Ford is trying to catch up with the world's expanding hybrid car market as it takes its hybrid car technology research seriously and schedule the launch of more Ford hybrid cars in 2008.
Ford Airstream Concept
Together with travel trailers innovator Airstream, Ford has designed its Space Age vehicle using the HySeries Drive system. The system uses a 336 volt lithium ion battery to generate power to sustain a Ford Airstream for its initial 25 miles.
Ford Airstream is trying to pair its lithium-ion batteries with hydrogen fuel cells, giving it sufficient wattage to run the electric motor. The result is 305 miles of travel, much more than the 280 miles you get if running on hydrogen fuel cells alone.
Part of the costs in developing the HySeries Drive with Airstream was shouldered by the US Department of Energy. Ford also paired with Ballard, a Canadian company who makes the fuel cells for Ford hybrid cars. These partnerships are being undertaken to meet an expected demand of 3 million Ford hybrid cars by 2010.
A new Ford Fusion Hybrid to be released in 2008
It would have been named Futura, if not for a lawsuit filed by Pep Boys, an auto parts shop. Thus, Ford decided to call its latest hybrid entry Ford Fusion Hybrid after a midsize car popular in North America.
Fusion Hybrid will be the fourth among Ford hybrid cars already out in the market. Its predecessors include Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Mazda Tribute Hybrid.
Fusion Hybrid 2008 will maintain the PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating of the 4-cylinder 2006 Fusion. It will have a 2.3 liter engine which can generate 160 horsepower allowing you to drive at 30 mpg in highway conditions.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about Ford hybrid cars, Honda hybrids and hybrid cars Toyota.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Hybrid Car For Sale: Your Choices In The Market
Want to ride on the wave sweeping the car market during these times of climate change and global warming? Go green, by riding environmental-friendly, fuel-saving hybrid vehicles. A lot of models are available in the market, from several car makers, each one suitable to your budget, your size, your preference. There's always a Nissan, Honda, or Toyota hybrid sedan out there waiting for you. The list for hybrid car for sale is long; it's up to you which suits your fancy.
Nissan Hybrid
Nissan redesigned its Altima sedan and combined Toyota's hybrid technology with this sedan to rate an advanced technology partial zero-emission rating. This car was introduced in 2007 with an improved rating for the model in as far as environmental protection standards are concerned. This sedan incorporates hybrid technology and standard Nissan features to come up with this affordable hybrid version of the Altima.
Honda Hybrid
The Accord and Civic hybrids are two of Honda's entries in the hybrid car for sale market. The 2007 Civic Hybrid is features a lightweight 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC. A direct current electric motor complements the engine. A compact battery pack stores power for the motor and comes with an 8-year warranty. The Civic Hybrid comes with maneuverability and efficiency rolled into functionality and features. City driving uses about 49 miles to the gallon, and 51 MPG on the highway.
The Honda Accord Hybrid attains 25 miles to the gallon at city driving, up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway, and around 28 miles per gallon combined.
Toyota Hybrid
Another choice on the list of hybrid cars for sale is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This compact hybrid has a reasonable price and achieves 39 miles per gallon in combined city and highway travels. It goes as high as 40 miles per gallon for city driving and 38 miles per gallon for highway running. Combined, that's around 39 miles per gallon.
GMC hybrid
The GMC Sierra Hybrid is a 2-wheel drive pickup priced from a base of 31,000 dollars. GM's lines of hybrid car for sale are not that many as of today, but the company aims to catch up with its rivals.
Lexus Hybrid
Lexus offers two hybrid models, the GS 450h and the RX 400h. The GS 450h is sports car without the gas-guzzling, as it is reasonably efficient fuel-wise, not to mention the EPA standards-achieved hybrid emissions.
The Lexus RX 400h is good for city and highway driving at 33 MPG in the suburbs and 28 miles to the gallon in the freeway.
These are but a few of the hybrid cars for sale available in the market. Of course there are a host of other hybrids - from SUVs to pickup trucks to transit buses. Ford has its Escape Hybrid SUV. GM has its hybrid buses and pick up trucks.
Whichever manufacturer you choose, the overriding concern in the choice of the hybrid you acquire will be its environmental impact in terms of fuel efficiency and particle emissions, its safety features, its long-term wear considering the hybrid technology incorporated, and the cost considerations. Find one hybrid that's reasonably priced yet power-packed in fuel efficiency and safety features and you go green not only vehicle-wise, but in your pocket just as well.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about Honda hybrid cars, the Dodge hybrid and the Saturn Aura hybrid.
