Hybrid Works!
Will the small hybrid models compete with the gigantic ones on the roads? Is the relatively smaller hybrid engine capable of supplying sufficient power? Unbelievable, isn’t it? But the facts clear the ambiguity on hybrid performance. If we analyze the mechanism of how hybrid works, this dilemma can be solved. In order to perform 100%, a conventional gasoline or diesel engine needs to work throughout, supplying more fuel during acceleration and climbing, and wasting a substantial quantity of fuel while decelerating or applying brakes. This continuous effort affects the efficiency of engine and causes unnecessary fuel loss.
How hybrid becomes an exception? The gas-electric combination of the hybrid, the job of supplying power is divided into two parts. The gasoline engine supplies power at higher speeds and the battery-motor system provides energy for normal driving or while accelerating. On deceleration, the energy is returned to the batteries. This is the most important feature of the hybrid technology. With the returned energy, the battery gets recharged and maintains its power throughout driving. A hybrid, thus, does not need any plug-in systems to charge its batteries.
If you think that the hybrid technology- a combination of gas and electricity- will slow down the performance on the roads, you are wrong. The combined performance of the two fuels rather adds to the performance, ensuring a hazzle-free riding. The hybrid battery regenerates itself continuously by drawing power from the engine during slow down or stopping, thus ensuring better utilization of the power and an uninterrupted drive. A few of the latest hybrid models have been found faster than their non-hybrid counterparts.
Let’s compare the performance of some of the popular models.
• Honda Accord Hybrid
It has achieved a laudable EPA rating of 29/37 mpg for city/hgihway driving. Its 3.0 L V-6 24 valve SOHC SMPI engine and the electric motor adds to a power up to 255 horse power, 15 horsepower more than the non-hybrid Honda V-6 Accord. The Honda Accord Hybrid has a 0-60 acceleration period of 7.2 seconds compared to the 6.5 seconds in the non-hybrid model.
• The Lexus RX 330
EPA rated for 30/26 mpg for city/highway. The 3.3L V-6 24 valve DOHC SMPI 230 –horsepower engine added with the electric motor gives a total horsepwer to 270. The period of acceleration for 0-60 mph is 7.3 to 7.7 seconds.
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
A sport utility SUV model with a 3.3L V-6 24 valve DOHC SMPI engine with 208 hp offers a decent mileage of 33/28 city/highway . The 0-60 acceleration period is 7.8 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is the priority concern of the hybrid makers. You get the evidence on the roads. The Honda Insight, a two-seat hybrid model, was launched with a clear objective- the mileage. With its best 61mpg in the city and 66mpg on the highway, it proves to be a worthy investment for you. The case is same with Toyota’s Prius sedan and its bigger version which hit the road in 2004. Though not as competitive as Insight, Honda Civic and Ford Escape Hybrid also ensures a competent performance in terms of fuel efficiency.
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