With all the hype surrounding the electric cars that are on the market, most people are automatically thinking that these are the ways of the future, and they may be right, only time will tell. However, for those that have only heard the advertisements and seen the news that has been covering these cars, then they may not know that these cars have both benefits and disadvantages to them that every person should know in order to make up their mind as to whether these are a good thing or not.
In terms of the benefits that these cars offer, the most obvious is the fact that these cars are completely removing or at least downgrading our dependence upon fossil fuels. And as we all know, this is something that they have been trying to do for years since fossil fuel is not a source that can be replenished, thus once it is gone, it is gone. Another benefit that these cars offer is the fact that they do not put out as many harmful emissions into the air which does affect the quality of air that people are breathing. And for crowded, major cities, this is something that they should be cheering about since it could help to keep the problem from worsening in these areas.
Those that see these cars are going to automatically assume that they are a bit slower. However, that is not the case. They are going to find that they should consider that these cars are right on par with most of the regular cars that are on the market. No, they are not going to perform as a sports car would perform, but then again, they are not meant to be like a sports car. Thus, the person has to settle on some aspects with an electric car.
Those that believe that these cars are not safe are going to find that they most definitely are since they are designed with safety in mind, which includes tons of air bags and zones in which are meant to take the brunt force of an impact to minimize the risk of injury to the person that is driving. With this all being said, there are a few drawbacks to the cars that people need to be aware of.
Some of these cars are going to take all night to charge and need their own charging station. For many people this is where they draw the line since they do not like the fact that they are having to buy more equipment just to get the car to work. Secondly, the price of these cars is something that not everyone can afford. With these cars costing around forty thousand dollars, most people are not seeing these as a viable option when they go to the car lot.
With all that being said, electric cars are still something that we need to keep our focus on and develop to the point that everyone that wants one can afford one, and be able to get to their destination with no problem. Right now, the mileage for these are a bit limited, and the person may find that they simply cannot make it work for them.
With most people wanting to make sure that they are getting a good price on everything, one thing that people are looking at is the idea of paying per mile how much you drive each year. This may sound a bit odd to many people, however, this is the idea that many government officials are debating on implementing. This is something that many people are highly in favor of especially as more fuel efficient and electric vehicles are hitting the roads. But, how would it work?
Basically, the person would find that they are going to have a navigation system that would monitor just how much they drive. And then they would pay the amount that is based off of their driving. But is this something that people are going to want with their vehicle? It seems that many states have already set forth some of these taxes on people and have asked for their consideration. However, it would seem that the general public is not in agreement with these measures and are finding that they do not want the government to be able to monitor every single one of their outings. The government has replied by stating that they would not be able to see where the person is going, they simply would be monitoring mileage only. But, this does not seem to be changing the mind of the American people.
But, this is not something that is going to go away. They are going to find that the government is trying every which way that they can in order to make money to offset the costs crisis that they find themselves in. However, many analysts point out that if the tax were to rise for driving that this would not help the sales of electric vehicles since it is going to take away all the appeal that the vehicle is going to be cheaper in the long run.
2011 seems to be the year of the Electric car also known as Evs. With 7 new vehicles of this type coming out this year it seems as though the production of EV has finally hit it's stride. Unfortunately, although there are new Electric cars on the market they are still unaffordable to most ordinary citizens. With starting prices beginning at around $33,000 and going up from there it doesn't look like they will be mass produced any time soon.
As far as the Electric car becoming the major vehicle of choice for most people that day is still a long way off. Not only are the price tags on these vehicles still way out of the reach of most people, but many models still only run very limited miles before needing to be recharged making it impossible to use many of these cars for anything, but short trips around town.
There are of course hybrid models such as the Volt that will run up to 50 miles on a charge and then can be switched over so they run on gasoline. But, few people want to pay an expensive price for a car that will save them very little on gasoline in the long run.
Until car manufacturers find a way to make these cars both more affordable and able to charge quickly the Electric vehicle will remain a novelty car and not one that is used by the majority of the population. However, with the growing interest in bringing down our reliance on foreign fuel, the growing technology and the dedication of many car manufacturers to seeing that Evs continue to become more efficient and lower in price the day when mainstream America starts driving Electric cars may be in the not to distant future.
Until then, it is simply a wait and see what develops attitude, but much of America will be watching with interest.