Nissan Hybrid
Nissan redesigned its Altima sedan and combined Toyota's hybrid technology with this sedan to rate an advanced technology partial zero-emission rating. This car was introduced in 2007 with an improved rating for the model in as far as environmental protection standards are concerned. This sedan incorporates hybrid technology and standard Nissan features to come up with this affordable hybrid version of the Altima.
Honda Hybrid
The Accord and Civic hybrids are two of Honda's entries in the hybrid car for sale market. The 2007 Civic Hybrid is features a lightweight 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC. A direct current electric motor complements the engine. A compact battery pack stores power for the motor and comes with an 8-year warranty. The Civic Hybrid comes with maneuverability and efficiency rolled into functionality and features. City driving uses about 49 miles to the gallon, and 51 MPG on the highway.
The Honda Accord Hybrid attains 25 miles to the gallon at city driving, up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway, and around 28 miles per gallon combined.
Toyota Hybrid
Another choice on the list of hybrid cars for sale is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This compact hybrid has a reasonable price and achieves 39 miles per gallon in combined city and highway travels. It goes as high as 40 miles per gallon for city driving and 38 miles per gallon for highway running. Combined, that's around 39 miles per gallon.
GMC hybrid
The GMC Sierra Hybrid is a 2-wheel drive pickup priced from a base of 31,000 dollars. GM's lines of hybrid car for sale are not that many as of today, but the company aims to catch up with its rivals.
Lexus Hybrid
Lexus offers two hybrid models, the GS 450h and the RX 400h. The GS 450h is sports car without the gas-guzzling, as it is reasonably efficient fuel-wise, not to mention the EPA standards-achieved hybrid emissions.
The Lexus RX 400h is good for city and highway driving at 33 MPG in the suburbs and 28 miles to the gallon in the freeway.
These are but a few of the hybrid cars for sale available in the market. Of course there are a host of other hybrids - from SUVs to pickup trucks to transit buses. Ford has its Escape Hybrid SUV. GM has its hybrid buses and pick up trucks.
Whichever manufacturer you choose, the overriding concern in the choice of the hybrid you acquire will be its environmental impact in terms of fuel efficiency and particle emissions, its safety features, its long-term wear considering the hybrid technology incorporated, and the cost considerations. Find one hybrid that's reasonably priced yet power-packed in fuel efficiency and safety features and you go green not only vehicle-wise, but in your pocket just as well.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about Honda hybrid cars, the Dodge hybrid and the Saturn Aura hybrid.
The Saab Hybrid Convertible: What Else Can One Ask For?
When you think of cars, you immediately think of the likes of Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen and BMW: manufacturers from Japan, the U.S., and Germany. But somewhere in Europe there's another car manufacturer in Sweden that makes BMW, Mercedes Benz and Volvo think twice. Saab Automobiles in Sweden, a subsidiary of General Motors, is the prime competitor in Europe of the aforesaid German cars. It makes elegant and sophisticated looking hybrid convertible.
Saab Automobiles traces its roots to the Swedish Airplane Company; so one can just imagine the aerodynamic pedigree that goes into every Saab car. Saab Automobiles came about after the Second World War, when the airplane division decided to enter the car scene. The company marked its entry into the market with 2-cylinder saloons that were very aerodynamic and practically drag-free, thanks to its airplane production legacy. Since then, Saab had been consistently making introductions of newer, larger cars into the market.
A Convertible Hybrid?
Saab never wavered in its commitment to innovate. In production are several concept cars but what stands out is the Saab 9-3 Convertible, a Hybrid concept that runs on bio-power. Saab intends for this hybrid convertible to be the first gas- or diesel-free hybrid car in the world, and a convertible one at that, too. With the roof down, as convertibles come, the breeze is fresher with this hybrid's zero emissions.
Its hybrid technology is hinged on the use of bio-ethanol, thus no gas- or diesel CO2 emissions. Its electric motors ensure performance with powerful torque and maximum fuel economy. It runs on pure electricity; absolutely zero fossil fuel, at city driving. Regenerative braking is also used to harness the energy derived from the braking process.
