Hybrid Vehicle History
What are Hybrid Automotives?
Author: Luigi Castagna
The vehicles that use two power sources in conjunction with one another are called hybrid automotives or hybrid vehicles. The history of hybrid power technology is very old. It dates back to the time when diesel electric submarines were first used.
The idea is quite simple, use two power sources to increase the overall efficiency.
Now the question arises that why it was needed. The answer is simple, it was realized that an average person would not be able to afford gasoline in the near future. CO2 emissions will also increase similarly an average person does not require a V8, he/she just needs enough power to reach his destination in time. A V8 as well as a small vehicle can accomplish this. So the hybrid vehicle was introduced.
How it works?
The hybrid vehicle works by using electric as well as gasoline power. Diesel electric vehicles are also there but there numbers are quite low. The hybrid vehicle works by using electric power when the requirement for engine power is low for example when starting the vehicle and up to the speed of 30-40 mph as the electric source cannot run a vehicle by itself.
What is the basic idea behind Hybrid automotives?
The basic idea is to use a smaller lightweight engine to run a vehicle up to a required speed and when the car has to accelerate then the electric source can add some extra power to gain more speed. As a 1.0 liter engine can also move at 75 mph just like a V8 although the V8 has more acceleration power so why waste fuel on a muscle car when a 1.0-liter vehicle can work for you.
Types of Gasoline Hybrid Vehicles
There are two main types of gasoline hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrid car and series hybrid car. The series hybrid car uses the gasoline engine to turn a generator that can either charge the batteries or run an electric motor whereas the parallel hybrid car can combine the two power sources to give more power or the same amount of power but with a better mileage.
Body Structure of Hybrid Vehicles
Now the question arises how the hybrid vehicle can deliver these types of performances when they have such a small engine. They do so by using lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, low-rolling resistance tires and advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag. The hybrids can even turn the gasoline engine off when not needed such as when stopping at traffic lights. Some vehicles even use the electric power to gain a speed of 30 to 40 KM/h. Some vehicles also use regenerative braking. By this method when breaks are applied, the car decreases the speed by cutting some amount of power. This power is then used by the generator to generate electric power that can be stored for later use.
The price of these vehicles start from 23000$ and they reach up to 54000$. There are some hybrid SUVs are also available in the market.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/what-are-hybrid-automotives-179224.html
About the Author
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July 29, 2010
Tags: auto, automotive, Cars, hybrid automotives Posted in: Hybrids 
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Green Living Tips
Green Living Tips
Author: Vera Pappas
What difference can one homeowner make to the environment? Why, when big polluters are making “green” changes, do we need to change our daily living habits? The answer is simple… children! By making slight and easy changes in the way we look at, and treat Planet Earth today, future generations of children will have learned by example.
Teach the Children
My children love the outdoors, because I expose them to it. They also love computers, and I am sure if we exposed them to fast foods they would love that as well. It’s all about making good choices and being a good example. I’m not talking about wearing hemp clothing or eating granola all day long although there are those who do. You do not have to be that committed to be a part of the “Green Initiative”. For those who merely have a healthy respect for the world we live in and want to take action to help improve the environment, there are many simple changes that we can make, and teach our children to do the same.
Recycling
There is more to recycling than paper, plastic and bottles. Organic waste is one of the largest contributors to landfills which causes methane gas, the principle component of natural gas, is released into the atmosphere and is a contributing factor in the depletion of the ozone layer, which in turn plays a major part in global warming. Organic waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and non-animal food scraps do not decompose efficiently enough in landfills yet makes the best compost for your vegetable garden, flowers, trees and shrubs.
Composting is Easy
Composting can also be fun, especially if you enjoy gardening, and is even more rewarding when you think about the thousands of acres of open space being saved through the very simple practice of recycling and composting. All good gardeners know that there is nothing better for your plants and turf than good old fashioned hand made compost. There are many different types of composters on the market today that make the task of composting very easy and will protect against attracting stray or wild animals. You can even quicken the process of making compost by using safe and organic composting accelerators giving you compost within a few weeks.