For those that have always thought that if they wanted better fuel economy that they would have to downgrade from their large SUV, to a smaller car, well they have always been right. That is until the larger SUV's started to come in hybrid modes, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. So is the Tahoe Hybrid something that people should consider? The fuel mileage that is given to the Tahoe Hybrid is around 21 miles per gallon, which is not bad for such a large vehicle. However, most people who are not going to need to seat eight people are going to find that the smaller SUV's that are hybrid models are going to get much better gas mileage in the long run. Plus, most people are pointing out that the high price for the Tahoe, which could be over $50,000 when taking into consideration the options that the person can add, is a bit expensive, and wonder if this high price tag would offset the price that they would pay at the pump.
The Tahoe Hybrid has a V8, 6.0 liter engine that is combined with a pair of 60 kilowatt batteries in the engine to give it the hybrid name. The total horsepower that they produce together is around 332, which is impressive when looking at the other hybrid SUV's that are out there. It is offered in both two wheel and four wheel drive, which can help the person make a decision since they may be wanting a hybrid in four wheel drive, which is hard to find. When using the battery power, the Tahoe is going to be able to accelerate and get to thirty miles per hour before the gasoline engines kick in. The Tahoe does come with braking that is meant to regenerate the batteries so that power is not lost.
For those that are wondering just what the difference is between the Hybrid version and the regular version, then they do not have to worry too much. When comparing the interior between the two, you would not know, which is the hybrid version and, which is the regular version since they are basically identical. And for those that are wanting room, then they are going to find it with the Tahoe, since it is rated as one of the most roomiest hybrid's that is on the market right now. So is the Tahoe Hybrid worth buying? This is the question that most people are wondering.
There are competitors out there that are not offering the same amount of room, though do offer better fuel economy. For those that are simply wanting an SUV hybrid, then they may be better off to check out some of the competition since it is relatively lower priced and getting better gas mileage. However, for those that need the room, then the Tahoe Hybrid is the way to go since it does get better gas mileage than the regular Tahoe. Though the price is a bit steep, it is something that most people are happy that they buy in the long run.
Hybrid cars were once ideas of the future, and most people never believed that we would have options to choose cars that are running off of fuel and batteries in order to get even better gas mileage. However, they are a reality and there are tons of hybrid cars that one can choose from. On the top of many people's list is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which is the hybrid car that is offered by Ford. The Fusion Hybrid is a mid size sedan, which is a huge change from having to settle for those smaller cars that are hybrids, meaning more room for the entire family. Engine wise, the Fusion is going to have a four cylinder, 2.5 liter engine that is combined with two batteries that work together to produce around 191 horsepower. The continuously variable transmission is also a key factor in how well the Fusion is going to perform. So what makes this different from any of the other hybrid's that are out there? For one thing, the battery system is not going to hurt the gasoline engine at all. In other hybrid's the person is going to see a significant performance decrease due to this, but not in the Fusion, which is making it a winner among many of the auto enthusiasts out there that want something more than just a small car. Another difference is that the person driving the Fusion is not going to notice when the car switches from gasoline to battery powered performance, which is a huge plus. Other cars are going to have a noticeable difference that the person can feel when it happens. And probably the biggest difference that people are pointing out is that the Ford Fusion is able to stay in battery mode going up to 47 miles per hour, then switches to gas mode. Other hybrids on the market only stay in battery power up to 25 miles per hour, which is a huge difference.
For those that are thinking that they are going to get just another Eco friendly car, then they should think again. There are many options for the person to get on the Fusion hybrid that is going to make it more of a luxury car than anything else that they may have. For example, leather seats instead of the Eco friendly seats that come standard with the car. The person that purchases this car is also going to be impressed with the performance of the Fusion. In test trials, the car will go from zero to sixty in 8.5 seconds, which may not be very impressive, but when compared to other cars that are hybrids, it is a bit better than the normal time. Gas mileage wise, the car is going to get around 41 on the highways and 36 in the city, and Ford states that the person can go 700 miles in between fill ups.
So is the Ford Fusion Hybrid one that people should be considering? Most definitely, especially if they want something that is going to give them more speed on the battery powered motor and something that is going to give them the room that they need.
No longer are hybrid's being limited to smaller cars that are on the market, there are tons of SUV's that are hitting the market for people to buy that are looking to buy an SUV that is a hybrid as well. Two of the SUV's that are on the market are the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Both of which are great for anyone that has a few kids or pets and needs the room that comes with an SUV. Which is the best choice for the person that is looking for a more fuel efficient SUV? The choice really depends on what you are looking to get out of the SUV that you are buying.