The Saab hybrid convertible combines pure bio-ethanol with electricity and is absolutely independent of fossil fuel. The Bio Power engine and electric motors provide great accelerating and traction power. The battery in the hybrid system is a 300-volt bank that requires no maintenance. This is integrated with the electric motor, an electric transmission, a starter generator, and an all-wheel drive to ensure power, efficiency, safety, and comfort.
A Revolutionary Hybrid Technology
Saab wants to look at its hybrid system as a modular one, combining all the heretofore independent engine, transmission, wheel drive, and brake components into one energy-efficient hybrid system. And Saab is very much into developing the technology, very characteristic of its continuing advancements since its venture into the car-making industry in the late 1940s. Using hybrid technology and injecting it into Saab's trademark sporty and trendy 2-seaters and convertibles, one is assured of racing/sports-car performance without the fuel consumption and environmental impact.
The Saab hybrid convertible uses a descendant of the Bio Power technology by going hybrid and using only pure bio-ethanol. Here the 2.0 liter turbo engine of the Saab 9 range is developed further to provide maximum torque that is significantly greater than from gasoline. The engine, starter generator and a 300-volt battery are all integrated.
The battery gives power initially to a 38 kilowatt motor which in turn connects to the transmission and differential shafts. The motor is also a generator during braking, under the regenerative braking principle of capturing kinetic energy from the momentum, charging the battery in the process. Then there is a second motor, electric again, which is the starter generator. This delivers additional power and extra torque to the engine.
Environmental Safety Benefits
Under ideal city driving conditions, this hybrid convertible starts at idle with the 2 electric motors complementing the engine, providing additional power. Rolling out, acceleration is enhanced as the pull or torque is tripled, as the engine picks up speed and continues to be aided by the electric motors.
During traffic jams, braking and shifting are harnessed to generate additional power through regenerative braking. And so as to save fuel further, during such congestions, the Saab Hybrid can go on "Zero Mode" which is running on pure electricity alone, no fuel, and thus, no emissions, too. Of course, batteries won't run forever, but when the charge reaches a pre-set minimum level, the engine kicks in without any obvious sign of deceleration or shift. Low on fuel, low on emissions; what else can environmentalists ask for?
The Saab Hybrid convertible with its Bio-Power concept is one optimized hybrid, with great fuel savings and great sustainable and renewable energy harnessing.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid convertible, Hyundai hybrid and Chevy hybrid cars.
Saab Automobiles traces its roots to the Swedish Airplane Company; so one can just imagine the aerodynamic pedigree that goes into every Saab car. Saab Automobiles came about after the Second World War, when the airplane division decided to enter the car scene. The company marked its entry into the market with 2-cylinder saloons that were very aerodynamic and practically drag-free, thanks to its airplane production legacy. Since then, Saab had been consistently making introductions of newer, larger cars into the market.
A Convertible Hybrid?
Saab never wavered in its commitment to innovate. In production are several concept cars but what stands out is the Saab 9-3 Convertible, a Hybrid concept that runs on bio-power. Saab intends for this hybrid convertible to be the first gas- or diesel-free hybrid car in the world, and a convertible one at that, too. With the roof down, as convertibles come, the breeze is fresher with this hybrid's zero emissions.
Its hybrid technology is hinged on the use of bio-ethanol, thus no gas- or diesel CO2 emissions. Its electric motors ensure performance with powerful torque and maximum fuel economy. It runs on pure electricity; absolutely zero fossil fuel, at city driving. Regenerative braking is also used to harness the energy derived from the braking process.
The Saab hybrid convertible combines pure bio-ethanol with electricity and is absolutely independent of fossil fuel. The Bio Power engine and electric motors provide great accelerating and traction power. The battery in the hybrid system is a 300-volt bank that requires no maintenance. This is integrated with the electric motor, an electric transmission, a starter generator, and an all-wheel drive to ensure power, efficiency, safety, and comfort.
A Revolutionary Hybrid Technology
Saab wants to look at its hybrid system as a modular one, combining all the heretofore independent engine, transmission, wheel drive, and brake components into one energy-efficient hybrid system. And Saab is very much into developing the technology, very characteristic of its continuing advancements since its venture into the car-making industry in the late 1940s. Using hybrid technology and injecting it into Saab's trademark sporty and trendy 2-seaters and convertibles, one is assured of racing/sports-car performance without the fuel consumption and environmental impact.
