Michelle McClendon
Argosy University Online
Contemporary Applications of the Sciences| SCI215
M3_A2

“A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a fuel based power source for vehicle propulsion. These vehicles use much less fuel than their counterparts and produce less emissions. Hybrid vehicles recharge their batteries by capturing kinetic energy through regenerative braking. Some hybrids use the combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning a generator to either recharge the battery or directly feed power to an electric motor that drives the vehicle. This takes place when cruising or in other situations where just light thrust is needed.” (Orloff)
Hybrid Car Advantages

Clean energy. An electric motor together with a gas powered engine make a vehicle that

has lower emissions and better gas mileage. It conserves energy while having the power

of a standard engine. Performance improvements. New technologies allow hybrids the

same kind of performance as normal cars, and they are continuing to develop, improving

efficiency, getting better mileage, and reducing emissions even further. Incentives.

Varying from state to state and federally, hybrids may come with a tax benefit and

savings in the form of much less money spent on fuel. Regenerative braking. Each time

you brake, the battery is recharged a little, eliminating the need for stopping to recharge

the battery periodically. Lower fossil fuel dependence. Because hybrids are much

cleaner and require less fossil fuel to run them, they ultimately help to reduce the

dependence on foreign oil and do their part to lower prices domestically. Lighter weight.

Because hybrids are constructed using lighter materials, the car does not have to expend

as much energy to do the same task. A smaller engine. Again, a smaller engine means

a lighter one, and because there is less cylinder displacement, the engine does not have

to work as hard, and a hybrid uses far less fuel in the process. Higher resale values.

As more and more people are turning to hybrid vehicles to help save money on annual

fuel bills and protect the environment, used hybrid vehicles are commanding higher than

average resale values. Many popular fuel-efficient vehicles such as cars made by Honda

and Toyota have always enjoyed high resale values, and the hybrid versions of vehicles

made by these manufacturers are demanding even higher selling prices. So, in the event

you need to sell a hybrid vehicle, it is safe to assume that you will be able to recoup

much more of your investment than you would with a standard gasoline engine powered

vehicle.

Hybrid Car Disadvantages

Lower power output. These vehicles are built for economy, not for speed. The gasoline

engine (which is the car's primary source of power) is much smaller than in comparable

vehicles. If you need more acceleration than the conventional engine can provide, the

electric motor assists in getting the car going. However, even with extra help, the total

power output of the hybrid platform is often less than that of a comparable gas powered

car. Poor handling. Hybrids as a rule don't handle as well as conventionally-powered

vehicles. The reason for this is centered around the issue of weight. Extra weight results

in a loss of fuel efficiency, so manufacturers tend to cut weight wherever possible.

Hybrids generally have less bracing and support in the suspension and body, and they

use lighter-duty components than in cars that are more performance-focused. Higher

center of gravity. A car's center of gravity and weight distribution has a huge effect on

how it drives. Vehicle manufacturers do their best to distribute the weight as well as they

can, but it's just not possible to mitigate this factor completely. Hybrids are usually front-

wheel drive, and the easiest and safest place for the batteries tend to be in the rear of

the car. This distributes weight away from the drive wheels which tends to have a

negative effect on performance. Sticker shock. The price difference of hybrid cars

versus standard vehicles is considerable. In many cases, the hybrid electric version of a

vehicle may cost between $5000 and $10,000 more than the standard version. Many

consumers will simply not be able to afford the price difference in the two types of

vehicles regardless of how much money may or may not be saved with the better fuel

efficiency of hybrid vehicles. Higher maintenance costs. Hybrid vehicles also cost more

to repair because of the complexity of the dual compulsion system used in most hybrid

vehicles. Not all mechanics are trained or equipped to work on hybrid vehicles and repair

bills will be larger than with standard ICE vehicles. Also, because of the increased weight

of hybrid vehicles, you can expect to replace tires and brakes more frequently as well.

