The rising oil prices will have anybody fretting and praying for a miracle so that they did not have to spend that kind of money on fuel. If at all, anybody can answer those prayers, it is our own automobile industry. The only viable solution to this impending crisis could be in the form of manufacturing more fuel efficient Hybrid Cars. Many automobile manufacturers have taken an initiative by launching fuel-efficient hybrid cars that are environment friendly as well.



Hybrid would clearly mean a combination of two technologies, using best features of the two to deliver momentum directly or indirectly. Hybrid technology has existed for a long time in the form of mopeds that unite the energy of a gasoline engine and the pedal power; locomotives that are diesel-electric hybrids; mining trucks and diesel-electric buses in Seattle and other cities which run alternately on diesel and electricity; Submarines which are nuclear-electric combination and a lot more. The latest offering in the hybrid technology is the hybrid car that is combination of gasoline engine with electric motors.

The normal gasoline car runs on gasoline engines that run the car. These car gives us speed, easy refuel facility and long running between the refills. However, did anybody think about the harm these cars causes to our environment and to our wallets? The electric car can be an answer to those concerns. In an electric car, batteries supply electricity to an electric motor, which in turn runs the car. However, the electric cars have some limitations. They do not offer speed as the normal gasoline cars and these cars are not good for long drives because they would require recharging after 80-100 miles.

The hybrid car is a combination of the advantages of the two and takes care of their limitations. All hybrid cars contain a gasoline engine, an electric engine, a generator (mostly on series hybrids), fuel storage container, batteries and a transmission. It covers up the limitations of speed of an electric car while using its fuel efficiency and quality of discharge of less harmful substances.

All the major automobile companies are offering hybrid cars. This clearly indicates its future. Major examples are; Silverado Pick-up and Sierra Pick-up from GM, SUV mini-Escape car from Ford; Malibu, Yukon and Tahoe also from GM; Saturn Vue or Chevy Equinox and several models from Honda. French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen has two diesel-electric hybrid cars in the making.

Hybrid is not a fashion statement or a trail product. With so many makers jumping into the market, we are coming across never-before models in Hybrid cars. Latest statistics indicate a steep rise in sale as well as demand for of these cars. So, are you still thinking?