The Saab hybrid convertible uses a descendant of the Bio Power technology by going hybrid and using only pure bio-ethanol. Here the 2.0 liter turbo engine of the Saab 9 range is developed further to provide maximum torque that is significantly greater than from gasoline. The engine, starter generator and a 300-volt battery are all integrated.
The battery gives power initially to a 38 kilowatt motor which in turn connects to the transmission and differential shafts. The motor is also a generator during braking, under the regenerative braking principle of capturing kinetic energy from the momentum, charging the battery in the process. Then there is a second motor, electric again, which is the starter generator. This delivers additional power and extra torque to the engine.
Environmental Safety Benefits
Under ideal city driving conditions, this hybrid convertible starts at idle with the 2 electric motors complementing the engine, providing additional power. Rolling out, acceleration is enhanced as the pull or torque is tripled, as the engine picks up speed and continues to be aided by the electric motors.
During traffic jams, braking and shifting are harnessed to generate additional power through regenerative braking. And so as to save fuel further, during such congestions, the Saab Hybrid can go on "Zero Mode" which is running on pure electricity alone, no fuel, and thus, no emissions, too. Of course, batteries won't run forever, but when the charge reaches a pre-set minimum level, the engine kicks in without any obvious sign of deceleration or shift. Low on fuel, low on emissions; what else can environmentalists ask for?
The Saab Hybrid convertible with its Bio-Power concept is one optimized hybrid, with great fuel savings and great sustainable and renewable energy harnessing.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid convertible, Hyundai hybrid and Chevy hybrid cars.
Hybrid Car Sales Continue To Climb
As of the first quarter of 2007, data from Forbes show that in the US alone, hybrids garnered a combined sale of more than 17,000 units, a remarkable 10% increase from the same period in 2006. The demand is definitely rising, and this demand is translating into actual sales. Sale of hybrid vehicles vis-Ã -vis the total number of light-duty vehicles sold also increased by as much as 1.4% compared to previous year levels. This only means more and more buyers prefer hybrids to conventional-fuel models.
Notably, Toyota hybrids enjoy the highest patronage, accounting for as much as 13,000 units out of the total hybrids sold. Leading the pack is the Toyota Prius Hybrid with more than 8,000 units sold as of January 2007. Second is the Camry Hybrid, selling 2,801 units while the SUV Highlander hybrid sold 1,810 units.
As to brand sales, Lexus ranked second while Ford, combining its Escape and Mariner hybrid sales, came third. While Toyota accounted for 17.5% in brand sales, Ford accounted for 11.2%.
What is surprising is the marked decline in Honda Civic Hybrid sales, which posted a sharp downturn of more than 43% in 2007, compared to its 2006 sales for the first months of the year. Even the Accord Hybrid posted a decline of 29.3%.
Why the Rush To The Hybrid Section?
As fuel prices soar, more and more car buyers are prompted to go for hybrid cars. Since 2003, hybrid car-makers have been raking in profits from hybrid car sales. In 2004 in the US alone, hybrid car sales were almost 88,000 units. And with the increasing awareness about climate change and global warming, hybrid car sales are yet again expected to surge.
With great expectations for hybrid car sales to reach record highs in 2007, carmakers are rushing to put into the market new models, packed with all the environmental protection and fuel efficiency features that they could muster, not to mention the technological come-ons. New models are also widening the array of offerings, from compact to mid-sized sedans, to SUVs and minivans, even to pickups and trucks.
Car buyers can afford to be choosy with the broad range of hybrid units being offered in the market today. Moreover, fuel-efficiency and environmental friendliness features of these hybrids are reaching new heights, captivating a new kind of socially conscious and responsible breed of buyers.
Prices are reasonable enough to guarantee a following. Moreover, tax incentives and breaks are given to buyers of these eco-friendly hybrid units. Doing the math, the hybrid buyer is aware that he can easily recoup the few thousand dollars difference of a hybrid model over that of a conventional one, through reduced fuel consumption.
And these hybrids come safe for the buyer and his family, too. In addition to fuel efficiency, hybrid safety features are bringing in more buyers. Open the windows and the low emissions of your hybrid ensure that your kids are breathing fresher and cleaner air inside and outside the hybrid van. Navigation and stability systems for the hybrids are also a notch higher, adding to the safety factor more. A hybrid car buyer is assured of efficiency not only fuel-wise, but overall car performance-wise.
