Renewable Clean Energy Info

Archive for May, 2009

Since more and more people are considering buying hybrid cars in order for them to save thousands of dollars on gasoline, it is best to look at the price of some of the most popular models of those vehicles.

As a general rule, one should expect that the hybrids are slightly more expensive that their regular counterparts. The hybrids are priced somewhere around $19,000 to $55,000. That makes them three to five thousand dollars pricier than the common car.

So far, the lowest-priced hybrid around is the 2006 Honda Insight with manual transmission, priced at around $19,330. The highest, on the other hand, is the GS 450h, a hybrid sports sedan from Lexus. It comes with a whopping $54,900 price tag.

For hybrid models for 2006-2007, pricing goes like this:

$21,274 for the 2006 Toyota Prius
$21,850 for the 2006 Honda Civic hybrid
$30,140 for the 2006 Honda Accord hybrid
$25,900 for the 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid

For the SUV category, here are the prices:

$24,840 for the 2006 Mariner hybrid, the standard four-wheel drive
$23,995 for the Saturn VUE Green Line hybrid, Summer 2006 edition
$49,060 for the 2006 Lexus GS 450h
$27,515 for the 2006 Ford Escape hybrid, the two-wheel drive version, then $28,595 for the four-wheel drive

Of course, these are just the base prices. Any additional or customized features will fatten the price tag.

There are issues regarding the hidden costs that can accumulate once someone purchases a hybrid vehicle. For instance, the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight have eight-year warranties for their batteries. The thing is, once the batteries dies down after eight years, it cannot be repaired – it must be replaced with a brand-new one, which will cost the owner around $7000.

Vic Johnstone, the manager for alternative vehicles and specialized vehicles of Toyota, verifies that the batteries are built to last for only less than a decade.

Car owners are on their toes regarding the recyclability of the batteries, which are made from NickelMetal Hydride. It is rumored that the said batteries can do more harm to the environment than it was originally intended for.

Significantly, Toyota has decreased the price of the batteries of their Prius. It was originally priced at $4500 and was brought down to only $3000. The downside is that unlike its closest competitor, Honda, Toyota will only offer a five-year warranty for the new batteries.

The prices of the batteries are expected to decrease as technology improves for the manufacturing of the hybrid models.

Still, owners of hybrid cars know that their cars will emphasize fuel savings than financial ones. They concluded that fifteen years are needed to pay off the extras spent on the battery of the Prius, along with its calculated fuel consumption.

The right disposal of the nickel batteries are also an issue among car owners. Since the main derivative of the batteries is nickel, it is considered semi-toxic . The content also contains electrolyte, which, if gathered in big portions, could be hazardous to the environment.

Hybrid vehicles boast of an all-encompassing operational system. They operate by combining an electricity-run motor, a gasoline engine and maximum-powered batteries. The battery gives off energy for the electric motor and recharges when it recaptures the energy that is usually lost when the car is lessening its acceleration or while it is coasting.

The distinction of the full hybrid from the mild variety is that the electric motor and the gas engine can operate on its own. In most instances, the electric motor can function by itself in low speed, and once it picks up, the gasoline engine automatically takes over. Both the motor and the engine can function together if the car is in hard acceleration.

Brand new hybrid cars are quite expensive, but you don’t really have to fret because there are many used hybrid vehicles also being sold like traditional fuel-operated units.

Yes, because of the prevalence of hybrid cars, buyers and resellers have also taken to task the sale of used hybrid cars, much to the glee and delight of the budget conscious but environmentally concerned consumer.

Of course when you buy hybrid cars, you must still assume the position and hawk-like stance of a person who is buying a traditional car. When purchasing a used hybrid car, apart from checking if all the parts are there and working, you should also ask about its history, previous ownership and his or her manner of use.

With that in mind, let’s see now where you might be able to purchase used and brand new hybrid cars in Phoenix, AZ.

You can find used hybrid car models from the likes of Ford, Honda, Mazda and others on Yahoo! Autos. You simply have to have a Yahoo! account to be able to communicate with the sellers, but you don’t need one if you simply want to browse.

