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Hybrid Vehicle FAQs

What is a Hybrid Vehicle ?

A hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline internal combustion engine engine with an electric motor to provide superior gas mileage and lower emissions. In addition, the vehicle has a battery that powers the electric motor and stores energy for future use.

How does a Hybrid Vehicle work?

Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline

engines and electric motors and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools. Some of the advanced technologies typically used by hybrids include

Regenerative Braking: The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor.
Electric Motor Drive/Assist: The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone provides power for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient.
Automatic Start/Shutoff: Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from idling.

Is there a tax credit for buying a Hybrid Vehicle ?

IRS approved hybrid vehicles are eligible for a "clean fuel" deduction of $2,000 for those placed in service by the end of 2005 or $500 for those put in use during 2006.

What are the upcoming hybrid models?

2005 Lexus RX400h. On sale: Now
2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. On sale: Now
2006 Lexus GS450h
2006 Lexus LS430 (tentative)
2006 Nissan Altima
2006 Toyota Camry.
2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. On sale: 2006
2007 Saturn Vue. On Sale: Summer 2006
2007 Chevrolet Equinox
2007 Chevrolet Malibu
2007 GMC Yukon
2007 Ford Fusion
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe

For more information:

This information was derived from an article on WikiFAQ.com.