As buyers become more fuel-price conscious and more aware of climate change and the effects of greenhouse gases; as they realize that safety is paramount, and begin to expect comfort and enjoyment from riding safe and eco-friendly vehicles, hybrid car sales will continue to rise. Car makers are thus capitalizing on this trend and are coming up with one innovative hybrid model after another. Every car dealer will surely have one hybrid in his stable.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid car sales, Honda hybrid SUV and Sienna hybrid.
Notably, Toyota hybrids enjoy the highest patronage, accounting for as much as 13,000 units out of the total hybrids sold. Leading the pack is the Toyota Prius Hybrid with more than 8,000 units sold as of January 2007. Second is the Camry Hybrid, selling 2,801 units while the SUV Highlander hybrid sold 1,810 units.
As to brand sales, Lexus ranked second while Ford, combining its Escape and Mariner hybrid sales, came third. While Toyota accounted for 17.5% in brand sales, Ford accounted for 11.2%.
What is surprising is the marked decline in Honda Civic Hybrid sales, which posted a sharp downturn of more than 43% in 2007, compared to its 2006 sales for the first months of the year. Even the Accord Hybrid posted a decline of 29.3%.
Why the Rush To The Hybrid Section?
As fuel prices soar, more and more car buyers are prompted to go for hybrid cars. Since 2003, hybrid car-makers have been raking in profits from hybrid car sales. In 2004 in the US alone, hybrid car sales were almost 88,000 units. And with the increasing awareness about climate change and global warming, hybrid car sales are yet again expected to surge.
With great expectations for hybrid car sales to reach record highs in 2007, carmakers are rushing to put into the market new models, packed with all the environmental protection and fuel efficiency features that they could muster, not to mention the technological come-ons. New models are also widening the array of offerings, from compact to mid-sized sedans, to SUVs and minivans, even to pickups and trucks.
Car buyers can afford to be choosy with the broad range of hybrid units being offered in the market today. Moreover, fuel-efficiency and environmental friendliness features of these hybrids are reaching new heights, captivating a new kind of socially conscious and responsible breed of buyers.
Prices are reasonable enough to guarantee a following. Moreover, tax incentives and breaks are given to buyers of these eco-friendly hybrid units. Doing the math, the hybrid buyer is aware that he can easily recoup the few thousand dollars difference of a hybrid model over that of a conventional one, through reduced fuel consumption.
And these hybrids come safe for the buyer and his family, too. In addition to fuel efficiency, hybrid safety features are bringing in more buyers. Open the windows and the low emissions of your hybrid ensure that your kids are breathing fresher and cleaner air inside and outside the hybrid van. Navigation and stability systems for the hybrids are also a notch higher, adding to the safety factor more. A hybrid car buyer is assured of efficiency not only fuel-wise, but overall car performance-wise.
As buyers become more fuel-price conscious and more aware of climate change and the effects of greenhouse gases; as they realize that safety is paramount, and begin to expect comfort and enjoyment from riding safe and eco-friendly vehicles, hybrid car sales will continue to rise. Car makers are thus capitalizing on this trend and are coming up with one innovative hybrid model after another. Every car dealer will surely have one hybrid in his stable.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid car sales, Honda hybrid SUV and Sienna hybrid.
Hybrid Pickups: More Work For Less Gas
Hybrid electric vehicles, such as hybrid pickups, are considered to be among the most fuel-efficient modes of transport. Automobiles equipped with the latest hybrid electric technology feature a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The best thing about this electric motor is that it can be modified or configured for a variety of purposes, such as boosting and improving the performance of fuel economy, and providing electrical power to alternative loads such as energy tools.
Greater Gas Mileage
Hybrid pickups and other electric vehicles are normally propelled by internal combustion engine just like conventional automobiles. In hybrids however, the energy that is usually lost or wasted during car processes like braking and coasting are converted to a potential source of car power. This energy is stored in the car’s battery and will only be utilized by the car’s electric motor when needed.
What then is the function of an electric motor? It is primarily used to provide support to the engine when the car is accelerating or traveling up a slope. Under low-speed situations, the electric motor gives assistance to the internal combustion engine because it is less efficient.
Unlike other traditional electric vehicles, hybrid pickups do not need to be plugged to an external electrical outlet or resource for the battery to be recharged. Instead, regenerative braking and gasoline are what most hybrid pickups need to fully operate.
