Hybrid Autos

In 2004 when MSN Autos first published "What is a Hybrid," car buyers were struggling to understand concepts like electric motors helping a gasoline engine and regenerative braking. Then, there were just six hybrid models offered: the two-seat Honda Insight; two compact sedans, the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid; Ford's small Escape Hybrid SUV; and the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid full-size pickups. By the end of 2008 there will be 20 hybrid models available, including a full-size pickup, full-size sport-utility vehicles and an ultra-luxury sedan priced north of six figures. But just as drivers are beginning to become comfortable with the technology, the long lineup of experimental and prototype hybrid systems being developed four years ago are ready, or nearly ready, for prime time—including three that use no electricity. Regardless of a hybrid system's design, each combines two sources of power to achieve the same results in varying degrees, increase fuel economy and reduce harmful emissions. While hybrid vehicles haven't exactly swept the automotive world, it's clear they have muscled their way into consumer acceptance and have grabbed the attention of automakers. It's also clear that electricity in the drivetrain isn't the only way to hybridize a vehicle. Larry E. Hall is editor of Northwest Auto News Service and a freelance automotive journalist based in Olympia, Wash. He has an intense interest in future automotive Hybrid Autos technology.

Hybrid Autos

Whats new with Hybrid Autos? - With with rising gas prices, I have actually thought trading my Tahoe in for a hybrid. Hybrids, which combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery, are not only more fuel-efficient but are widely considered much better for the environment. I started doing some research to see what were the best Hybrid cars and was surprised at the number of different hybrid models now available. If you are looking for a mid-size hybrid you should look into a Toyota Prius hybrid, Honda Accord hybrid or. Nissan Altima hybrid, If you need something bigger like an SUV you can check out the Ford Escape hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid or the GMC Yukon hybrid, Just to get an idea of how much money on gasoline you could be saving, the Toyota Prius, our top searched hybrid, receives 48 city miles to a gallon of gas. The Honda Civic hybrid receives 40 city miles to a gallon of gas, while the regular Honda Civic receives only 25 city miles to a gallon. It looks like the future is shifting towards the wide spread use of Hybrid Autos!

Hybrid interest grows when gas price rises

Online requests for large sport-utility vehicles that receive less than 20 miles per gallon were down 20 percent January through April, while requests for pickup trucks fell 21 percent, according to data collected from about 1 million shoppers using Autobytel Inc., an online car-buying referral site. Meanwhile, requests for cars averaging more than 25 mpg have surged 33 percent. Purchasing interest in Toyota’s hybrid offering, the Prius, posted a 73 percent increase, while interest shot up 37 percent for the Honda Civic and 33 percent for the Mini Cooper. "This is the first time in recent memory we’ve seen such a strong shift all pointing in one direction,” said Brian Chee, Autobytel’s Web site editor. In fact, since the data also showed greater interest in smaller sedans and SUVs, buyers appear to be interested in “shopping down in size or up in fuel economy,” he said. © 2008 The Associated Press.

Tax Credits for Hybrid Autos

Tax Credits for Hybrid Autos

Taxpayers who purchased or leased any of 44 different models of hybrid vehicles in 2008 may be entitled to a tax credit on their returns worth as much as $3,150 for the most fuel-efficient models. The precise amount of the credit depends on the make and model of the vehicle and when the vehicle was purchased. Taxpayers may claim the credit on their tax returns only if they placed a qualified hybrid vehicle in service in 2008. The Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit for hybrid vehicles — powered by both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery — was enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit only up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th hybrid vehicle. The only manufacturer for whom the credit has been limited in the 2006 tax year is Toyota Motor Sales, USA, which includes Lexus.

Hybrid Autos - More Interest!

Interest in hybrid vehicles rising, study says

By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Auto Writer
12:01 PM CDT, June 24, 2008

DETROIT - U.S. consumers are showing more interest in hybrid technology despite the higher price tag for hybrid vehicles, although interest is highest in cheaper options such as backup assist cameras, according to a survey released Tuesday by the marketing and consulting company J.D. Power and Associates. Seventy-two percent of recent car buyers said they're definitely or probably interested in getting a hybrid for their next vehicle, up from 58 percent of consumers in 2005. But once the average $5,000 price differential for a hybrid was revealed, just 46 percent said they still were interested. Mike Marshall, director of automotive emerging technologies at J.D. Power, said rising gas prices and a heightened effort by consumers to be more environmentally conscious are at the root of the increased interest in hybrids. He said hybrids held up well despite their cost and were the top feature over $500 in which buyers were interested. By comparison, consumers remain skeptical of clean diesel technology, which can improve fuel economy by 30 percent over traditional engines but has a lower premium of $1,800. Just 37 percent said they were interested in the technology, the study said.

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2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - 4 door/5 seat sedan transmission: CVT automatic or manual mileage (mpg): 47city/ 48 hwy range per fill up: 650 miles2007 Base Retail Price: $22,600 (US)

Features - Full climate control, Micron air filtration Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)AM/FM/CD audio system w/ 6 speakers Keyless Remote Entry Dual-Stage Front and Dual Side Airbags Anti-Theft ImmobilizerRear window defroster w/ timer Tire Pressure Monitoring System Available: Honda Satellite Linked Navigation

Specifications - 110-hp, 1.3 litre SOHC i-VTEC® Engine 4-Cylinder Engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 13.2 gallons (52 liters) / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials

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