Hybrid Pickups: More Work For Less Gas by Ernest Jarquio

Hybrid electric vehicles, such as hybrid pickups, are considered to be among the most fuel-efficient modes of transport. Automobiles equipped with the latest hybrid electric technology feature a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The best thing about this electric motor is that it can be modified or configured for a variety of purposes, such as boosting and improving the performance of fuel economy, and providing electrical power to alternative loads such as energy tools.

Greater Gas Mileage

Hybrid pickups and other electric vehicles are normally propelled by internal combustion engine just like conventional automobiles. In hybrids however, the energy that is usually lost or wasted during car processes like braking and coasting are converted to a potential source of car power. This energy is stored in the car’s battery and will only be utilized by the car’s electric motor when needed.

What then is the function of an electric motor? It is primarily used to provide support to the engine when the car is accelerating or traveling up a slope. Under low-speed situations, the electric motor gives assistance to the internal combustion engine because it is less efficient.

Unlike other traditional electric vehicles, hybrid pickups do not need to be plugged to an external electrical outlet or resource for the battery to be recharged. Instead, regenerative braking and gasoline are what most hybrid pickups need to fully operate.

New Hybrid Pickups and Cars

For next year, several hybrid pickup and car manufacturers have already released their brand new products or models. Here are some of them:

First is the Ford Escape Hybrid, a sports utility vehicle having a 4-cylinder engine and a CVT or continuously variable transmission, all available on both four-wheel and front-wheel drives.

Another type of hybrid pickup or vehicle that will be available next year is the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Like the Ford Escape Hybrid, it is also a sports utility vehicle that has 4-cylinder engine. The only difference is that its CVT or continuously variable transmission is available only in four-wheel and two-wheel drive.

Also joining this list is the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, another sports utility vehicle that has a four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission both available in the four-wheel and front-wheel drive. The features of this particular hybrid pickup are almost the same as the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Lastly, Lexus LS 600h L is a midsize hybrid pickup or car designed to have an eight-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is one of the most anticipated car releases because of its state-of-the-art features. However, this particular hybrid pickup and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid are both not yet certified by IRS so it means that they are not yet eligible for credits in terms of taxation or tax payments.

Related News

Almost three years ago, Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger authorized the law in California to allow all car lanes to be opened for hybrid pickups or gasoline-hybrid vehicles that can reach distances of up to forty-five miles per gallon, which draws a specific technical demarcation. However, only a relatively small number of hybrid vehicles qualify for this 45 mpg rule as of this time.

This includes the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. Hybrid pickups produced by Ford and those of General Motors missed the cut being employed by this law because they can only reach distances of thirty-six miles per gallon. Overall, this caused a certain constraint on other hybrid automobile products - but it is also an incentive for them to lift their game in future releases.

About the Author

Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid pickups, BMW hybrid car and Chevrolet hybrid.