New Hybrid Pickups and Cars
For next year, several hybrid pickup and car manufacturers have already released their brand new products or models. Here are some of them:
First is the Ford Escape Hybrid, a sports utility vehicle having a 4-cylinder engine and a CVT or continuously variable transmission, all available on both four-wheel and front-wheel drives.
Another type of hybrid pickup or vehicle that will be available next year is the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Like the Ford Escape Hybrid, it is also a sports utility vehicle that has 4-cylinder engine. The only difference is that its CVT or continuously variable transmission is available only in four-wheel and two-wheel drive.
Also joining this list is the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, another sports utility vehicle that has a four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission both available in the four-wheel and front-wheel drive. The features of this particular hybrid pickup are almost the same as the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Lastly, Lexus LS 600h L is a midsize hybrid pickup or car designed to have an eight-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is one of the most anticipated car releases because of its state-of-the-art features. However, this particular hybrid pickup and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid are both not yet certified by IRS so it means that they are not yet eligible for credits in terms of taxation or tax payments.
Related News
Almost three years ago, Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger authorized the law in California to allow all car lanes to be opened for hybrid pickups or gasoline-hybrid vehicles that can reach distances of up to forty-five miles per gallon, which draws a specific technical demarcation. However, only a relatively small number of hybrid vehicles qualify for this 45 mpg rule as of this time.
This includes the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. Hybrid pickups produced by Ford and those of General Motors missed the cut being employed by this law because they can only reach distances of thirty-six miles per gallon. Overall, this caused a certain constraint on other hybrid automobile products - but it is also an incentive for them to lift their game in future releases.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid pickups, BMW hybrid car and Chevrolet hybrid.
Greater Gas Mileage
Hybrid pickups and other electric vehicles are normally propelled by internal combustion engine just like conventional automobiles. In hybrids however, the energy that is usually lost or wasted during car processes like braking and coasting are converted to a potential source of car power. This energy is stored in the car’s battery and will only be utilized by the car’s electric motor when needed.
What then is the function of an electric motor? It is primarily used to provide support to the engine when the car is accelerating or traveling up a slope. Under low-speed situations, the electric motor gives assistance to the internal combustion engine because it is less efficient.
Unlike other traditional electric vehicles, hybrid pickups do not need to be plugged to an external electrical outlet or resource for the battery to be recharged. Instead, regenerative braking and gasoline are what most hybrid pickups need to fully operate.
New Hybrid Pickups and Cars
For next year, several hybrid pickup and car manufacturers have already released their brand new products or models. Here are some of them:
First is the Ford Escape Hybrid, a sports utility vehicle having a 4-cylinder engine and a CVT or continuously variable transmission, all available on both four-wheel and front-wheel drives.
Another type of hybrid pickup or vehicle that will be available next year is the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Like the Ford Escape Hybrid, it is also a sports utility vehicle that has 4-cylinder engine. The only difference is that its CVT or continuously variable transmission is available only in four-wheel and two-wheel drive.
Also joining this list is the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, another sports utility vehicle that has a four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission both available in the four-wheel and front-wheel drive. The features of this particular hybrid pickup are almost the same as the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Lastly, Lexus LS 600h L is a midsize hybrid pickup or car designed to have an eight-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is one of the most anticipated car releases because of its state-of-the-art features. However, this particular hybrid pickup and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid are both not yet certified by IRS so it means that they are not yet eligible for credits in terms of taxation or tax payments.
Related News
Almost three years ago, Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger authorized the law in California to allow all car lanes to be opened for hybrid pickups or gasoline-hybrid vehicles that can reach distances of up to forty-five miles per gallon, which draws a specific technical demarcation. However, only a relatively small number of hybrid vehicles qualify for this 45 mpg rule as of this time.
This includes the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. Hybrid pickups produced by Ford and those of General Motors missed the cut being employed by this law because they can only reach distances of thirty-six miles per gallon. Overall, this caused a certain constraint on other hybrid automobile products - but it is also an incentive for them to lift their game in future releases.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid pickups, BMW hybrid car and Chevrolet hybrid.
Which Is The Best Hybrid Car For You?
The envelope is in, and the winner is...? The judges are getting their honoraria's worth with the kind of decision they need to make to come up with in their selection of the best hybrid car there is. But it seems they'd really have a hard time deciding, what with the array of hybrid cars that are now on offer to, competing to be the top car in terms of safety, fuel efficiency, emission, comfort and technological innovations.