Most of the sellers are actually residents of Phoenix, AZ, so might have to go directly to where they are — or, if you’re lucky and moneyed, you can probably negotiate to have the vehicle shipped from Phoenix, AZ to where you are.

In fact, a simple Google search would lead you to a plethora of hybrid car sellers in Phoenix, AZ, so you don’t really have to go far to be able to get information and photos on the model you are eyeing.

However, seeing the product and assessing it at face value still beats simply clicking on photo links and taking the seller’s word for it. If you live in Phoenix, AZ, lucky you. It is recommended that you contact the seller immediately and find out where you can meet up so can survey the hybrid car up close. You can even bring friends who are hybrid car experts or enthusiasts to help you make an assessment.

Most local buy and sell car shops also carry hybrid cars in their roster. There is at least two or three in every state, so all you have to do check the local directory for what shops are in Phoenix, AZ. Since hybrid cars are fast becoming popular, it will not be a surprise if car resellers also have them alongside regular vehicles.

In the US, it is a known that finding car resellers are not really a problem, since everyone’s into used cars and, well, someone somewhere is always willing to capitalize on this fact. So log on to the worldwide web or check local listings to see what sorts of hybrid cars Phoenix, AZ resellers have in their garages. Happy hunting!

Gone are the days when hybrid refers to farm animals and agricultural plant varieties. Hybrid now also refers to cars. And just like their organic brethren, hybrid cars, come in a dazzling array of colors, types, and features. But what is a hybrid car, really?

Hybrid cars info

Hybrids cars use rechargeable battery and gasoline, for their power, instead of just gasoline. As a basic info on hybrid cars, hybrid batteries are efficient in reducing fuel emissions. This is so because a hybrid engine uses the energy from the battery when the car is accelerating, or in a slow mode.

There are many hybrid cars info available, especially on their features, but few should suffice. First, hybrids have automatic start and shutoff. The engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle comes to a halt, and restarts when the accelerator is pressed. This is an efficient way of using energy.

The motor of a hybrid car was design to have some resistance on the drivetrain, which slows down the wheels. In this way, energy generated by the wheels turns the electric motor, functioning more like a generator, and converting the energy produced into electricity. The energy in turn is stored in the battery, ready for used by the electric motor when needed. Hybrid cars info refers to as regenerative braking.

Info on hybrid cars also points to the motor drive assist capacity of these cars of the future. The electric motor assists the engine while accelerating or climbing, allowing a more efficient engine power. Also, the electric motor powers the engine for low-speed driving, where internal combustion engines are usually inefficient.

And if this info on hybrid cars is not enough, here’s more. Hybrid electric cars can be configured in many ways for different objectives. They have the best features of internal combustion engine, supported with an electric motor that can dramatically improve fuel economy, with performance unaltered. Hybrid cars can also be configured to supply electrical energy for auxiliaries like power tools.

Hybrid electric cars, based on current info on hybrid cars available, do not need to source their energy from external electricity for recharge, unlike all-electric cars. Gasoline and regenerative braking are enough for all energy needs of the car.

Another hybrid cars info buyers ought to know is that the potential tax incentives given on those who buy hybrid cars. The federal government is at present, offering tax incentives for hybrid electric vehicles and other alternative fuel automobiles. Several other States also offer incentives for hybrid cars buyers.

Environmental related hybrid cars info

Fuel efficiency should be appreciated more for its wide-reaching benefits. These will not only help modern consumers minimized their expenses for expensive fuels, but will help in conserving fuel reserves. This will limit pollution in the process.

According to the hybrid cars info related advisory released by the National Resources Defense Council, if the U.S. would only do the following, tremendous amount of natural resources conservation could be achieved.

1. If only the U.S. would raise fuel efficiency standards on all American automobiles one mile per gallon, in a year, American citizens would save the amount of oil that could be harnessed from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in two years.

2. If only the U.S. would raise fuel efficiency by 2.7 miles a gallon, the United States would eliminate the need to import oils from Iraq and Kuwait.

