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Can Hybrid Cars Help The Energy Crisis

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It has been said that not enough people are doing all that they can to fight against the energy crisis. Hybrid cars can help, but maybe not enough people are driving them. Here are a few issues related to the energy crisis and how hybrid cars can help.

The U.S. isn’t doing enough, really

The United States consumes the most fossil fuels in the world. However, most people believe that all of our energy problems can be sorted if we would look further into the oil deposits in Alaska or if we made full use of the recent oil discovery in the Gulf of Mexico. Hybrid cars make it so that we might not have to use other sources of energy to keep the economy going. Hybrid cars don’t make Americans use an excessive amount of fossil fuel. Instead, hybrid cars cause Americans to use less fossil fuel.

Energy consumers just swallow increasing gas prices

People used to care that gas prices are much higher than they were years ago. Now, people just accept the high prices. In the meantime, cars are getting bigger and bigger. Car manufacturers are making trucks and SUVs. These cars take in more gas, but you won’t believe how many people just won’t give up their dear old SUV. Hybrid cars end up costing people less to own than conventional cars do. So there’s no need to worry about just settling for being swindled by the oil economy.

Soon there could be a termination of the “cheap oil period”

Soon, we could all be in over our heads because not only will we have an energy crisis, but a peak oil crisis as well. During the peak oil crisis, there will be oil shortages and gas shortages. Major countries will be competing against one another for whatever oil is left. So everyone may have some problems, and countries may battle over who gets oil and who doesn’t. The peak oil crisis can be put off if more people just purchase hybrid cars. Hybrid cars don’t make it so that people always have to search for oil. And there are advances being made to hybrid cars all the time.

The plug-in hybrid car for instance, might one day, not need oil at all at all

So in the event that we have an energy crisis, Americans should really use the time to bond and create a unified fight against conflict over oil in U.S. Hybrids cars are the way to beat the energy crisis, and if the the countries still start to fight each other over oil, at least America will know they tried to stop things by investing in hybrid cars.

So it’s decided. The United States’ mass use of the hybrid car may make it so that Americans need less oil. But Americans still have yet to gain from the large amount of money being made from hybrid cars. The majority of popular hybrid cars come from Japan. So Americans need to bring that money back into the country as well as do something about the current energy crisis.

Lastly, you need to check out the New Technology that save my petrol bill forever. After installing it, which I must say was very easy, I almost double my fuel economy.

 

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October 23rd, 2010 at 9:59 am

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1917 Woods Dual Power

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The first hybrid fuel electrical automobile did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. As a result of the gasoline engine was so tough, however provided extra power and electric cars were smoother, however had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Firm wished to supply a automobile that gave you the perfect of both worlds.

One of the best part is, it was a full hybrid (hear up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car as much as 20 mph. Together with the gasoline engine, the dual wood power may get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electrical engine have been related using a magnetic clutch. The fuel engine turned magnetized when activated (by a lever managed by the driving force). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the fuel engine.

Solely the electric motor could be used while entering into reverse. Why? As a result of the engine had no clutch and so the gasoline engine had no gears!

The automotive battery designed for this automobile was about half the scale of the batteries in different electric automobiles of the time. Once the automobile bought up to 20 mph, the fuel engine could possibly be engaged, allowing the electric motor and fuel motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was executed by the gasoline motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level floor or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph.

Available for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels had been a luxurious, costing an extra $25. Or you can ‘pimp’ your automobile out for one more $a hundred (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the first hybrid was a business failure. It was constructed solely in 1917 and 1918. It was too costly, too slow, and too tough to service to be a commercial success.

 

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October 9th, 2010 at 2:54 am

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Pedestrian Safety Threatened By Quiet Cars

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You would think that quiet cars would be welcome on any street, but some pedestrians may be thinking otherwise.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that hybrid cars have a much higher rate of pedestrian-involved accidents than other vehicles. At the SAE World Congress, David Strickland, chief of NHTSA, remarked, “Our analysis of limited data from 12 states shows that hybrid electric cars do have a significantly higher incidence rate of pedestrian crashes than internal combustion engines for certain maneuvers — like slowing or stopping, backing up, entering or leaving a parking space, and making a turn.”

Two automobile manufacturer organizations, AAM and AIAM, have teamed up with two organizations for the blind, ACB and NFB, to send a letter to Congress today stating their support for legislation that requires future hybrid cars to create artificial sounds when moving at low speeds. This proposal could become part of the Motor Safety Act of 2010, a bill now moving through Congress.

