last
updated 30th January 06
by Mahesh Menon, Hi-Tech Editorial
Division
Demand of the
Environment
Conscious for Hybrid Vehicles Surpass
Supply
Counteracting suffocating CO emissions,
auto manufacturers had come up with
Hybrid engines. And now, it seems
the hybrids have taken the market
by storm. The 2006 North American
International Auto Show held in Detroit
proves that hybrids are being welcomed
with open arms and are not just green
gimmicks any more.
Honda Motors, pioneers in the hybrid
car technology, burst into the auto
market; with its hybrid two-door Insight
in 1999. Close on it's heels came
Toyota Motor Corporation, with it's
first hybrid four-door sedan; the
Toyota Prius in 2000. Overwhelming
customer responses for these hybrids
have got all the big players in the
auto industry focusing on hybrid car
manufacturing.
At the moment, however, Toyota Motor
Corporation has the lead, with hybrid
sales reaching up to 306,862 between
1997 and November 2004. Even with
Toyota increasing production of the
Prius, to 100,000 units last year
for the US market alone, it is unable
to meet the rising demands of the
customers. The other hybrid Toyotas
are the Highlander Hybrids and the
Lexus RX 400h. Toyota is planning
to introduce hybrid technology in
every model it sells in the imminent
future.
Efficiency of hybrid cars
Hybrid cars combine two propulsion systems,
an internal combustion engine and an
electric one, increasing fuel efficiency
to a level higher than conventional
cars. Conventional engines are designed
to meet the peak power demand, whereas
the hybrid engine is designed to meet
above average power demand. The electric
motor in a hybrid engines acts as generators
by capturing some of the kinetic energy
created while applying brakes when the
vehicle is in motion. This energy is
stored in a battery for later use. Hybrid
engines are thus environmentally-friendly
when compared to internal combustion
engines.
Though a mere step towards a less
polluted Earth, the hybrid car technology
is here to stay. With many takers
among environment conscious people
or fuel efficiency conscious people
or both, such innovations are being
developed in other fields as well.
Man kind is taking a giant leap into
a cleaner future.
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