In support of the green agenda
Palace Group perspective on the Green Agenda
We are exploring the subject of hybrid cars: are they as kinder to the environment as we have been led to believe and what makes them so? Our Group contributor is convinced that the hybrid car is not the future, whilst another independent contributor says the jury is still out on these type of cars. This is a Palace Group green forum initiative.
What Are Hybrid Cars? Hybrid cars are cars that use two different sources to power to run them. The most popular type of hybrid car is an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) using a conventional petrol internal combustion engine, plus an electric motor. Hybrids are generally classed as either full hybrids or mild hybrids. Full hybrid systems allow both the petrol engine and electric motor to provide power to the wheels.This means that the electric motor can take over from the petrol engine when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in traffic gridlock, and the latest models can even drive the car at low speeds.
Certainly in town driving, hybrids are excellent. They give good fuel economy as well as a smooth and responsive drive. On a steady cruise however, the electric motor is not utilised and the vehicle is thereby no more economical than a “non-hybrid”. So what does it ultimately cost to ‘carry’ the extra hybrid technology weight around all day every day? Motorists who travel predominantly on long highways, will be quite disappointed with the economy of their hybrid vehicles and would arguably be better off with a diesel.
Follow the green forum as we bring you our experience in testing the hybrid cars.
Visit and register for video links and other material on this subject: http://palacegreenforum.com
Directly log in and view videos and chats