Use Organic Products
Using organic fertilizers and control products also cuts down on soil, air and ground water pollution. Sure it’s easy to buy a bag of name brand fertilizer or pesticide; however it is just as easy to find organic products now more than ever. In fact, it is also just as cheap. The larger name brand companies are beginning to put out their own lines of organic gardening products, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Getting Rid of Insects
Rather than spraying for insects which would be both timely and costly, install a bat box or two in your trees and let them take care of the bugs for you! Adding ladybugs or praying mantis to your garden is much more fun than spraying weekly for bugs. If you live in a rural area and zoning allows for livestock, chickens are an amazing bug control. Yes, just a couple of chickens running loose in your yard will eat up to 1 million fleas and ticks daily.
Conserving Water
Where droughts are prevalent each year conserving water is a must. Watering your yard can account for up to 40% of water consumption. Catching rainwater with rain barrels to water your yard or garden is just as easy as dragging out your hose and will save you a substantial amount of money on your water bill. One 80 gallon rain barrel can capture 3,275 gallons of water per year and you’ll be putting the water back into the underground aquifer. Not routing rainwater from your roof to your garden will only serve to tax drainage systems rather than benefit vegetation or replenish natural, underground aquifers.
Most rain barrels are made from either 100% recycled plastic or reused food industry barrels, so either way you will also be putting renewable resources to good use and your plants and flowers will thank you for it.
Plant a Tree
Every tree planted helps remove CO2 from our atmosphere, depletion of the ozone layer. There are many other benefits to growing trees in your own yard or community for that matter. They provide homes and a safe haven for the many wild animals that still reside among us. Mature trees help shade our home from the sun, cutting down on energy consumption when using air conditioning. One of the more proactive and well established non-profit organizations is the Arbor Day Foundation which encourages the planting and care of trees worldwide.
Pervious Patios and Walkways
For every 1,000 square feet of pervious patio, driveways or walkways, you can prevent an average of 12,100 gallons of storm water runoff from going into your communities drain system. This same water will help to recharge our lakes, wetlands and groundwater.
Green Up the Inside of Your Home
Green Living not only pertains to what affects us outside, but on the inside of the home as well.
We can reduce waste going into landfills by composting our table scraps. We can save precious trees by using toilet paper made from recycled paper, and to stop using napkins and paper towels all together. An average household can save up to $120.00 per year by not buying paper towels and napkins. How do you go without them? Use cloth napkins that can be washed. And for wiping up spills and cleaning, there is nothing better to use than cloth rags.
Changing out your old traditional light bulbs for the energy saving type is an easy switch. Not only do they last longer, they run on less energy, which saves you money and the world precious resources. Wrapping your hot water heater, insulating your electrical outlets, and sealing leaky windows can also save lots of energy. Then there are the really simple changes one can make such as, turning off the lights when you are not in the room, keep the heat turned back to 68 degrees or below, only use the air conditioning when necessary, washing your clothes in cold water and only when you have a full load and that goes for the dishwasher too. You can save and cool your boiled cooking or bath water to water your houseplants. The list could go on and on…
Make a List
There are many changes that you can to help improve our environment. Gather everyone in your household and discuss how your family can contribute to the health of the world we live in. Children are the most receptive to new ideas and will have a lot of fun making their own top ten lists. By our making good choices today, our children will make even better choices tomorrow.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/green-living-tips-643943.html
About the Author
This article may be reproduced and/or distributed. Written by Vera Pappas, Co-owner of Green Nation Gardens, suppliers of unique and eco-friendly green living products for home and garden. Visit GreenNationGardens.com Today!
July 28, 2010
Tags: environment, green ideas, green living, green tips, recycle, sustainability Posted in: go green No Comments
Hybrid Vehicle Prices
The Bad Side Of Hybrid Cars
Author: Jenny Styles
Hybrid cars are one of the most sought after vehicles nowadays, particularly with the growing market concern over the environment and fears of the continuing oil price hikes. People are opting to buy hybrid cars because they do not want to always fall pray to pricing pressures, and because more information is being disseminated over the dangers of fuel-induced pollutants to the surroundings.
However, while hybrid cars are jam packed with all the merits that might instantly bowl the discerning consumer over, it is not without its share of faults and disadvantages. Of course, as with anything in this world, hybrid cars have ‘catches’ to their name. This is not to discount hybrid cars altogether. We will be discussing each one in brief here and hope that it will be able to help you make your choice if you’re considering buying a hybrid car anytime soon.
