Hybrid Cars

Today's hybrids fall under two categories: full and mild. The difference between the two is whether or not the car can propel itself solely on electric power.

Full Hybrids:

Full hybrids include the Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius. These vehicles can start off silently, stop and go in traffic and potter around town at low speeds just on electricity. The petrol engine kicks in as soon as the driver demands quicker acceleration to supplement electric power. The engine also has the capability to turn off when the car is slowing down or coasting. Full hybrids are more expensive to produce but they save more fuel and are cleaner to run, especially in city driving.

Mild Hybrids:

Mild hybrids can shut the engine off when the car is stopped and restart it as soon as you take your foot off the brake pedal. Mild hybrids use electric power only to assist the petrol engine on hills and when accelerating.

Driving these hybrids is no different to driving other cars, except the engine sometimes stops and starts by itself. This takes a while to get used to, especially if the transition to petrol is smooth. Some hybrids feel smoother than four cylinder economy models because their electric motor is quiet and the petrol engine is less strained under low speed acceleration.

In terms of emissions, hybrids typically produce 29 percent less smog-forming nitrogen oxide than conventional cars according to a study by the American council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Every gallon (4.5 litres) of petrol saved reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 19 pounds (9 kilograms), which reduces global warming.