3. If only the U.S. would raise fuel efficiency by 7.6 mpg, the United States would eliminate 100 percent of its oil imports coming from the Gulf region. On this last note, hybrid cars generally increase the fuel efficiency by more than 7.6 mpg.

Hybrid cars info in terms of sales

The hopes of American consumers finally appreciating hybrid cars are finally improving. And it shows with the trend in terms sales the hybrid automobiles are generating. From this, hybrid car development seems to be comparable to the invention of bread toaster.

Here’s a little monetary data regarding hybrid cars. Last January, almost twice as many hybrids were sold in the US, compared with what were sold during the same period last year. Toyota sold 7,654 units of their Prius, while the new Honda Civic Hybrid reported a sale of 3,165 units.

So, is this hybrid cars info enough to convince you on finally considering buying one?

Buying hybrid cars is one transaction becoming popular and imperative nowadays.

That is because people, particularly drivers and consumers, are becoming more and more desperate to own cars that are able to cut down consumption of oil and gasoline.

Hybrid cars are the car makers’ answer to pressing and increasing urges and calls for cars that can significantly minimize gasoline and oil consumption.

All of the major car manufacturing companies that matter nowadays are offering their own versions of hybrid cars in their own respective bids to ramp up their own revenues and enjoy market dominance.

You ought to know by now that the global car industry is also experiencing a slump because of the domino effect or impact of rising gasoline prices in the economy, both in the micro and in the macro.

In other words, it is harder to make a living nowadays, so do not expect people to be as lavish as before in terns of spending for merchandise and even necessities.

The idea of hybrid cars reducing gasoline consumption has never failed to excite car buyers. That is the main reason perceived to cause the previous launches of hybrid cars to really step up sales and attract numerous potential buyers.

People have always been dreaming to own the hybrid car model of their choice ever since the first hybrid cars were intoroduced to the market a few years ago.

Hybrid cars for sale

That is why traditional and gas-powered cars are not the only cars in demand and in display over at car shows and car dealers’ shops nowadays.

There are numerous hybrid car models for sale in different venues today that the principal concern and dilemma for the car buyer would be what hybrid car model to choose, aside from of course the price and the corresponding tax credit imposed on the hybrid car.

Hybrid cars for sale can also be viewed from online car dealership shops. Because the Internet never runs out of action, it is also becoming a popular venue for online shoppers who rely more on the convenience of shopping virtually.

There are also agents or brokers specializing in selling hybrid cars. These people can help you land a great deal when you opt to buy hybrid cars.

Be sure to remind yourself however that seeking help from middlemen and agents or brokers will force you to pay for commissions. But of course, the trouble will be more than off set by the perks and advantages of getting expert view, opinion and advice upon purchasing hybrid cars.

The prices

Hybrid cars for sale currently are really priced at premium amounts that would not be negligible. Hybrid cars are made from the finest and most modern technology that is not really made raw or wider used in the car making industry.

Thus, the segment in the car industry is still young and fresh, calling up for more room for improvement. Pricing pressure is really one room for improvement where hybrid cars should do well in the future.

Compared to the traditional or gas-powered counterparts, hybrid cars for sale are today are obviously and undeniably more priced and expensive.

Relative to features, designs and aesthetic values, the hybrid cars in sale are really more upbeat and competitive because they are aimed at knocking out their traditional successors.

Buying hybrid cars

Buying hybrid cars would really not be a problem, if first, you have the money, second, you have the target hybrid car model in mind, third, you know where to get them and fourth, you know the value really well.

The savings you would generate from using hybrid cars is expected to surpass or outpace the expenses you would be paying for higher gasoline consumption prices.

Gasoline prices are rising almost every week. That is why oil prices are considered the most volatile of all the commodity prices in the world spot market.

The tension in the Middle East region, the principal region where oil exporters are located, seems almost unending, with one resolved conflict being replaced by another set of erring countries.

That is why people and economies around the world are somehow almost already wary of the impact of higher gasoline prices.

What’s more, the environmental impact of gasoline combustion on traditional car engines are already raising the ire of the environmentalists and advocates.

