Hybrid Vehicle Guide

When hybrid-powered vehicles first appeared, starting in 2000, the idea of switching between gasoline and electric power seemed a bit of a gimmick. Certainly, the need for more economical vehicles was growing. Fully electric cars had never caught on, largely because of their limited range and the need to plug in for recharging. Still, there had to be a more appealing answer; most likely, fuel-cell vehicles that run on hydrogen.

High Demand
Since then, hybrids have proven themselves capable of delivering impressive gas mileage without fuss. They've also captured the imagination of much of the motoring public. Shoppers eagerly signed onto long waiting lists for the second-generation Toyota Prius, and similar reaction is likely for the Ford Escape Hybrid that is now reaching dealerships.


Honda and Toyota led the way into hybrids with gusto, starting with small cars. They still lead the field by far. Domestic automakers, and most other import brands, have been hesitant. Many say they're concentrating on fuel cells, or investigating other alternative-fuel possibilities. Some appear to ignore the entire concept.


Hybrid powertrains operate on both gasoline and electricity, but not all are equal. Two distinct systems are available in current vehicles.

Hybrid Types
In a "full" hybrid, electric power is dominant and the gasoline engine provides additional energy as needed. Toyota and Ford use this system. The vehicle starts off on electric power alone. As soon as extra power is required, the gasoline engine kicks in. For passing, when maximum energy is needed, both power sources may be operating. A full-hybrid vehicle is able to travel for short distances, at very low speed, on battery power alone.


"Mild" hybrids, which are used in Honda vehicles, make the gasoline engine dominant. An electric motor provides the auxiliary power. These models cannot move solely on electricity, but otherwise they operate in a manner similar to the full hybrids.


In both systems, all the switching between propulsion sources is done automatically, based on inputs into the computerized control system. You can feel the shift between gas and electric power, but it's typically little more than a mild "bump."

Benefits
Gas mileage is the biggest bonus of driving a hybrid, coupled with reduced emissions. An idle-stop feature lets the gasoline engine shut off at stoplights, or whenever the vehicle comes to a halt, to conserve fuel. For that reason, some hybrids deliver higher gas mileage in city driving than on the highway.