Engine, Battery and Gas Mileage
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a V6, 3.5 liter engine that is combined with batteries to give around 280 horsepower. In terms of gas mileage, the SUV is going to get around 28 miles per gallon, which is not too bad given that this is one of the rather large SUV's that are on the market.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a V8, 6.0 liter engine that is combined with batteries that are giving off 60 kilowatts combined. The total horsepower is around 322. The gas mileage is going to be around 21 miles per gallon.
In terms of engine, battery and gas mileage, the Highlander Hybrid is getting better gas mileage, while the Tahoe Hybrid is offering a bigger engine and more horsepower.
Driving
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is going to have gages that are going to tell the person if they are driving in a way that is going to help the SUV to conserve gas or if they are driving too fast so that you are getting worse gas mileage. As far as how the SUV drives, those that have tested this hybrid are going to notice that the hybrid SUV is going to handle much better than it has years ago. Which is a huge improvement for the model.
The Tahoe Hybrid is going to drive just like the regular Tahoe, which is great for those that are wanting to make sure that they have everything that they are used to in an SUV. The SUV is going to seat around eight, which means more room for those that have those big families and need the room. In addition, the Tahoe is also equipped to haul and tow as well, which could come in handy for those that do this on a routine basis.
Conclusion
For those that are wanting a hybrid SUV, then they are going to find that there are many options out there for them. Choosing between the Highlander Hybrid and the Tahoe Hybrid is a choice that is going to be based on personal preferences, however, the Highlander does get better gas mileage. While the Tahoe is sporting more power, thus the person must take into consideration what they are planning to do with the SUV in order to find the one that suits their needs.
Some of the most dominant small hybrid cars that are out there is the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt. Both of which have been getting a lot of attention as to being some of the best small hybrid cars that are out there. But, when it comes down to it, which one is the best?
Engine Size, Battery and Gas Mileage
The Toyota Prius is going to have a big 1.8 liter engine that is capable of producing around 134 horsepower. And when combined with the batteries that are installed in the car as well, the person can expect to get around fifty miles or so per gallon, which is amazing considering the price of gas.
The Chevrolet Volt is using a 1.4 liter, I4 engine that is equipped with a few batteries to give its power. Together, they are going to find that the car gets around 149 horsepower. With gas mileage up to fifty depending upon how the person drives.
In terms of engine size, battery and gas mileage, they are pretty even. The Volt may have more horsepower, but in the end, they are both offering the same type of gas mileage and overall performance.
Size and Handling
The Toyota Prius is a hatchback, thus there is a backseat that people can sit in. However, those that do sit in the back are going to be a bit cramped since it really does not fit two full-size adults that well. In addition, trunk space is limited since the batteries do take up some of the room that could be used for luggage and other items. In terms of handling, the Prius has been giving some major improvements for the third generation of the car, which means people are going to notice that they are going to be able to tell a huge difference in the driving of the car.
The Chevrolet Volt is also a hatchback that is going to sit four, of course, the backseat is a bit cramped, not very well for adults to sit in for long periods of time. In this respect, the Prius and the Volt are much the same in what they offer those that ride in the car. Handling wise, the Volt is going to drive much as people expect. There is not going to be any noticeable difference when the car switches from battery to gasoline power, which is something that worries most people. One thing that has many people talking is the fact that the brakes are a bit on the touchy side.
Conclusion
So, which is better? After comparing the two vehicles, it would seem that the only difference between the two is that one is using the technology powered by Toyota, while the Chevrolet is using an all new technology that they have designed. It would seem that in terms of gas mileage, and performance they are basically rating right there together. So which should you buy? It really depends on which brand you are more loyal to in the end.
When it comes to finding mid size hybrid sedans on the market, the person is going to find that they are going to have numerous choices. Three of the most popular are the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Just what makes these three cars so popular? The fact that they are well-known cars before they were hybrid's is one reason why so many people are ready to take the plunge with these hybrid cars. So how do they all compare to one another? They all seem to be in the races for the best mid size sedan, however, which the person chooses really is a personal decision.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is running on a 2.5 liter, four cylinder engine that is combined with battery power to give the person around 191 horsepower. Gas mileage wise, people are going to find that it is one of the best that is out there, with around 39 miles per gallon combined highway and in city mileage. The one factor about the Fusion Hybrid that is so appealing is the fact that the car is going to be able to run on battery power alone for up to 47 miles per hour.