Identify the top five most popular choices of hybrid cars. Toyota Prius –“With a price starting $24,200, the 2014 Toyota Prius has a four-cylinder engine andelectric motor. Reviewers say the Prius is hardly a rocket, but there’s enough power for getting around town, and that transitions between gas and electric power are very smooth. All models have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Prius gets an
EPA-estimated 51/48 mpg city/highway, which is excellent, even among hybrid cars. Though the ride is comfortable, test drivers report that the Prius has numb steering and squishy brakes, and isn’t very engaging to drive. However, many of them are willing to overlook the bland handling because of its excellent fuel economy. Some reviewers are impressed with the Prius’ interior, saying it has a classy design and is made with quality materials, but others think the use of hard

plastics makes the cabin feel cheap. Auto writers say the front seats are sufficiently comfy and the back seat

offers ample legroom and a decent amount of headroom. The Prius has a good amount of cargo space

compared with other hybrid cars. Standard features include a six-speaker CD audio system with a 6.1-inch

touch-screen display, a USB port, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, dynamic radar cruise control, lane

keep assist and Toyota’s Safety Connect telematics system, which includes automatic collision notification,

a stolen vehicle locator, an emergency SOS button and roadside assistance. Other options include a head-up

display, navigation, a backup camera, satellite radio, a moonroof with solar panels that power the

ventilation system and an eight-speaker JBL audio system. Reviewers note that the touch-screen display is

pleasingly hi-tech and that audio and climate controls are clearly marked, but they say some switchgear is

hard to reach from the driver’s seat.” (Cobb)

Ford Fusion –“With a price starting at $26, 270 The 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid has a four-cylinder

gas engine, electric motor and continuously variable transmission. At 47/47 mpg city/highway, the Fusion

Hybrid has some of the best fuel economy ratings in the class. Critics are impressed with how quiet the

powertrain is, adding that the transition between power sources is nearly undetectable. Most test drivers say

the Fusion Hybrid has plenty of power from a stop and in city driving, though some warn that highway

passing maneuvers require some planning. Reviewers are divided on the car’s handling, with some saying

it’s composed in turns, and others saying it’s floaty. Most test drivers think the steering has good road feel.

The Fusion Hybrid’s regenerative brakes are disliked for being too grabby. The Ford Fusion Hybrid has

eight standard air bags and a standard post-crash alert system, which automatically flashes the lights and

sounds the horn in the event of an accident. The Fusion Hybrid is also available with inflatable rear

seatbelts, which is a unique safety feature for the class. The 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid’s cabin receives

mostly positive comments from critics, who say it has a stylish design and is filled with high-end materials,

though some think the simple cabin design looks boring. Reviewers agree that the Fusion Hybrid has lots of

passenger space and that the seats are comfortable. The trunk is on par size-wise with the trunks in

competing hybrid sedans, and test drivers like that there is a pass-through and that the back seat folds down

to accommodate longer items. Standard features include automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate

control, a six-speaker CD audio system, an auxiliary audio jack and Ford’s voice-controlled Sync with

MyFord system, which includes Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, 911 Assist and a feature that

reads incoming text messages over the speakers while you’re driving. Available features include a rearview

camera, backup sensors, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane

keeping assist, active park assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield

wipers, remote start, proximity key, navigation, a 12-speaker Sony audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio

and Ford’s Sync with MyFord Touch touch-screen infotainment system.” (Cobb)

Toyota Camry Hybrid- “With a starting price of $26,875 Reviewers are impressed by the

amount of power generated by the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s four-cylinder engine and electric motor, saying

it’s surprisingly peppy for a hybrid sedan. They also say the continuously variable transmission is refined,

and that transitions between electric and gas power are imperceptible. According to the EPA, the Camry

Hybrid gets up to 43/39 mpg city/highway, which is excellent for a midsize car, but not as good as what

hybrids like the Toyota Prius get. Steering is responsive and the ride is comfortable, quiet and controlled,

review erssay. Most test drivers say the regenerative brakes have a nice pedal feel, which is a rare

compliment for a hybrid. The Camry Hybrid comes standard with 10 air bags, including driver and front

passenger knee air bags, which is notable for the class.” (Cobb)

Honda Accord Hybrid- “With a starting price of $29,387 The Honda Accord Hybrid has a four-

cylinder engine, electric motor and continuously variable transmission. Test drivers say the Accord Hybrid

has plenty of power, particularly from a stop, and they like how quiet and conventional-feeling the CVT is.