Under this proposed law, the alert sounds cannot be customized as if they were cell phone ringtones. Instead, the sound options would be provided by the vehicle manufacturers and activate automatically at lower speeds. The sounds will most likely mimic the engine noises of louder vehicles. Vehicles will not require artificial sounds at higher speeds.

If these proposals go into effect, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must begin writing legislation within 18 months and finalize the law within three years. The NHTSA would be responsible for setting the minimal noise level a vehicle would have to make at lower speeds.

These safety regulations would benefit all pedestrians, not just the deaf and hard of hearing. Sighted pedestrians such as small children and bike riders were also targeted by this proposed law.

Not everyone would be thrilled by such a law—one of the many benefits of a hybrid eleectric car is its quiet performance, and the addition of artificial sounds would be unappealing to some drivers.

Drivers aren’t the only ones who wouldn’t be thrilled. The organization NoiseOFF writes on their website, “The NFB (National Federation for the Blind) is using money and political clout to increase noise pollution levels and adversely affect millions of people in the name of pedestrian safety” and that an alternative solution would be to give receiver devices to the blind that will alert them when a hybrid is near. The downside to this alternative is that it does nothing to protect sighted pedestrians and blind pedestrians must carry them around all the time.

Still, this law will make roads far safer for pedestrians, and to many the benefits outweigh the consequences.

 

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September 1st, 2010 at 11:00 am

People Thoughts About The Lexus LS 600h

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The Lexus LS 600h L is hybrid luxury sedan, currently Lexus brand’s flagship and the most costly hybrid car in the market. While many of Lexus’ rivals choose to put mighty 12-cylinder engines into their range-topping luxury sedans, Lexus made it’s most commanding sedan a technological display case. The long-wheelbase LS 600h L is motorized by a 5.0-liter, V-8 engine and electric motor, rated together at 438 peak horsepower and distributed to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission.

CNET gives added interest in car reviews to electronic features in the cabin and technology under the hood. The LS 600h is included on CNET’s list of top hybrid cars and given a pinnacle rating. Writer Wayne Cunningham attained an average of 19.4 mpg during test driving. Overall, he is quite overwhelmed with the LS 600h, noting that “its cabin gadgets are easier to use than those from BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz.”

Many of the buyers appreciated its ultra quiet drive which adds driving pleasure and a sense of comfort for the driver as well as its passengers. People have also loved the low emission factor as individuals are becoming aware of the green house factor and are moving towards environmentally friendly cars and sedans.

Also, it is a fact that LS 600h does not get better gas mileage than its non-hybrid version, the LS 460. If someone is paying so much then he would want better mileage. Even the revised Lexus for 2010 has same fuel economy and emission rating. They have not fared well on this account and have just focused on the design and outlook in the new car. It is slower, less powerful, and there is not much driving excitement for the LS 600h driver. Some people are of the opinion that the Lexus quality is overrated. As compared to the latest BMW, the interior does not look impressive. Yes, it has an automated parking system. But, what good is that if it is so slow that you will have a huge cue of cars behind you while you wait for the Lexus to park itself?

All-wheel drive is another noticeable factor. This car is powerful because its engine provides power to all its four wheels which just not only increases its power but increases its safety levels as well as fuel economy.

On the other hand, some buyers are not happy with its performance as they believe that it has low fuel economy for a typical hybrid car. It should have been made more fuel economical as it is one of the factors which buyers look for in luxury cars these days.

Many reviewers have raised their point of the high cost of Lexus LS 600h. Its price is comparatively higher as compared to other cars of the same category which disappoints many of the genuine buyers and forces them to turn towards other brands and companies.

In short, Lexus LS 600h is a car which is one of its kinds. It is a true road beauty and preferred by many people over other elite brand names. It has many additional features and an easy to use touch screen system. Its comfort level is unmatchable from other cars of its same category but still its fuel efficiency level is not satisfying.

The Lexus LS 600h hybrid car is available for a free test drive; visit the Lexus website to book online.

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April 10th, 2010 at 3:03 am

Lexus LS 600h – What are the Specifications?

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The LS series has been the flagship car in the Lexus line-up since the launch of the brand in 1989. What the big cars lacked in Pizazz or sports, the LS series made up for it in refinement, reliability and technology.

