Hybrids
A new way to power cars has been emerging - hybrids. These cars use both gasoline and electricity to power themselves. They combine the distance of
gasoline and the efficiency of electricity. When accelerating and starting up, they use electricity coming from a battery. Once it reaches a certain speed, the gasoline
engine kicks in. While cruising they are using both the battery and the engine. The battery is recharged by using power from the engine and when braking. The vehicles
can capture some of the energy used in braking that is normally wasted. These cars get excellent MPG ratings, for example, the Honda Insight has been rated at
61 mpg city / 70 mpg highway. These cars are also very affordable, the expected pricing for the Insight has been stated as "under $20,000." The Toyota Prius is expected
to take losses when it first comes out.
Honda Insight
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Engine: Lean-burn inline 3 cylinder
Tune-up interval: 170,000 km (105,000 mi)
Transmission: 5-speed manual transaxle
Battery: 144 volt NiMH (nickel metal-hydride) battery
Body: Aluminum monocoque
Top Speed: 180 km/h (104 mph)
mpg: 61 city / 70 highway
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Toyota Prius
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Engine: 1.5-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, EFI 4-cylinder
Battery: sealed nickel-metal hydride
Body: Aluminum monocoque
Top Speed: 161 km/h (100 mph)
mpg: 50-66
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Links for more information:
Official Toyota Prius Web Site
Official Honda Insight Web Site
Honda Insight Consumer Information Site
Toyota Prius review
Page design, images, and content Copyright © 2000 Erik Anderson.
All other material copyright of their respective owners.
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