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Hybrid Cars: Not As New As You Think
Even though hybrids seem like the newest invention, in fact they're not. They're economical on the gas and a hot trend right now, but they've been around for quite awhile. They haven't always been called hybrids, however. Most often, they were simply thought of as cars that were run on both electricity and gasoline. Because gas and oil are becoming evermore expensive, and because of the concern about global warming and other pollutant effects, car manufacturers are beginning to take a new look at electric/gasoline cars.
A fellow named H. Piper first thought of hybrids in 1905. Then, he applied for a patent for what he called a "vehicular power train." Essentially, this was an electric motor that would enhance the typical gasoline engine. His invention used both electric and gasoline, and allowed vehicles to go from zero to 25 miles per hour in 10 seconds. This is almost four times faster than cars were able to go at this time. While the invention was great, the timing was awful.
After Piper's invention, for the next two years, gasoline engines were the rage. Gasoline engines were readily available and inexpensive, which made them popular. In addition, fuel was easy to get and was also inexpensive. This helped the gasoline engine become tops in the market. In addition, because basic electricity was only available at that time for the wealthiest, it was not the cheap and readily available energy source it is today. Therefore, this made the electric and gasoline engine well before its time.
Even so, other manufacturers, too, built their own versions of hybrid engines. For example, Jacob Lohner & Co., of Austria, built a system where electric motors were located within the wheel hubs. This meant the power could be delivered directly to the wheels themselves. The Paris Electric Car Company built several cars, among them one that ran on alcohol. General Electric built a hybrid around 1900 that had a four-cylinder gasoline engine. Still other companies built different models of their own hybrid versions until about 1940.
Many of these cars only got about 20 miles per battery charge if relying on battery power alone, so consumers didn't really like the idea. A gasoline-only engine was much more effective and efficient. In addition, gas costs were still low enough that it provided customers everything they wanted. Even though hybrids cars were not popular, however, those who manufactured trains began to look at the engine designs. Because of this, many trains began to use electric and diesel hybrid power trains; these engines remain in use today.
In 1997, a hybrid car seemed to be a good idea once again. In Japan, the Toyota Prius went on sale. It was an immediate hit and has continued to be the most popular of the hybrid models. Today, it is sold in over 20 countries. When it was first sold in the United States, it did not need to be plugged into in an electrical source to keep the battery charged. Its efficiency meant that it got about 52 miles per gallon. Best of all, it could operate on just gas, just electric, or both.
As the Prius continued to be successful, other companies began to take note and to produce their own hybrid models. In 2000, the Honda Insight was introduced. Today, Honda also offers a hybrid Accord, as well as a sports utility hybrid. Chevrolet and General Motors are also getting into the game.
For those who buy hybrid cars, they are given kudos. Not only do hybrid cars get better gas mileage, but incentives are given to hybrid buyers by employers; they also get corporate discounts, and free parking. In essence, if you drive a hybrid, you're somewhat like a celebrity. Hybrid owners are seen as being responsible and in favor of an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Even though it took many decades for the hybrid to come to full fruition with its improvements in design and subsequent popularity, its time has come. Soaring gas prices and concerns about the environment, as well as depletion of fossil fuels, make thinking of alternatives to gasoline imperative. Because of this, hybrids are much more successful than they were when first invented in the early 1900s.
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