The LS 600h L is power-driven by the mega-quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which was the first one in the world to mix a V8 gasoline engine with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain. The LS 600h L boasts a mixed estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg, which is almost equal to, or much better than the merged fuel economy ratings of some mid-sized V6 AWD luxury sedans.

The LS 600h L hybrid powertrain system contains a large-capacity battery pack in its trunk, and exclusively mixes a 5.0-litre V8 gasoline engine with dual powerful electric motors. The hybrid powertrain produces a peak-combined output rating of 438 horsepower, and can speed up from zero-to-60 mph in only 5.5 seconds.

In spite of being an efficient hybrid vehicle, it is also certified to meet the standards of Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II). It undergoes about 70 percent lesser smog-forming emissions than the standard new car. Thus, it proves itself the eco- friendly vehicle

Despite being a performance-oriented hybrid, the LS 600h L meets the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification, emitting nearly 70-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

The LS 600h is a modified version with larger useable trunk space due to a reconfigured battery pack as well as new telematics, USB port and upgraded navigation. The standard vehicle boasts traction, and stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, and 10 airbags. It also includes high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with dynamic auto levelling, and an electrically driven power steering for an easy, and safe drive.

In adding up to the active safety traits, the LS 600h L is standard-equipped with eight airbags, with a maximum of 11 airbags accessible through option packages.

The other unique features of LS 600h range from heated rear seats, and all-weather floor mats to an advanced Parking Guidance System.

The user-friendly parking system facilitates to park or back the car into a spot, such that the driver is only required to push the brake pedal. The car also features an optional Mark Levinson sound system.

The elective Mark Levinson sound system is much more involved in the LS, as expected, with a Reference badge, and contains a Hard Disk Drive with the capacity to store up to 2,000 songs, in-dash six-disc DVD/CD changer capable of DVD video playback, and 7.1-channel surround sound support.

The total system influence is 450 Watts split among 19 speakers.

The Lexus LS 600h hybrid car is available for a free test drive; visit the Lexus website to book online.

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April 2nd, 2010 at 5:46 am

The New Lexus LS 600h Characteristics And Valuation

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The latest arrival of Lexus LS 600 family is Lexus Sedan 2010, which is a splendid environment friendly car. This car has some added features with superb modifications. Sedan is going to launch three luxurious vehicles in near future. These cars include Sedan 460, Sedan 460L, and Sedan 600h L, which is a gas/electric hybrid car with high wheelbase. This is a rear wheel-driving car that already has pre-release reputation for offering best quality ride, comfort, tranquillity, and room.

The car has passed Consumer Guide Automotive road test, and got excellent ranking. The car acceleration power is efficient, and powerful. The car contains, all-wheel drive 438-hp V-8 hybrid engine that makes it a luxurious vehicle with long wheelbase. The acceleration power takes it to 60mph within first 5 seconds. This high-speed offer is designed keeping in mind the comfort, and ease of driver as well as passengers, so they feel like sitting in a plane.

The car also has high ranking in the test of fuel economy. It is a cost effective solution for consumers. On any road conditions, the car can travel average of 18.7 mpg on premium grade gas. With power steering, you can enjoy the ride by the hint of a push.

The turning circle is harder; it is intentional to give more domination over the steering. The body lean is marked to give base suspension, and consolation setting is allowed by the air deferment.

The car has most advanced parking guidance system. This outclass feature has enabled this car to manage accurate parallel car parking, and reversing. The floating drive is maintained by providing the lighter base suspension. The car has air suspension settings like most sports cars to make the driving an audacious experiment.

While engineering this upgraded model, comfort was especially kept in mind. Lexus LS 600 is without the shadow of a doubt, one of the quietest cars out there. The engine almost makes no noise when idle. While accelerating, it makes a non-irritating growl, which feels good to a car freak. The relaxing silence of the car makes you feel like it came without any tires, and the absence of road, and wind-noise can be easily fantasised.

With an astutely placed battery, there is sufficient room in the trunk to keep more luggage than the preceding versions. The front is large enough for the driver to sit at ease. Deluxe modification options like telescopic steering wheel, power tilt comfortable seats with manifold power adjustment features makes you experience as you are being treated as a king in a five star hotel.

With the new LS 600, you will get one of the overall safest drives, in comparison to most of the competition out there. Comprehensive information about the fuel mileage, and seating facility is provided, which keeps the driver efficient of any issue. NHTSA crash test results have also permitted it as a safe vehicle to drive.

For more information and to book a test drive in a new Lexus LS 600h, visit the Lexus website.