Hybrid cars

The hybrid cars developed by giant car makers, including Ford, Toyota and Honda, are almost equally appealing and aesthetic as the latest traditional car models.

Hybrid cars are termed the cars of the future and there are more than enough reasons for the tag line. That is because hybrid cars are not just more beautiful and exteriorly appealing.

Hybrid cars are so efficient, economical and practical. However, the tag prices are not that appealing to consumers because hybrid cars are basically more costly than the traditional counterparts.

The technology for the manufacture of hybrid cars is continuously and consistently evolving over the years, marking significant changes, modifications and improvements time after time.

Usually, hybrid vehicles make use of rechargeable energy storage system also known as RESS which comes hand in hand with a propeller that provides fueled propulsion power.

In other countries, the term hybrid vehicle also refers to petroleum-electric hybrid cars which are also called hybrid-electric vehicle that use gasoline to feed the car’s internal combustion engines or ICEs and built-in electric batteries that provide the vehicle’s electric requirements to power the electric motors.

Hybrid trucks

In North America alone, car industry experts estimate that more and more car buyers are buying millions of pick up trucks every year.

That is the reason why Ford is selling its trucks like hot cakes in the region. Basically truck purchasers are acquiring the vehicles because of many reasons, one of which is the overall functionality.

Some buyers of traditional gas powered trucks make the acquisition because of the masculine features. In the United States alone, it is estimated that about 90% of truck buyers are male, with the remaining 10 % females, who buy the trucks mainly not for their own use but as gifts or service trucks to businesses.

Because trucks are so heavy and are greater in size than the traditional and hybrid cars, its gasoline consumption is also greater and more.

That is why the emergence of hybrid cars has also provided hopes not just for the car patrons but also for truck users, whose gasoline bills are definitely higher and way more than the average car users.

Because trucks are also made for heavy-duty purposes, it is important that its gasoline consumption is significantly reduced. The hybrid technology applied to trucks provide the much anticipated and appropriate response to that growing concern.

That can also be a reason why Japanese hybrid pioneers Toyota and Honda have seized the opportunity to get into the local truck market. The emergence of the hybrid technology has granted the companies the much needed passport to enter the car industry segment.

Now, Toyota and Honda are working harder to develop and immediately launch their hybrid trucks. Of course segment leader For, will not take matters just sitting and is already marketing its own hybrid truck models.

Buying hybrid cars and trucks

Purchasing hybrid versions of fancy and awesome cars and trucks need not be a source of much tension and distress nowadays.

Buying cars are just like buying the old and traditional car models.

There also a wider array or list of models and brands to choose from, and the main concern or problem for the car buyer would be how to choose wisely.

Because almost all car makers are in the race to offer the best and reasonably priced hybrids to dominate the intense car market today, the consumers are at the benefiting side.

Take your time if you are planning to buy hybrid trucks and cars.

Remember, it is to be considered a significant investment given the cost. But your savings from oil bills would definitely make it worthwhile.

Maybe simply buying a lightweight hybrid car does not feel right. Being an all-American consumer made grander by having an all-American family, you might want to try a hybrid SUV. Fortunately for you, there already are hybrid versions of SUVs in the market, so you won’t really run out of options.

While it isn’t likely that you’ll save the same amount of gas as when you get a hybrid car like a Civic or a Prius, getting an SUV will still afford you a similar advantage.

Consumer reports say that the most efficient SUV out in the US market today is the Ford Escape. Observers also recommend the Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV, because of its wider seating and storage capacity, though it has been found to be less fuel efficient that the Escape.

The Toyota Highlander has also been observed to be more powerful than the Escape. If you have a huge family, the Highlander SUV might be a better choice. But if you’re more into the fuel efficiency factor, then go for the Ford. Don’t take this article’s word for it solely, though. It’s better if you go see for yourself which hybrid SUV type suits your needs better.

Other hybrid SUVS out in the market include the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid SUV and Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV. The Lexus is more pricey and fit for the affluent car consumer, while the Mariner is simply a more upmarket version of the Ford Escape. These two models are for those people who want fuel-efficient SUVs but are still hesitating how much of style and class they want to forego.