A few say it pauses when asked to deliver more power. The 2014 Accord Hybrid’s start-stop feature

receives praise for how seamless it is. Some reviewers say the transition between gas and electric power is

so flawless you can’t tell it even made the switch. At an EPA-estimated 50/45 mpg city/highway, the

Honda Accord Hybrid’s fuel economy is amazing for the class. Critics agree that the Accord Hybrid has

balanced handling, saying it feels a bit sporty on a winding road, which they like. Some reviewers think the

steering is accurate while others think it feels a bit numb. The Accord Hybrid’s brakes are strong without

feeling touchy, which test drivers like. The inside of the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is filled with good-

looking premium materials, according to reviewers. They agree that the Accord Hybrid offers plenty of

passenger space and gives the driver a great view of the road and his or her surroundings. Standard features

on the Honda Accord Hybrid include Bluetooth, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a

USB input, an 8-inch infotainment screen, Pandora Internet radio compatibility, hands-free text messaging

capability and Honda LaneWatch (which uses a camera mounted under the passenger side mirror to show

the driver what’s in his or her right side blind spot via the 8-inch screen). Available features include

navigation, a touch-screen interface, HondaLink smartphone app integration, a seven-speaker premium

audio system, satellite radio, a moonroof, a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane

departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Some critics wish you could see more data and info when

driving in EV mode on the gauges, but overall, they like the amount of fuel economy info that’s displayed.”

(Cobb)

Chevrolet Volt- “With a starting price of $33,159 The Chevrolet Volt is powered by a pair of

electric motors and a gasoline engine that serves as a backup generator for the motors when the battery is

depleted. Reviewers say the powertrain provides ample power in all situations. Running only on electricity,

the Volt achieves an EPA-estimated 98 mpg-equivalent, which is on par with other plug-in hybrids’

estimates. When the gas engine kicks in, it is rated at 35/40 mpg city/highway, which is a bit less than other

plug-in hybrids’ fuel economy. However, compared with those rivals, the Volt has a substantially farther

electric-only driving range of 38 miles per fully-charged battery. Despite its high-tech hybrid powertrain,

the Volt scores points with reviewers for driving much like a regular car, with composed handling and

responsive steering. Reviewers say the 2014 Volt has a modern-looking interior constructed with high-

quality materials. The Volt seats up to four people, and many test drivers say that the front seats are

comfortable, but the rear seats offer little headroom and legroom. Some critics also note that, for a

hatchback, the Volt doesn't offer much cargo space. However, its cargo bay is similarly-sized to other plug-

in hybrids’. Reviewers say that the touch-sensitive controls on the center stack are sometimes difficult to

use. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, a six-speaker stereo

and automatic climate control. Optional features include navigation, a backup camera, rear parking sensors

and an energy-efficient Bose stereo system, which reviewers say delivers crisp, clear sound.” (Cobb)

• Determine which type of car would work best for you and your family. Justify your decision based on your analysis of the five hybrid cars.

• Explain the impact these cars will have on the United States’ economy. Consider the following issues in your analysis: consumer buying, sustainability, recycling, and fuel economy.

• Evaluate the impact that hybrid-car technology has had or could have on the United States’ political relationships with oil-producing countries. Be sure to include an analysis of economic issues such as production, supply, and trade.

Cobb, Jeff May 13, 2013. http://www.hybridcars.com/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review-video/

Retrieved From: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Ford_Fusion-Hybrid/2014/specs/ 04/21/2014

Retrieved From: http://www.carsdirect.com/green-cars/major-pros-and-cons-of-buying-used-hybrid-cars 04/21/2014

Orloff, Jeffery, Hybrid Vehicle, http://saveenergy.about.com/od/fuelingyourautomobile/g/Hybrid.htm