golden Almond Metallic, Matador Red Mica, and Smoky Granite Mica.

(6) 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid MSRP 34,700.00 Estimated Mileage 27/25

No best hybrid car list would be complete without the inclusion of the 2009 Toyota Highlander entry. This well conceived vehicle comes equipped with Continuously Variable Electronically Controlled Adaptive Automatic Transmission with Overdrive, Adaptive Automatic Transmission, and Drive-By-Wire Control for Electronically Controlled Throttle with Intelligence, Electronically Controlled Brakes, and Electric Power Steering. Available options include Vehicle Anti-Theft via Alarm and Immobilizer, dual zone automatic climate control for the front, and it has a rear air conditioner. This roomy 4-door hybrid is available black, pearls, silver, and amethyst.

(7) 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid MSRP $29,305.00 Estimated Mileage 34/31

The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid comes standard with AM/FM Radio With 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; Sirius Satellite Radio (Includes 6-Month Subscription), Radio Data System, SYNC Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth Enabled Devices , and Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack. Some of the options available are Vehicle Security System, Engine Block Heater, and Invision Headrest DVD Entertainment. This 4-door vehicle is available in the following colors: Black, Black Pearl, Slate Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Kiwi Green Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, and White Suede. It’s one of the great hybrid vehicles .

(8) 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid MSRP $50,455.00 Estimated Mileage 21/22

The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid comes standard with Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor, All-Speed Traction Control, and Bose Subwoofer. Options that are available include AM/FM Radio with CD/MP3/DVD Player and Navigation, Power Sunroof, 2-Way Advanced Remote, and Chrome Mirror Caps. This 4-door vehicle comes in the following colors: Black, Blue Granite Metallic, Deep Ruby Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic, and Summit White.

(9) 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid MSRP $23,900.00 Estimated Mileage 24/32

The 2008 Saturn AURA Green Line is one of the top 10 hybrids that are available on the American market. This car is equipped with front side airbags, a Vehicle Stability Control System, and Radio Data System. Available options include Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio, Engine Block Heater, and Wood grain Trim, power sunroof, and heated exterior mirrors. Available as a 4 door hybrid vehicle this Saturn model comes in several colors including Bronzed Pewter, Carbon Flash, Cream White, Deep Blue, Golden Cashmere, Ocean Mist, Red Jewel, Silver Pearl, and Techno Gray.

(10) 2009 Lexus GS 450h MSRP $56,400.00 Estimated Mileage 22/25

The 2009 Lexus GS 450h may be one of the best hybrid cars on the market. The options and features help make this a very desirable hybrid choice. It comes equipped with standard features like Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags, Lexus Premium AM/FM Radio with 10 Speakers; Cassette Player; 6-Disc CD Changer, and Satellite Radio Antenna. Some of the available options include Mark Levinson(R) Audio, Navigation System with mounted rear view camera, and active stabilizer. This 4-door vehicle is available in the following colors: Black Opal Mica, Matador Red Mica, Mercury Metallic, Obsidian, Opaline Pearl, and Starfire Pearl.

More Information on Green Living

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It is not a surprise that considering the state of fluctuating gas prices, diesel hybrids are becoming more popular. By switching to a vehicle that is classified as a diesel hybrid, the driver can be sure to expect much more mileage per gallon of fuel.

While many other types of hybrids are available, diesels have a more efficiently built engine . Another reason why diesel cars are gaining in popularity are due to the increasing attention to the environment since the newest models of diesel autos are being made much more cleaner, including electric and biodiesel variety of hybrids. Pricing for the hybrid cars is more expensive than regular cars, but the potential for fuel and money saved is quite enormous.

Biodiesel fuels are becoming much more accessible to drivers who are looking to make a change. As gas stations see the demand increasing for biofuels, they are ready to supply. Looking at the fact that diesel is much more cost effective to create, it is an interesting side note that gas stations are still pricing it higher than regular gasoline. Of course with the actual mileage that is going to come from running the hybrid on biodiesel, a few cents extra at the pump translates into many more extra miles on the road.

Though in the past diesel running vehicles were known to get more miles, they were also known for the amount of choking poisonous smoke that would come from the rear. Today’s diesel hybrids are light years away from that type of pollution. This is especially true of electric hybrids, and hybrid vehicles that run on various types of alternative fuels such as a mixture of vegetable oils, electric plug-ins , or even ethanol-based fuels .

Beyond the other factors, diesel hybrids are beginning to be the next step in evolution for power vehicles such as trucks and other workhorses. The diesel engine will make sure that the vehicle will have enough power to get around slower cars, tow trailers, or carry heavy loads. Integrating diesel hybrids into the construction and business sector is going to be a big part of proving just how popular the engines have become.

A lot of the newest technology dealing with diesel vehicles appears to be coming from European car manufacturers. This makes sense considering that they have been the forerunners in diesel engine technology in the past. There are still issues with emissions and other problems that are making it difficult for some of the vehicles to be available in every state, but with continued interest, the diesel cars and trucks should become a viable option for those who want to own them.

As with any type of business, the basic premise is supply and demand. This is also true of diesel hybrid vehicles and other environmentally acceptable choices for transportation. As long as the demand for these vehicles continues to be heard, the supply will follow.