2005 - The Year of the Hybrid

Stellar Fuel Efficiency, Low Emissions, and More Power

Back in the late 1990's, when the first commercial gas-electric hybrid cars hit the roadways, they were oddities seemingly driven by maverick environmentalists. (The Prius was introduced in Japan in 1997, then to the US in 2000; while the ultra streamlined Honda Insight was the first commercially available hybrid in the US in 1999.) Eventually, everyday people started to catch on and interest in the vehicles climbed. After all, who wouldn't want a more fuel efficient vehicle? And so the hybrid fan base grew and the manufacturers rose to the occasion to meet that demand. It didn't hurt when a few Hollywood types ditched their stretch limos on Oscar night in favor of pulling up to the red carpet in brand new Priuses. Step up to late Fall of 2004 and early 2005, and consumers will have an impressive new selection of hybrids from which to choose.

Why do we think 2005 will be The Year of the Hybrid? We can sum it up in two words: Power and SUV. There's something reassuring about how auto manufacturers are helping Americans have their cake and eat it too by offering up more fuel-efficient SUVs. Let's face it, America's love affair with the SUV shows no sign of waning. Yet, just like we all have to admit that we can't eat as many french fries as we did when we were teenagers, we can't live in denial that the SUV has a fat appetite for gasoline. And then there's the power argument. Despite the crowd pleasing fuel efficiency standards offered by hybrids, there was still the complaint that they lacked juice, or horsepower. The Year of the Hybrid will officially dispel that myth too. No longer considered the quintessential mild mannered "Berkeley college professor's vehicle," 2005's hybrids will appeal to those of us (and there are more of us than we care to admit) who absolutely demand a lot of horsepower. As if overcompensating for being picked on when they were little, 2005's hybrids are coming out with more horsepower than their gas-only counterparts (i.e. the much anticipated Honda Accord Hybrid.)

Though hybrids tend to be more expensive than their gas- or diesel-only powered cousins, the savings in fuel (and sometimes in taxes) can more than offset this difference in the long run. Besides, as has already been proven in the marketplace, many auto buyers are willing to pay a premium for something that makes them feel so good about owning a car.

What is a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars derive their main power from a battery, which drives an electric motor to power the vehicle. These batteries are charged by small on-board gas or diesel powered generators. In some configurations, the generator is able to assist the electric motor in totally powering the vehicle should the need arise.

How Does a Hybrid Engine Save Fuel?

Typically, hybrid engines are small-displacement, low horsepower engines. These are inherently fuel efficient, but become even more so when they are not required to idle. In addition, hybrid vehicles make use of low weight components and a system that recovers power from the momentum of the vehicle when braking.

Be sure to read this season's reviews to learn more!