The Truth about Hybrids

Jim Zurbo

Hybrid Vehicles

• Utilizes more than one form of energy to achieve momentum

• Two powertrains

– Generally gasoline & electric

• Designed to reduce fuel consumption

• Hybrid classes:

– Conventional vehicles

– Mild hybrids

– Full hybrids

– Performance hybrids

– Plug in hybrids

Hybrids

• Customer ready

• No training required

• Performs similar to standard gasoline fueled vehicle

Hybrid Driving Range

• Long term

• Not limited by the battery size

• Will function on gasoline as long as it needs to

Hybrids

• Do not require plug in function

– Because of regenerative braking : recoups energy that is normally lost while the vehicle is stopping

• However, automakers are now introducing plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars

Power of the Hybrids• Lexus Rx400H & Toyota Highlander

Hybrid

– 270 horsepower

• Lexus GS 450h Hybrid Sedan

– 300 horsepower

– *Audio Correction: 0-60 mph in

Less than 3 seconds

• Chrysler 300 Hybrid Sedan

– 363 horsepower

• Audi A8 Hybrid

– 245 horsepower

Transition away from Gasoline

• Gasoline has been developing for over a century

• Hybrid vehicles are a fuel efficient vehicle, still having the ability to use gasoline

• Helping with the transition away from gasoline with drivers not even realizing it

Hybrid Production

Advantages

• More fuel efficient than conventional cars

– Increased MPG

• Conventional vehicle requires far more energy to operate and emits far more greenhouse gases over the vehicles lifetime

– Canceling out any imbalance during the production stages of a hybrid vehicle

Disadvantages

• Require more energy to produce than conventional cars

– Battery production

Hybrid Production

• Hybrid vehicles are made all over the world

• Components manufactured in various locations and require shipping for final assembly

– No different than any production of mass produced vehicles

Hybrid Facts

• High voltage batteries should never be jumped started with another vehicle or with a battery charger

• Using charge cord in a worn or damaged AC outlet may cause fire

• Vehicle ever involved in collision, the sensing system may disconnect the high voltage battery and car will not start anymore

Hybrid Theories

• “If I run out of gas, I can keep driving on the electric motor”

• Hybrid cars rely on the gasoline engine most of the time

• Electric motor might function for a short time

Hybrid Technology

• Advancing towards a new revolution

• Useful when trying to get away from a gasoline powered engine

• Increased MPG

• Requires less frequent oil changes

• Helps protect the environment