by Kimberley Heit

Created on: December 16, 2007   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

With Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz and Prince Charles are all rumored to drive one, you have probably heard some hype about the hybrid. So what exactly are the facts? This article defines some of the popular terms and investigates what the benefits of driving a hybrid vehicle are.

THE TERM HYBRID:

A Hybrid is the term used to describe any vehicle that uses two or more power sources to propel the vehicle. This can be as simple as a human powering a bicycle that also has battery assist, or more complex, for example nuclear-electric powered submarines.

Today, the term is mostly commonly being used in conjunction with cars and these are generally known as Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HEVs):

Walk into the average motor dealership or count the hybrid vehicles on the road and you will find most hybrid's are hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). These vehicles are cars powered by both gasoline and electricity. Just like an ordinary car they feature an internal combustion engine, but they also feature an electric motor usually powered by rechargeable electric batteries. This presents several benefits.

BENEFITS OF DRIVING A HYBRID VEHICLE

The top ten reasons to buy a HEV are as follows:

1. FUEL SAVINGS- The electric motor acts as a generator. When the vehicle is coasting down a hill or coming to a stop at traffic lights the energy from the car moving is turned back into electricity, which is stored in the batteries. This energy is then called upon in conjunction with gas, providing a better fuel economy. In addition to this some of the clever versions turn their engine off when the vehicle comes to a stop and automatically restart when the accelerator is pressed. Eliminating the fuel wasted whilst idling. These factors mean a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius uses up to 50% less gas then a similar sized ordinary vehicle. This equates to more then 50 miles per gallon.

2. REDUCED POLLUTION- The more gas a car burns the more carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide is generated. Therefore the added bonus of HEVs using less gas is that they produce less tailpipe emissions. The Toyota Prius, for example produces up to 90% less emissions than similar ordinary sized vehicles. In addition to this some HEV manufacturers are also planting trees for every vehicle purchased.

3. NO RECHARGING REQUIRED-the combination of a gasoline and electric powered engine means unlike all-electric vehicles HEVs do not require an external source of energy. Whenever there is not enough electric

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