Nissan Altima Hybrid
The Altima Hybrid is running on a 2.5 liter, four cylinder engine combined with batteries that is going to offer around 33 miles per gallon. The car looks exactly like the regular Altima, which means that people are getting the same stylish mid size sedan that they have always been interested in owning.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is offering a 2.4 liter, four cylinder engine that is going to give around 148 horsepower. This is combined with a battery that is giving an addition 45 horsepower. A combined total of 193 horsepower, which is pretty typical horsepower for a hybrid car. What people are loving about this car is the fact that it is still the size of a regular Camry, which means that people are not sacrificing anything when they decide to upgrade to the hybrid version of the car. The only thing that is smaller is the trunk space to accommodate for the batteries. Gas mileage wise the person is going to find that they are getting 30 miles per gallon, which seems to be a typical mileage for most hybrid cars.
So, which is the best option to buy? In terms of gas mileage, the cars rank with the Fusion Hybrid as number one, the Altima Hybrid coming in at number two and the Camry Hybrid rounding out the list. And when thinking of getting a hybrid car the one thing that most people are concerned about is the gas mileage that they will be getting. However, the Fusion Hybrid beats out the competition for others as well, especially the fact that it runs off of battery power for much longer than the other cars, which makes it a winner in the eyes of most people.
The Volt is one car that most people are already familiar with given the publicity that Chevrolet has been shining on the car. And the main thing that people are asking is just what is the Volt? Many times they are getting this car confused with the other offerings that Chevrolet is offering, such as the Cruz. However, the Volt is a plug in hybrid that is going to run on battery power for about forty miles then switch over to gasoline power. The effect is that the person is going to get much more mileage out of a tank of gas. With this being said, the person is going to find that the Volt is perhaps one of the most fuel efficient cars that are on the market that is going to enable the person to make the most out of the car, including long trips since it does have gasoline power back up. Charging time for the Volt is around three hours when done at home. And in terms of fuel mileage, it really depends on how long the person drives. For those that are driving short distances, they may find that they can survive on battery power alone, thus eliminating the need for gasoline.
For those that want to know just how the Volt works, then they should be aware that the Volt is going to use the battery for approximately forty miles until it is becoming depleted. Then, the gasoline engine is going to take over, however, through braking the battery pack is going to gain some of its voltage back and help with the steering and other elements to make the gas mileage must better than other cars that are on the road. The car accelerates quickly from being sitting still. Most people point out that the performance is typical of an electric car. The one thing that most people are not too happy about is the fact that the brakes are a bit touchy, and most drivers find that until the person is used to them, it is very easy to come to a stand still even when you are only wanting to slow down.
So what about the interior? The interior is meant to seat four adults, though those that sit in the backseat, are more than likely not going to be happy campers and they are going to be even unhappier with traveling for long distances due to the cramped back seat that they are going to have to deal with. Those that are driving for long distances and hauling luggage with them are going to have to pack light since they really do not have that much room to haul these things thanks to the smaller trunk. So is the Volt something that people should consider?
It is definitely a hybrid that is one of a kind and one that is taking the world by storm. Since it does allow for the use of gasoline, the person does not have to worry about breaking down due to the batteries running out, which is a huge plus.
When it comes to hybrid cars, most people automatically think of the Toyota Prius. However, another hybrid that is almost identical to the Prius that is making itself known is the Honda Insight. The question that most people are asking is whether they should consider the hybrid that started it all or if they should consider the Honda Insight? It is a good question and one that is going to really depend on what the person wants out of a car. However, with that being said, there are a few pros and cons of each car that need to be taken into consideration before the person purchases either one.
Pros of the Toyota Prius
The Prius has been greatly improved for this generation when compared to past generations of the Prius, which is something that most people are going to like since it means that there are no longer the problems that past generations of the Prius have had. A few improvements include the fact that the backseat is slightly bigger for those individuals that will be riding back there, which is a huge relief for most people. Other reasons to buy a Prius is the fact that it is going to get fifty miles per gallon, which is one of the most fuel efficient cars that are on the market. There is also a bigger engine that is increasing the horsepower to around 130.
Cons of the Toyota Prius
There are a few things that people are still not too happy with when it comes to the Toyota Prius. For example, most people are still not completely pleased with the amount of room that the Prius has in it for the passengers. Nor, are they happy with the trunk space that the car has either.
Pros of the Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is very similar to the Prius in terms of looks, without the price tag of the Prius, which is one good point for the Insight. There are a few other good points about the Honda Insight that must be pointed out. For example, the ability for the car to shut itself off at stop lights or when the car is stopped for long period of times which helps to conserve more gas in the long run.
Cons of the Honda Insight
The Honda Insight, though it does have a few things going for it, there are a few things that are going to be the drawback reason not to buy it. For starters, the car shuts itself off to save gas at stop lights, which is great, but it also turns off the air conditioner during these times which can be quite unbearable if the person lives in a humid climate. Add to the fact that the car does not run on battery power alone like the Prius can, which is one of the main reasons that people consider the Prius and not the Insight.