Next year, new hybrid SUVS are expected to be out, including the Toyota Sienna Minivan, The Chevrolet Tahoe and the Saturn VUE Hybrid. The Tahoe Hybrid is expected to be 25% more fuel-efficient than the traditional Tahoe car.

Also in the works, but likely to come out at a later time, are the Ford Edge Hybrid, the Cadillac Escalade, the Mazda Tribute, the Honda Pilot, the GMC Yukon, the Porsche Cayenne and the Lincoln MKX.

More people are turning to hybrid cars these days because of their promise of lesser fuel consumption and environmental friendliness. Hybrid SUVs, because they run on both fuel and battery-powered engines, eat up less fuel, thereby sparing the consumer the pain of falling prey to price pressures in the world oil market. In addition, it also emits significantly less smog pollutants in the air, compared to traditional fuel-operated cars.

Some critics say that it is not the time to buy hybrid vehicles because they are expensive. However, when you consider the advantages, you really shouldn’t think twice.

While you must be discerning in choosing the right model for your needs, this doesn’t mean you start hesitating. After all, when more people patronize hybrid cars and hybrid SUVs, manufacturers will see the need to produce more and eventually bring its price at very affordable levels.

With the price of gasoline hiking up to astronomic proportions, a lot of motorists are resorting to different ways to save on fuel. Some of them use alternative diesel. Others resort to using bikes, which can also contribute to the clean air program.

Some who cannot do away with their rides, however, chose to buy hybrid vehicles.

What exactly is a hybrid car?

Primarily, a gasoline-electric hybrid car is a combination of an electric car and a gasoline-run vehicle. To make things clearer, it is first necessary to distinguish the characteristics of those two kinds.

A gas-powered vehicle is equipped with fuel tanks, which gives gasoline to the engine. The engine operates the transmission, and the transmission operates the wheels.

Meanwhile, an electric car is equipped with a set of batteries which gives electric power to a motor. The motor then operates the transmission and the wheels.

Now the hybrid car is a mix of the two. The reputation of hybrids is that they add to the car’s mileage with fewer emissions usually coming from cars run by gasoline, while eliminating more or less the disadvantages that comes with electric cars.

Motorists usually take three considerations in mind when judging the usability of a vehicle. These are:

-it should run at three-hundred miles at least between fuel stops.

-Should be easily refueled, in the minimum amount of time.

-It should catch up with the other vehicles zooming on the road.

The thing is, a gasoline-powered car has all these features, but it produces lots of emission plus the mileage is poor. On the other hand, an electric car gives off almost zero pollution, but the speed is relatively slow, and can only run 50-100 miles between battery charges.

What are the parts of hybrid cars?

1. Gasoline engine

Compared to the engine of other cars, hybrids use smaller ones and is more technically advanced in order to maximize fuel and lessen emissions.

2. Fuel tank

This serves as the device for hybrids to store energy for the gasoline engine.

3. Electric motor

The motor present in hybrids is a study in sophistication. It can serve as both generator and motor.

4. Generator

Much like an electric motor, but its only purpose is to provide electrical power.

5. Batteries

Acts as the storage device of energy for electric motors. The advantage of hybrid car motors is that they can charge the batteries with energy as well as get energy supply from them.

6. Transmission

Acts the same as conventional car transmissions.

There are two ways in combining the energy sources found in hybrid cars. The first one is the parallel hybrid, which is equipped with a fuel tank that provides gasoline to an engine, and a battery set that supplied energy to the electric motor.

The second one is the series hybrid. In contrast, the generator is powered by the gasoline engine, and the generator is capable of either energizing the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that starts up the transmission.

Hybrid vehicles boast of an all-encompassing operational system. They operate by combining an electricity-run motor, a gasoline engine and maximum-powered batteries. The battery gives off energy for the electric motor and recharges when it recaptures the energy that is usually lost when the car is lessening its acceleration or while it is coasting.

Regenerative breaking is the term for this process. In specific instances, the energy coming from the gas engine can be placed into diversion charge the battery simultaneously. Because of this, there is no need to put hybrid cars in plugs

Let us classify hybrid cars into two categories to better understand the battery functions, the engine and the electric motor, and how they work when put together. There are two kinds of hybrids: the mild hybrids and the full hybrids. Each of these kinds have different approaches when combining the three components.

