Learn about Hybrid Vehicles/Cars

A Hybrid Vehicle uses at least two power sources such as gas and electric. 

There are a number of different combinations a Hybrid electric vehicle can be created.  These include series hybrids, parallel hybrids, and combination hybrids having things in common with both the series and parallel hybrid vehicle. 

The currently produced hybrid vehicle has a gasoline or diesel combustion engine which turns a generator.  Then the generator charges batteries or ultra capacitors that power an electric motor.  The electric motor then propels the vehicle.  With the series hybrid vehicle the combustion engine never directly propels the vehicle. 

The current parallel hybrid vehicle combines two power sources.  The combustion engine and electric motor powered by batteries are connected to the transmission both propelling the vehicle together. 

When the words Hybrid Vehicles are spoken the first thing people think of is the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.  Hydrogen is the most common element on the planet but it requires energy to separate it into pure hydrogen.  The hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle is currently in development.  The fuel cell is a Hybrid like technology storing auxiliary energy used to produce electricity powering electric motors propelling the vehicle.  More on hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

Currently the most common hybrid vehicle is the petroleum electric hybrid.  These Hybrid Vehicles use internal combustion engines fueled with fossil fuel like gasoline and diesel.  The combustion engine turns a generator which charge batteries and/or super capacitors.  These batteries and/or super capacitors then store electricity for electric motors which propel the vehicle. 

The petroleum electric hybrid vehicle concept may be new to most people, but this technology has been around for many years.  It is used in locomotives pulling trains which are diesel electric hybrids.  Go here for more on diesel electric hybrids.  The diesel engine turns a generator which provides electricity for the massive electric motors which propel the locomotive.

New advances in the development of coal water fuel or liquid coal fuel used in external combustion engines may bring very interesting results for larger hybrid vehicles.  The external combustion engine creates heat which generates electricity which powers the hybrid vehicle.  Heat created by the top cycle engine that is normally wasted can be used by bottom cycle engine using the same electric generating technology.  This creates a highly efficient engine using low cost coal water fuel.  Domestic coal water fuel can be produced from raw low sulfur coal commonly found in Alaska and Canada.  More information on coal water fueled hybrid vehicles.

Turbine and steam hybrid engines are being explored by the train industry as an alternative to the diesel electric hybrid they currently use. 

Regenerative brakes can be added to a hybrid vehicle recapturing the kinetic energy that would have been wasted as heat with conventional breaks.  Regenerative brakes converts motion into electricity through a generator.  This generator then produces electricity for batteries and/or ultra capacitors.

Emissions are the key to profit for automakers and energy independence for the U.S.  Reducing emissions has two benefits: we lower greenhouse gases and lower dependence on foreign petroleum.  No one knows at this point how greenhouse gases will affect our planet and lifestyle, but reducing greenhouse gases will hedge the bet on possible catastrophic damage to our environment.