2008 Hybrid Buying Guide Rockmart GA
2008 Hybrid Buying Guide
2008 Hybrid Buying Guide By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor
In 2008, hybrids are still the new kids on the block. They've been on the market for less than a decade, with the Honda Insight debuting in 1999. However, considering how explosive sales figures have been the last few years, the hybrid's domination on the road might well be imminent.
We think this is reason enough for you to take the time to understand what these environmentally friendly vehicles are all about and to choose which model best suits your needs.
Which One Is Right For You?
We hate to tell you, but there are multiple names for different kinds of hybrids. They are still so new, with the technology changing constantly, that the market hasn't settled on a naming scheme as of yet. This makes hybrids difficult to categorize and presents a confusing terminology that is much more difficult to wrap your head around.
Full Hybrids
To make things easier, we'll use the term full hybrid to describe vehicles that can use their electric motor as the sole source of propulsion for low- to mid-speed driving. Their electric motor and fuel engine can work independently from each other or as a collective unit. Of all the hybrids, full hybrids get the best gas mileage because the car can commence driving exclusively with the electric motor and potentially continue for up to speeds of 30 mph. The specifics of hybrid machinery can be pretty complicated.
"There are three important components in our hybrid vehicles, in addition to the regular internal combustion engine: MG1 (motor-generator), MG2 and the high voltage battery," explains Justus Dobrin, Account Manager for Toyota, Lexus and Scion. "MG1 functions as a starter motor. It's driven by the engine, and it also functions as the main generator for the car. MG2 is the traction motor. It propels the car and it's also the motor generator that's connected directly to regenerative braking and coasting. These things work backwards and forwards providing power to the wheels and also generating power to charge the battery, the third hybrid power source."
Regenerative braking is a technology that allows the use of the electric motor to help stop the car instead of the friction brakes, while restoring the battery's power in the process. Most have an engine off at idle feature, allowing the car to shut off its fuel engine when stopped. At the release of the brake, the car will turn on again. In urban driving conditions, both of these features help to greatly reduce fuel consumption.
A downside to the full hybrid is that there is a noticeable reduction of power when driving at higher speeds - like on the freeway - or towing large loads. If you plan on regularly needing power at that level, the technology might be too impractical for you.
The 2-Mode System
The 2-mode hybrid system used by GM is a type of full hybrid with the only difference being that the vehicle has two electric motors.