How Mild Hybrid Cars Work

In this type of hybrid car, the electric motor is only an assistant when it comes to operating the main propulsion. It is the gas engine that gives the major energy needed.

The motor depends on the gas engine to be able to operate. The electric motor is capable of eating up electricity from the batteries, or it can come up with energy for it, but the electric motor cannot do these functions at the same time. This is used for two of Honda’s hybrid models, the Insight and the Civic hybrid.

How Full Hybrid Cars Work

The distinction of the full hybrid from the mild variety is that the electric motor and the gas engine can operate on its own. In most instances, the electric motor can function by itself in low speed, and once it picks up, the gasoline engine automatically takes over. Both the motor and the engine can function together if the car is in hard acceleration.

This combined effort provides the car the power that it needs for that situation. Full hybrid cars can consume and build up electricity simultaneously. The full hybrid setup can be found in models such as the popular Toyota Prius, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and the Escape hybrid from Ford.

For instance, one can look at the way the Toyota Prius works. The Prius runs on a technology called the Hyrbid Synergy Drive, which involves a power split device to combine the energy of the electric motor and the gas engine. The HSD enables a effortless switching of power sources that the car driver would not notice in the slightest while driving.

Unlike the other mild hybrid types, the Prius can be operated by the electric motor alone powered by the battery pack. As a result, a motorist can drive silently for short amounts of time. The Honda hybrids on this level cannot function just by the electric motor.

While speeding up a highway, the Prius utilizes the gas engine as its main operator, and can get assistance from the generator if needed. Then this hybrid car shuts off the gas engine automatically during stops. This contributes greatly in mileage improvement and produces less emission.

To sum up, the main goal of hybrid cars is providing sustainability amid the growing need for better forms of transport. Environmentally-conscious individuals would find heaven with hybrid cars. However, since they are just being introduced in the market, they can come at quite an expense. With increased patronage, it is hoped that more hybrid cars will become accessible to everyone in the future.

Hybrid vehicles operate effortlessly by combining an electricity-run motor, a gasoline engine and maximum-powered batteries. The battery gives off energy for the electric motor and recharges when it recaptures the energy that is usually lost when the car is lessening its acceleration or while it is coasting.

Regenerative breaking is the name coined for this process. If the need arises, the energy coming from the gas engine can be put into diversion to put some charging on the battery at the same instant. Because of this process of charging, hybrid cars do not need to be put in plugs.

It is best to put distinguish hybrid cars into two categories in order to understand better the functions of the batteries, the engine and the electric motor put together. There are two kinds of hybrids: the mild hybrids and the full hybrids. Each of these kinds have different approaches when combining the three components.

1. Mild hybrids

In this type of hybrid car, the electric motor is only an assistant when it comes to operating the main propulsion. It is the gas engine that gives the major energy needed.

In this setup, the motor is dependent on the gas engine for its operation. The electric motor is capable of eating up electricity from the batteries, or it can come up with energy for it, but the electric motor cannot do these functions at the same time. This technology is used for two of Honda’s hybrid models, the Insight and the Civic hybrid.

2. Full hybrids

The distinction of the full hybrid from the mild variety is that the electric motor and the gas engine can operate on its own. In most instances, the electric motor can function by itself in low speed, and once it picks up, the gasoline engine automatically takes over. Both the motor and the engine can function together if the car is in hard acceleration.

This combined effort provides the car the power that it needs for that situation. Full hybrid cars can consume and build up electricity simultaneously. The full hybrid setup can be found in models such as the popular Toyota Prius, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and the Escape hybrid from Ford.

As an example, one can look at the way the Toyota Prius functions. The Prius runs on a technology called the Hyrbid Synergy Drive, which involves a power split device to combine the energy of the electric motor and the gas engine. The HSD enables a effortless switching of power sources that the car driver would not notice in the slightest while driving.