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January 9th, 2010 at 2:05 am

Worldwide Recognition Of Lexus RX 450h

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It has been long time that hybrid cars were launched for the first time. With the passage of time, the popularity and craze for these cars has increased due to their advanced features, and remarkable performance. The features present in these vehicles are incomparable, and have boosted the automobile industry a lot. Lexus RX 450h is now a benchmark for all the hybrid cars, as it gives matchless performance, unique luxury features, and a memorable driving experience.

The distinctive features and the functioning capability of the hybrid cars have greatly influenced the automotive industry. Lexus RX 450h has set a standard in the world, hybrids, as it has the most appealing and influencing safety and entertainment features.

The great fuel economy and enhanced safety features are the several factors, which add to the popularity and high market demand for these cars. The economic decline throughout the world has compelled every one to reduce the expenditures in order to meet the requirements in a decent way. The best solution of this problem is the hybrid cars, which have remarkable safety features, and are environment friendly as well. They are the best means of personal transport.

The market success of any product depends upon its quality, functioning, and features along with suitable price range. The survival of a product for a long time is based on these attributes. Therefore, similar is the case with this model of hybrid vehicle. It not only offers an affordable price range, but also holds the best luxury features, such as Mark Levinson sound system, optional leather interior, and a well-equipped entertainment system.

The fittest product survives until long, as per the market policy. It is the common observation that the best product with quality features, everyone desires reasonable price. Similarly, Lexus RX 450h meets the criteria of the best vehicles by giving incomparable luxury features, such as leather interior, and Mark Levinson sound system. Moreover, it is also equipped with quality entertainment system.

The car also features the newly developed pre-collision system, which uses radar technology for detection of probability of impact, and makes the breaking system and air bag systems ready to ensure safety of the passengers. This unique feature is probably the main reason for the high popularity of the vehicle as a safe car for the family.

Another great feature of Lexus RX 450h is the use of touch remote technology, which consists of a small device that is used to control the climate, entertainment, and navigation functions of the vehicle inside the cabin. This gives an overall modern and sci-fi look to the car and is also playing an active part in the popularity of the vehicle.

The entertainment features of the car include Bluetooth connectivity, and a CD player. For the entertainment lovers, there is Mark Levinson sound system installed in the car, and screens for the rear passengers. All these features combine together to increase the demand for this vehicle.

The Lexus RX 450h intelligently combines electric and petrol engine power. Visit the Lexus website for more information and to book a test drive.

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November 6th, 2009 at 3:12 am

Power Shift In Hybrid Cars

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The increasing pollutant emissions from the exhausts of the car is an alarming concern for the environment, therefore, hybrid cars have been introduced as a solution to this increasing concern. It has found that development and augmentation of hybrid cars offer the perfect option to increase control over the global warming.

The meaning of hybrid is to combine two things to build one. Therefore, the name ‘hybrid’ is given to those cars, which are capable of running on both gasoline, and electricity. The increasing momentum of this technology is a result of incentives provided by the government to enhance the production of hybrid cars at massive scale.

With the advancement in technology, and the ongoing research in labs, hybrid cars are designed in a better way by the day. Especially car manufacturers of famous cars have deployed their own set of researchers who are working day, and night to produce the best suitable hybrid car that keeps the companies practical in the ‘green’ economy of today and tomorrow.

The companies such as Honda, Ford, Toyota, Saturn, and Lexus have manufactured many hybrid cars. The aim of diminishing the carbon footprint through hybrid cars has been achieved by implementing lower fuel cost, and reduced emissions.

There are various ways through which, the customers are being attracted to buy hybrid cars, such as by given incentives such as tax credits, and good gas mileage. Hybrid cars are being also promoted through the social messages, such as ‘make your tomorrow green’ banner. As many car manufacturers are producing these cars nowadays, therefore, the competition is increasing, which will ultimately increase the affordability of car buyers for hybrid cars.

The hybrid driving systems offers power shift. They have unique modular design, and power shift, which allows the combination of two different kinds of electric motors. The aim is to provide an enhanced level of flexibility. It is generally assumed that growing demand of hybrid cars is also because of this power shift technology. In addition, the power shift technology has provided new opportunities to the car manufacturers. Another reason of increasing demand of hybrid car is the high efficiency of its dual clutch transmission.