The Criteria
In choosing a hybrid car, what considerations will you look at? Of course one will not opt for a hybrid if not for the fuel efficiency, otherwise, any other stylish sedan notwithstanding how much gallons of fuel it consumes will be a candidate for one's choice. So the kind of fuel consumption savings and efficiency will definitely be a prime consideration. Relative to this, the best hybrid car will have to have the lowest, if not zero, emission of toxic waste gases. So this criterion is in.
But how will we choose the best hybrid car then? We can probably start by segregating these hybrids, say separate the coupes and sedans from the SUVs and vans. Then segregate them further by dividing the cars into compacts, mid-sized sedans, and so forth. Segregate the pickups from mid- to full-sized trucks. Separate the vans from the mini-vans. The lists goes and on just as the list of available hybrid cars continues to lengthen.
Then you can probably go to the level of body styles, drivetrains, engine power, transmission size and drive, and a host of performance criteria to look for.
Price may be farther down the list, as hybrid cars will almost surely compensate for the initial higher cost through fuel savings and other economy features.
The Semi-Finalists
Some say the Toyota Prius actually started the race and all, and as such a pioneer deserves a place in the hall of fame of hybrids. The Prius starts at a suggested retail of $22,175, and comes with a savings bonus as an ECO-nomic car of around $2,000. Then there are tax benefits, too, for choosing an environmental-friendly car. EPA estimates come in at 55 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving, and the AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) rating.
What about the mid-size sedans, with more room than the Prius? There is the 2007 Hybrid version of Toyota Camry, which starts at around $26,000. Although the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid are also in the running, the Toyota Camry consistently figures in surveys made of satisfied hybrid users. The Camry Hybrid attains 34 miles to the gallon as far as EPA ratings go.
Let us go now to sport utility vehicles. The Ford Escape Hybrid is great, but price considerations and its full-SUV features make it less popular than the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, a more compact contemporary, that's priced reasonably at around $23,000, not to mention the tax benefits it gets for being a "green" SUV. Surveys show that this hybrid is comparable to other same-sized SUVs in terms of fuel efficiency and emission-levels.
Compare the Ford Escape Hybrid now to another Toyota SUV, and you get the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid winning by an edge, if car reviews are to be believed. Reviewers say the performance and efficiency of the Highlander makes it a number one contender for the best large-type SUV of the hybrid kind. At estimated price of $32,500, the EPA ratings of 25 or 26 miles to the gallon for city and highway driving are manageable, if one looks at the long-term fuel savings.
The Verdict?
The title of best hybrid car will always be relative - relative as to the type of considerations the buyer and driver will look for in his hybrid. But with the plethora of hybrids out there, it should not be that much of a problem to find the best one for you.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about best hybrid car, hybrid Honda cars and the Lexus SUV hybrid
The Criteria
In choosing a hybrid car, what considerations will you look at? Of course one will not opt for a hybrid if not for the fuel efficiency, otherwise, any other stylish sedan notwithstanding how much gallons of fuel it consumes will be a candidate for one's choice. So the kind of fuel consumption savings and efficiency will definitely be a prime consideration. Relative to this, the best hybrid car will have to have the lowest, if not zero, emission of toxic waste gases. So this criterion is in.
But how will we choose the best hybrid car then? We can probably start by segregating these hybrids, say separate the coupes and sedans from the SUVs and vans. Then segregate them further by dividing the cars into compacts, mid-sized sedans, and so forth. Segregate the pickups from mid- to full-sized trucks. Separate the vans from the mini-vans. The lists goes and on just as the list of available hybrid cars continues to lengthen.
Then you can probably go to the level of body styles, drivetrains, engine power, transmission size and drive, and a host of performance criteria to look for.
Price may be farther down the list, as hybrid cars will almost surely compensate for the initial higher cost through fuel savings and other economy features.
The Semi-Finalists
Some say the Toyota Prius actually started the race and all, and as such a pioneer deserves a place in the hall of fame of hybrids. The Prius starts at a suggested retail of $22,175, and comes with a savings bonus as an ECO-nomic car of around $2,000. Then there are tax benefits, too, for choosing an environmental-friendly car. EPA estimates come in at 55 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving, and the AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) rating.