Unlike the other mild hybrid types, the Prius can be operated by the electric motor alone powered by the battery pack. As a result, a motorist can drive silently for short amounts of time. The Honda hybrids on this level cannot function just by the electric motor.

While speeding up a highway, the Prius utilizes the gas engine as its main operator, and can get assistance from the generator if needed. Then this hybrid car shuts off the gas engine automatically during stops. This contributes greatly in mileage improvement and produces less emission.

Honda Cars is planning to build a new plant in western Japan to increase its capacity to produce key components for honda hybrid vehicles. The plant is expected to start operations in 2008. The plant, once fully operational, will allow the car manufacturer giant to quadruple its current honda hybrid vehicles production level.

Last year, honda sold about 50,000 of its hybrid vehicles. Best sellers are the Civic and Accord models. The move of the Japanese owned car manufacturing to expand production was partly, due to the overwhelming acceptance of honda hybrid vehicles in the US market.

The fully redesigned 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid for instance, was awarded the World Car of the Year Award for greenest car. A 46-man jury composed of international automotive journalists paved the way for the award. The 2006 Civic Hybrid, which achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 49/51 miles per gallon, was chosen t be the holder of the 2006 World Green Car Award.

The Civic Hybrid 2006 edition is now equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The equipment allows the honda hybrid vehicle to deactivate all its four cylinders, and now can operate using only the electric motor in several steady-state driving situations.

This character of the civic hybrid is manifested more when compared to the 2006 Civic Sedan with automatic transmission. The civic hybrid provides a city fuel saving of approximately 63 percent increase and a highway fuel saving of approximately 27 percent increase.

By the looks of it, Honda hybrid vehicles shows no abating in receiving awards. In February of this year, the all-new Civic Hybrid Sedan won the MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award, clinching both Best of the Year and Best Small Car awards. The said honda hybrid vehicle was chosen from among 150 cars and trucks by 15 judges. Some factors used in evaluating the winner include technology, performance, technology, practicality and value.

Back with honda civic hybrid, the problem with honda hybrid vehicles designs were finally resolved with the 2006 edition.

According to journalist of the Los Angeles Time, “the Civic Hybrid’s defining characteristic as its sloping windshield.” The writer explained that the slicked-back windshield look is frequently used on concept cars but is eventually discarded in production proper for it creates uncontrollable flat space behind the steering wheel.

Honda hybrid vehicles designers transformed this space into an advantage, and in the process, created a handsome two-tier instrument panel limned in organic shapes.

But there’s more to Honda hybrid vehicles than its design. The 2006 model is more efficient in terms of combustion. It uses eight spark plugs that operate in two modes. This is done with the intake valve firing first and later, the exhaust plug. This allows for a more complete combustion of fuel, therefore a cleaner smoke.

Aside from added and more powerful batteries, the new hybrid offers an improved regenerative braking. It is less dependent on traditional braking. This was made workable with a brake pedal sensor that sends signal to the car’s computer, activating systems that balance braking power between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor. And because the all the cylinders can be deactivated during deceleration, pumping losses are immensely reduced.

This made possible the production of 170 percent more energy for the batteries. The new civic hybrid also uses multiple “load paths” to limit penetration of the car’s structure by absorbing more of the crash energy, in case of accident. The Honda hybrid vehicle has also eight standard air bags, earning for it top safety rankings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2006 hybrid model contains also an optional navigation system with voice control. This include input jack for MP3 player and telescopic steering wheel. Turn signals were also integrated into the sideview mirrors. The model is available in two exclusive paint colors of opal silver blue and magnetic pearl.

The new and improved 2006 honda hybrid vehicle, though, fetches a slightly higher price at $21,850. Or $23,350 when equipped with optional satellite linked navigation system exclusive to the car edition. But in today’s standard, its still a very affordable hybrid vehicle, ad it’s a honda.

According to company officials, Honda is targeting 28,000 sales for this 2006 model before the end of the year. Perhaps, with fuel efficiency above 50, a full-hybrid system, a smooth new design, and price tag thousands below the Toyota Prius-honda hybrid vehicles might finally challenge Toyota in the area of sales.