The major difference between hybrid and normal car is that a normal car does not provide the choice to switch between gas power, and electric power. On the other hand, hybrid cars provide the choice to switch between gas power, and electric power. The hybrid cars save the environment, and budget by producing zero emissions without using an ounce of gasoline in electric mode.

The immense gas mileages that these cars offer are an example of their being immensely economical vehicles. The downside to these amazing environment friendly cars is the cost. These hybrid cars are extremely expensive with the cheapest priced at a whopping USD 21000 while other better versions exceed the USD 100, 000 marks. In addition, reliability of these vehicles has not been tested, as they have not been around in the market for so long that they ran out of warranties. Hybrid cars are still under research and are being perfected at every stage to produce an environment friendly car that is not heavy on the atmosphere of the earth.

Danny Green is a car specialist. Find more about Lexus Hybrid Cars, Visit the Lexus website for more information and to book a test drive at http://www.lexus.co.uk.

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October 25th, 2009 at 2:24 am

The Hybrid Car Engine

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Your hybrid car’s environment-friendly features lie in its engine. They are a combination of a gas engine and an electric motor that assists a car as it accelerates, slows down and even when it stops. Throughout all these basic actions, the hybrid car engine plays a major role so that the least amount of gas is used and cleaner emissions achieved.

Breaking It Down

Because of the hybrid car’s gas-electric engine, it can run both on gas and electricity. A gas-powered car has a fuel tank and it is this tank that supplies the engine with the gasoline it needs to run. The engine then turns a transmission which is what it essentially behind the turning of wheels.

An electric car’s motor is powered by a set of batteries. In this case, it is the electric motor that turns the transmission that turns the wheels. Although mileage is something that gas-powered cars have been covering with great efficiency in later years, there is still the issue of air pollution, which is something a hybrid car is a solution to.

Since it doesn’t run on gas alone, hybrid motor almost doesn’t produce any pollution at all. But an electric car can only go so far before having to be charged again. Now, by combining these two functions into one, a hybrid car engine attempts to increase mileage while reducing emissions of a gas-powered car and also reducing the use of large amounts of fuel. And to make up for the electric motor having to be charged, it is now left to the gas-powered engine and transmission to charge the cells in the batteries found in a hybrid electric vehicle. It’s a simple solution that has had great and positive effects with respect to fuel economy and eco-friendliness.

Cutting Costs

The hybrid car engine is known to help keep carbon dioxide emissions down, and thus, keep pollution at minimum level as well. But most importantly (to average consumers), hybrid cars can save you money gas and maintenance costs. The engines of these cars are quite small and easy to manage so they last for a very long time and are quite durable.

Considering that many car manufacturers offer free parts replacements on hybrid models, this is probably the best purchase that you can make when considering what car to buy. There is also the added tax break that the US government has promised to all owners of new hybrid vehicles purchased after January 1 2006.

The hybrid car engine is a technology that has been embraced by both car manufacturer and consumer as a means to save the environment from further damage and a cost efficient way to save the planet from the depleting resource of fossil fuels. It is perhaps one of the most overlooked technologies in the world but a growing awareness of these vehicles will eventually lead to a future of more hybrid electric vehicles on city streets and highways.

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August 29th, 2009 at 9:18 am

CNG Conversions Really Are Good For Your Car!

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Many people have wondered if there are many other option besides hybrid vehicles that are good for the environment and run cleaner than most cars. Well there certainly are several options out there.

CNG cars are very popular in today’s market. There are some factory made cng vehicles out there, but Chrysler and GM stopped making them in 2004. These companies created flex fuel E85 cars to suffice the alternative fuel law.

There is no need to fear however if you cannot find a factory made car. CNG conversion kits have become a big ticket item and actually really add alot to your car. A car with an aftermarket cng kit runs much better than a bi fuel cng factory made car.

CNG cars are really better for the environment than hybrid vehicles. Natural gas burns 90% cleaner than gasoline. This clean burning means your engine will last a long long time before giving out. Natural gas is also all made in the USA. By buying natural gas you are no longer relying on the big foreign oil companies to power America’s cars.

Dual Fuel vehicle mean that a car can run off of natural gas and with the flip of a switch it can run on regular gas. These bi fuel vehicles are ideal because if you are ever in an area that does not have a cng fill station, you can still drive your car. Bi fuel vehicles still have a much longer lasting engine life than that of a regular gasoline car.

With the growing number of CNG conversion kits on the market it is very important to do your research. We have a lot of information on our website to help you learn as much as you can about the cng kits available that will work with your vehicle.

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August 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 am