What about the mid-size sedans, with more room than the Prius? There is the 2007 Hybrid version of Toyota Camry, which starts at around $26,000. Although the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid are also in the running, the Toyota Camry consistently figures in surveys made of satisfied hybrid users. The Camry Hybrid attains 34 miles to the gallon as far as EPA ratings go.
Let us go now to sport utility vehicles. The Ford Escape Hybrid is great, but price considerations and its full-SUV features make it less popular than the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, a more compact contemporary, that's priced reasonably at around $23,000, not to mention the tax benefits it gets for being a "green" SUV. Surveys show that this hybrid is comparable to other same-sized SUVs in terms of fuel efficiency and emission-levels.
Compare the Ford Escape Hybrid now to another Toyota SUV, and you get the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid winning by an edge, if car reviews are to be believed. Reviewers say the performance and efficiency of the Highlander makes it a number one contender for the best large-type SUV of the hybrid kind. At estimated price of $32,500, the EPA ratings of 25 or 26 miles to the gallon for city and highway driving are manageable, if one looks at the long-term fuel savings.
The Verdict?
The title of best hybrid car will always be relative - relative as to the type of considerations the buyer and driver will look for in his hybrid. But with the plethora of hybrids out there, it should not be that much of a problem to find the best one for you.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about best hybrid car, hybrid Honda cars and the Lexus SUV hybrid
The Mercury Hybrid: Protect The Future
Ford is trying to catch up with the world's expanding hybrid car market as it takes its hybrid car technology research seriously and schedule the launch of more Ford hybrid cars in 2008.
Ford Airstream Concept
Together with travel trailers innovator Airstream, Ford has designed its Space Age vehicle using the HySeries Drive system. The system uses a 336 volt lithium ion battery to generate power to sustain a Ford Airstream for its initial 25 miles.
Ford Airstream is trying to pair its lithium-ion batteries with hydrogen fuel cells, giving it sufficient wattage to run the electric motor. The result is 305 miles of travel, much more than the 280 miles you get if running on hydrogen fuel cells alone.
Part of the costs in developing the HySeries Drive with Airstream was shouldered by the US Department of Energy. Ford also paired with Ballard, a Canadian company who makes the fuel cells for Ford hybrid cars. These partnerships are being undertaken to meet an expected demand of 3 million Ford hybrid cars by 2010.
A new Ford Fusion Hybrid to be released in 2008
It would have been named Futura, if not for a lawsuit filed by Pep Boys, an auto parts shop. Thus, Ford decided to call its latest hybrid entry Ford Fusion Hybrid after a midsize car popular in North America.
Fusion Hybrid will be the fourth among Ford hybrid cars already out in the market. Its predecessors include Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Mazda Tribute Hybrid.
Fusion Hybrid 2008 will maintain the PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating of the 4-cylinder 2006 Fusion. It will have a 2.3 liter engine which can generate 160 horsepower allowing you to drive at 30 mpg in highway conditions.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about Ford hybrid cars, Honda hybrids and hybrid cars Toyota.
Ford Airstream Concept
Together with travel trailers innovator Airstream, Ford has designed its Space Age vehicle using the HySeries Drive system. The system uses a 336 volt lithium ion battery to generate power to sustain a Ford Airstream for its initial 25 miles.
Ford Airstream is trying to pair its lithium-ion batteries with hydrogen fuel cells, giving it sufficient wattage to run the electric motor. The result is 305 miles of travel, much more than the 280 miles you get if running on hydrogen fuel cells alone.
Part of the costs in developing the HySeries Drive with Airstream was shouldered by the US Department of Energy. Ford also paired with Ballard, a Canadian company who makes the fuel cells for Ford hybrid cars. These partnerships are being undertaken to meet an expected demand of 3 million Ford hybrid cars by 2010.
A new Ford Fusion Hybrid to be released in 2008
It would have been named Futura, if not for a lawsuit filed by Pep Boys, an auto parts shop. Thus, Ford decided to call its latest hybrid entry Ford Fusion Hybrid after a midsize car popular in North America.
Fusion Hybrid will be the fourth among Ford hybrid cars already out in the market. Its predecessors include Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Mazda Tribute Hybrid.
Fusion Hybrid 2008 will maintain the PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating of the 4-cylinder 2006 Fusion. It will have a 2.3 liter engine which can generate 160 horsepower allowing you to drive at 30 mpg in highway conditions.
About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about Ford hybrid cars, Honda hybrids and hybrid cars Toyota.
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