Disadvantages of hybrid cars
1) Expensive Price
Hybrid vehicles generally cost more than regular cars because not too many of them are in the market yet. Much of this high price tag is attributed to the fact that hybrid cars come with a complicated battery pack and make use of an electric motor to operate. Maintenance tools for hybrid cars are also pretty rare, so expect to spend more on checkups and fix-its when the car bogs down. This can be addressed, however, over time, when more people begin to patronize hybrid cars and prompt manufacturers to make more units.
2) New and untested technology
Since hybrid cars’ technology is fairly new, its performance is still untested. This means some of the problems that may be linked with them are still unforeseen. Thus, if a new glitch arises, it is likely that it will take a while for a solution to come up. However, this bit should not deter the buyer from purchasing a hybrid car, because, well, this is how regular vehicles started out in the first place. It is all a trial and error process.
3) Acceleration
Hybrid cars, though they boast of being able to perform as well as traditional vehicles, they are generally slower, making it difficult for drivers to keep pace with other cars especially on the freeway. This lack of accelerative power can be dangerous in certain situations. (However, other car owners can see this as an advantage, because it affords the user better control of his steering.)
4) High voltage
Another disadvantage of hybrid cars is the high voltage it requires to charge itself and get ready for operation. If the hybrid car gets into an accident, the high voltage wires could become open and exposed and could cause collateral harm. It could also cause short circuits.
5) Light weight
Because hybrid cars are lighter than regular vehicles, they are more prone to accidents especially during storms. Also, in the event of a collision with other cars, hybrid cars are disadvantaged because they are likely to spin out more easily than their heavier counterparts.
Reports have shown other disadvantages of hybrid cars, but, again, these should not stop anyone from patronizing the product because, well, everything has a catch. No product is perfect and it is good to know that manufacturers are in the constant search to making hybrid vehicles more user friendly and less accident prone.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/the-bad-side-of-hybrid-cars–811486.html
About the Author
Learn about candy calories and popular candy at the Candy Facts site.
July 27, 2010
Tags: automobile, autos, candy, Cars, hybrid, motors, newcars, usedcars, vehicles Posted in: Hybrids No Comments
Buy Hybrid Vehicle
5 Questions About Hybrid Cars
Author: Brad Martinson
Hybrid cars are getting more and more popular each day. But still we don’t know many things about them. Here are the most frequently asked questions.
1. Why are hybrid cars becoming so popular?
With the price of gasoline hiking up to astronomic proportions, a lot of motorists are resorting to different ways to save on fuel. Some of them use alternative diesel. Others resort to using bikes, which can also contribute to the clean air program.
Some who cannot do away with their rides, however, chose to buy hybrid vehicles.
2. What exactly is a hybrid car?
Primarily, a gasoline-electric hybrid car is a combination of an electric car and a gasoline-run vehicle. To make things clearer, it is first necessary to distinguish the characteristics of those two kinds.
A gas-powered vehicle is equipped with fuel tanks, which gives gasoline to the engine. The engine operates the transmission, and the transmission operates the wheels.
3. What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?
An electric car is equipped with a set of batteries which gives electric power to a motor. The motor then operates the transmission and the wheels.
Now the hybrid car is a mix of the two. The reputation of hybrids is that they add to the car’s mileage with fewer emissions usually coming from cars run by gasoline, while eliminating more or less the disadvantages that comes with electric cars.
Motorists usually take three considerations in mind when judging the usability of a vehicle. These are:
-it should run at three-hundred miles at least between fuel stops.
-Should be easily refueled, in the minimum amount of time.
-It should catch up with the other vehicles zooming on the road.
The thing is, a gasoline-powered car has all these features, but it produces lots of emission plus the mileage is poor. On the other hand, an electric car gives off almost zero pollution, but the speed is relatively slow, and can only run 50-100 miles between battery charges.
