Hidden Dangers in Hybrid Cars

About Hybrid Cars

There are different types of hybrid cars in the current market. Recently, the most common are the series and parallel hybrids. Both types rely on electricity and gasoline with some differences. The series hybrid utilizes gasoline to start and stop the car, with the electric engine taking over once the vehicle has achieved a certain speed. Simply driving and accelerating continually charge the larger, specially designed powerful battery. Unlike a conventional engine, the power to get the wheels of the vehicle turning relies on electric power alone. This type of hybrid is ideal for stop and go traffic type situations, and has been considered a choice for buses and taxis.

On the other hand, a parallel hybrid combines the use of an electrical and gasoline engine. Both are used to start and stop the car and generate the power that drives the wheels, but the electric engine is used a lot to boost the power when needed. These types of hybrids use a smaller-sized battery pack. Simply braking the vehicle keeps the battery charged. This type of hybrid is better suited for long distance travel since its engine is directly connected to the wheels, giving a good advantage on highway situations.

There is also a third hybrid option on the market that combines the series and parallel technology. At lower speeds, the vehicle operates more like a series vehicle, while at higher speeds, the engine takes over with little loss of energy. However, due the vehicle’s need to have a generator, it needs a larger battery pack, along with a computer system to control the dual style system. Current hybrids of this type are the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid.

Future Hybrid Cars

The future of hybrid and alternative fueled cars looks to a bright future. Currently in concept or possible development are the following:

• Electric cars that do not use any type of fuel engine. General Motors is boasting it may release a vehicle like this in 2013.
• Alternative fueled vehicles that use hydrogen, ethanol, bio-diesel, propane and natural gas.
• Solar-powered vehicles. This can been a concept that has been experimented with for many years, but a practical way to use it has not been discovered yet.

Hidden Dangers in Hybrid Cars

Concerned about the hidden dangers in hybrid cars? Here are some issues you need to be aware of:

• The technology used to build hybrid cars is relatively new. Although these vehicles can be thoroughly tested, there can be unforeseen issues regarding their reliability, durability and maintenance.

• Hybrid vehicles have a lot of delicate instrumentation, making them more complex to fix. They need specialized mechanics to work with them since the many of the parts are electrical in nature.

• If the hybrid vehicle is in an accident, it may be difficult for police and fire department to determine if the vehicle is safe to approach to save accident victims. Using the jaws of life in the wrong place could be deadly.

• Since hybrid vehicles utilize a lot of electrical power, a malfunction could cause electric jolts of more than 500 volts, which can be fatal.

• The battery pack of a hybrid since it is located in the back of the vehicle can be potential shock hazard as well as a hazardous material problem.

Final Thought

The concern over global warming and pollution has moved the auto industry into producing vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and less taxing on the environment. While there are a few hidden dangers in hybrid cars, as the technology improves and we are educated on the potential hazards, the issues we have will diminish. Hybrid vehicles are new step into helping improve the quality of life on the earth.