By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-08-08 21:35:53 | Word Count: 555
With Fuel Costs on the rise, filling a 17 gallon SUV gas tank can be a nightmare. Even worse, that full tank may not even last you the whole day. And the quick burning of gas fuel contributes to harmful car emissions that negatively affect the environment. But, instead of lamenting over your losses, why not consider an alternative? Hybrid cars are a great answer to the rising costs of fuel. They are very efficient and environmentally friendly as well.
What Makes a Car a Hybrid?
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Essentially, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that runs on two different fuel sources. A great example would be a sailboat that runs on rowing as well as electric power. Hybrid cars on the other hand run on both fuel and electricity. It then allows the car to run longer on lesser fuel. That makes the hybrid car an environmentally and wallet friendly vehicle.
Hybrid Cars and the Environment
Other than consuming lesser fuel, hybrid cars also generates lesser amounts of harmful car emissions compared to other vehicles. Here are a few ways that Hybrid cars save on fuel.
SUFFICIENT BATTERIES – The secondary power source of Hybrid cars are the batteries. Hybrid car batteries are capable of saving and reusing energy. It works similarly to electric cars, sans the plug, making it more convenient.
GASOLINE/ DIESEL CHOKE – regular cars use up a lot of gasoline when the engines continue running even when the car is at a standstill. Hybrid cars supplement that. They are designed to shut off the gasoline or diesel engine when it is not moving. During this time, the car relies on the power provided by the battery. A decrease in fuel use also means a decrease in car emissions.
Top Hybrid Cars in the Market Today
Hybrid cars are all the rage today because not only are they fuel efficient, they do the environment good too. The top three hybrid cars available today are as follows.
TOYOTA PRIUS – The Prius has been in the market for nearly a decade. Such longevity can only attest to the quality of the vehicle. It is the best car if you want to save money. This little beauty can run for miles and miles and still have a gallon or two to spare. The great thing about the Prius is that its manufacturers have made it functional as well. Unlike other hybrid models, the Prius comes with a spacious cargo hatch. It is also one of the most affordable hybrids in the market today.
SATURN VUE GREEN LINE – It may not be considered as a full hybrid, but the Saturn Vue Green Line can certainly hold off on fuel use. And, if you are looking for an SUV and save money on fuel at the same time, then this is the hybrid car for you. The only problem with this SUV hybrid is that it’s doesn’t have a 4 wheel drive option.
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID – The Honda Civic is one most recognizable car in the world. That is why it’s such a treat that the company has come up with a hybrid version. The Civic Hybrid can run up to 54 longer on a full tank of gas compared to a regular car. Not bad. As an added bonus, the Civic Hybrid is also a great car to drive.