4. What are the parts of hybrid cars?
a. Gasoline engine
Compared to the engine of other cars, hybrids use smaller ones and is more technically advanced in order to maximize fuel and lessen emissions.
b. Fuel tank
This serves as the device for hybrids to store energy for the gasoline engine.
c. Electric motor
The motor present in hybrids is a study in sophistication. It can serve as both generator and motor.
d. Generator
Much like an electric motor, but its only purpose is to provide electrical power.
e. Batteries
Acts as the storage device of energy for electric motors. The advantage of hybrid car motors is that they can charge the batteries with energy as well as get energy supply from them.
f. Transmission
Acts the same as conventional car transmissions.
g. How are the energy sourcecs used in hybrid cars?
There are two ways in combining the energy sources found in hybrid cars. The first one is the parallel hybrid, which is equipped with a fuel tank that provides gasoline to an engine, and a battery set that supplied energy to the electric motor.
The second one is the series hybrid. In contrast, the generator is powered by the gasoline engine, and the generator is capable of either energizing the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that starts up the transmission.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/5-questions-about-hybrid-cars-370849.html
About the Author
Want to know how you can save 50% of your money you spend on gas this month? Come to http://www.squidoo.com/hybrid-cars-101 and see how hybrid cars work.
July 25, 2010
Tags: Cars, Gasoline, hybrid cars, save money Posted in: Hybrids No Comments
Green Consultant
Can My Green Consulting Firm Benefit from a Virtual Office?
Author: VH International Business Solutions
Let’s say the you live in Seattle and you run an online consulting firm helping businesses go green. You work from a desk in your basement and advise other small businesses on how to go green and reduce their carbon footprint. Potential clients find you on the internet and you rely on social media marketing to keep the buzz going about your services. You work with clients throughout the world via the internet and telephone.
You have wanted to expand your business presence, with minimal investment. How can you grow your company? How can you expand your market? How can you attract clients in a new area? How can you do that instantly?
A virtual office by VH International Business Solutions just may be the ideal solution for you and your firm! Virtually overnight, you can go from a local based home business in Seattle to having a business presence in another major metropolitan area instantly, such as: New York! Your company now has 2 locations! Imagine how impressive a Manhattan office address would look on your website and business cards – alongside your Seattle address!
Your clients can send payments, orders, contracts, and correspondence to your New York virtual office – we’ll keep your mail safe and secure and send it to you in Seattle in accordance with your predetermined forwarding schedule.
Need local Manhattan phone and fax service to complete your New York business presence? No problem! We can get them setup for you in a few hours. You can have a live operator answer your calls, a machine answer your calls (voice mail) or, we can even transfer your New York phone calls directly to you in Seattle. You can receive faxes sent to your New York fax number right in your email inbox.
When the time comes that you need to visit NYC to meet with a client or vendor, you can rent office space to meet with clients on an as-needed basis. You can even have your lunch or breakfast meeting catered in the office.
Need a local hotel or restaurant recommendation? We can help you with ideas! Our knowledgeable staff is at your service. Our prime neighborhood is chock-full of first class hotels, chain hotels, and wonderful boutique hotels. Our neighborhood’s Michelin Stars sparkle amongst restaurants boasting top chefs, television chefs, and world renown chefs.
If a client drops by unexpectedly to see you, they will enter into a well-appointed office and be received by a friendly receptionist who will inform your guest that you are out on appointments, and take a message on your behalf. This message will be immediately sent to you so you may contact the guest who visited your New York virtual office.
See how easy it is to open an office?… Keep doing what you are doing in Seattle and we at VH International Business Solutions will manage your New York virtual office and business presence for you.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/online-business-articles/can-my-green-consulting-firm-benefit-from-a-virtual-office-1709529.html
About the Author
VH International Business Solutions, Inc. Since 1990. Offering unbeatable service to individuals, small and mid sized local companies; as well as larger domestic and international firms seeking to establish a presence in the U.S., and particularly in the New York market. As the pioneer of offering Virtual Office services online in New York City, we are the leader and have the most expertise of working with local and global businesses when entering the New York marketplace. While others emphasize services, we emphasize service. Manhattan Virtual Office How can VH International Business Solutions help you?
Tel: 1.212.627.8900 Fax: 1.646.861.6610 Since 1990.
July 25, 2010
Tags: Business Address, Executive Office, Mail Forwarding, Manhattan, Manhattan Virtual Office, Meeting Room, new york virtual office, NYC Virtual Office, outsource, outsourcing, Shared Office, VH International Business Solutions, Virtual Office Posted in: go green No Comments