Looks wise, both of these cars are very similar, however, they are very different when it comes down to a few fundamentals. Those that are wanting the best on the market, then they are going to want to go with the Toyota Prius.
When people think of hybrid cars, they usually picture small cars that are going to seat four. However, that is no longer the case, as most automakers are seeing that larger families need more room and they are still wanting to do their part and save the environment, while saving themselves a little money at the pump since they will be getting better gas mileage. When considering large SUV's that are hybrids, there are two that spring to most people's minds and these are the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Cadillac Escalade, both of which are made by General Motors. But, which is the better choice? This really depends on what you are looking for in an SUV, and other personal factors.
Engine and Battery
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a 6.0 liter, V8 engine that is combined with two 60 kilowatt batteries. The Tahoe is thought to get around 332 horsepower for the engine and the battery. Those that drive this are going to find that they are going to get around 21 miles per gallon, which is far better than the 15 miles per gallon that the Tahoe has been known to get in the past. The Tahoe is available in two wheel drive or four wheel drive for those that are interested.
The Cadillac Escalade is also going to contain a 6.0 liter, V8 engine that is combined with two batteries. However, the Escalade Hybrid is going to allow itself to run on only four cylinders when the time calls for it in order to minimize the amount of gas that it is using. Gas mileage wise, the Escalade Hybrid is going to get around 20 miles per gallon.
Towing
One of the aspects that is going to set the Escalade Hybrid above the Tahoe Hybrid is that it has the highest towing capacity of any hybrid SUV that is out there. However, with that being said, those that are buying a hybrid and intend to tow, should realize that they cannot expect to have the same gas mileage that they would have otherwise since this does put a strain on the motor.
Which to Choose
When the person is basing the decision on gas mileage, then they are going to find that the Tahoe Hybrid is going to get a bit better, but not by much coming in at 21 miles per gallon and the Escalade Hybrid getting 20 miles per gallon. Of course, this is going to depend a lot on the way that the person is driving. Price wise, both are going to cost quite a bit. The Tahoe Hybrid is well over $50,000, with the Escalade and its luxury settings also going for quite a bit of money. It really boils down to the person and if they want what is considered the prestige Escalade that has been known for years to be the luxury SUV to own or if they are comfortable going with the Tahoe that is going to sit eight comfortably. Both are good options for the family that is large and travels a lot.
When most people think of a hybrid, they automatically think of a small car that is good for those that do not have a family. However, automakers are making the bigger vehicles come in the form of hybrid's as well. A prime example is the Ford Escape Hybrid that is on the market. And Ford has the distinction of being the first to offer a hybrid SUV to the market, which is one reason why so many people are eager to have this SUV in their family. Ford has taken the time and they have the experience necessary to offer a hybrid that is really going to make a difference in the world. The current Ford Escape Hybrid is going to be one of the most green SUV's that are on the market, the two wheel drive Escape is going to offer on average around thirty miles per gallon, which is a huge improvement for most SUV's that are on the market. The Escape Hybrid is also going to have a four cylinder, 2.5 liter engine that has a pair of electric motors and a continuously variable transmission. The Escape Hybrid has around 177 horsepower, which may sound not like much. However, the person should note that in tests that were conducted, the Escape Hybrid had better performance and take off times than the regular Escape.
The gas and the battery powered engines are going to work together when the person is utilizing a lot of power, such as driving long distances down the road going over forty miles per hour. However, when the person is in stop and go traffic, the two systems, the gasoline and the battery powered engines are going to switch out to make sure that the person is getting the most gas mileage that is possible. This is what is going to have the person really noticing the difference between the regular SUV and the hybrid version. Add into the fact that the brakes are going to help to regenerate the power to the Hybrid version no matter what is going on so that the person always has a bit of battery power to rely on.
Those that are interested in the Ford Escape Hybrid are going to find that there are two models available. That is the basic and the limited model. The basic model is going to be the entry level of the Hybrid model and is not going to have anything extra. It does include the standard safety features and extras such as a power driver's seat and so forth. The Limited edition, however, is the luxury version that is going to come with extras such as park assist, leather upholstery and so forth.
So in terms of driving are people going to notice a difference between the Hybrid and the regular Escape? Most people point out that the Hybrid handles a bit stiffer due to the extra weight of the batteries that it contains. However, this does not seem to be affecting the interest that the Hybrid is bringing about.
