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Like most cars, a hybrid car's power output is measured in horsepower. And since hybrid car engines tend to be smaller than most standard car engines, hybrid cars are underpowered -- right? Maybe not.
The hybrid cars that we're familiar with use nickel metal hydride battery packs. But the next generation of hybrids, like the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, will use Li-ion battery cells. What's the difference?
For more than a decade now, people have debated the economic impact of hybrid vehicles. Will the fuel savings offset the difference in sticker price? What about expensive repair bills? What's the answer?
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Once upon a time, an eco-friendly car buyer could go green and save money on taxes at the same time. You could still do that -- to an extent -- but the rules have changed.
Several energy experts have made headlines for suggesting that lessening U.S. dependence on foreign oil via the purchase of electric cars is the patriotic thing to do. That may be true, but what about hybrid cars?
Motor vehicles emit several different pollutants, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. But just how much pollution do cars produce?
Imagine a day when you could go out to the garage and add more power to your vehicle in a matter of minutes. It could be possible with a modular hybrid. Never heard of one? This could be what's next with hybrid vehicles.
By Josh Briggs
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That smell of a new car never seems to get old. But the car itself will. When it does and it's time to sell it, you may not get much for that old conventional vehicle. But will you do better with a hybrid?
By Josh Briggs
Though all hybrid vehicles reduce gas consumption and get great mileage, they don’t all have the same types of engine. Let's take a look at some of the different technologies that make hybrids run.
Does it cost more to maintain a hybrid car than a conventional gasoline-fueled car? Not really, but you could run into big trouble if your hybrid breaks down without a warranty.
You probably know that a hybrid car uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. But greater complexity often translates into less efficiency. So how does this combination of power sources actually cut fuel use?
By John Kelly
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You may save money on gas by driving a hybrid, but buying one isn't cheap. Is the insurance for these vehicles also pricey?
Hybrid cars have arrived, with more models hitting the market each year. But not all hybrids are the same, and knowing which one best fits your needs will help you make an educated purchase.
By John Kelly
So, you're getting a little bored with vehicles with four, two or even three wheels? How about a motorized vehicle with just one wheel? A monowheel just might give you the thrill you're looking for.
There's no doubt that Ferrari has cultivated a reputation of race-bred engineering combined with old-school dedication to craftsmanship. But how long does the build process take from beginning to end?
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Amphibious cars are often laughed at and thought of as steady-but-slow vintage entrants in July 4th lake parades across the country. However, the WaterCar Python is raising amphibious car status.
By Eric Baxter
Gentlemen, start your checkbooks! These classic cars each have a history all their own and a price tag to blow your mind. The starting point is $6.9 million if you want one of these beauties parked in your garage.
There are more than 2,800 small airports scattered throughout the United States -- and they're vastly underused. Maybe these small, relatively affordable (and roadable) planes can put them to good use?
A public road, in a notoriously buttoned-up country, where people can drive as fast as their engines and nerves will allow. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? Learn about 10 vehicles that have been pushed to their limits on this fabled road.
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The Audi R8 straddles the line between high-priced supercar and luxurious daily driver. Essentially, you're getting Lamborghini-like performance at Porsche 911 Turbo prices.
By now you're probably familiar with the basics of how a hybrid vehicle works. But how knowledgeable are you when it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicle operation -- specifically charging?
It seems that plug-in hybrids are the next logical step in hybrid vehicle technology. But, are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) truly better than regular hybrids?
It wasn't long ago when gas-electric hybrid cars were the latest innovation on the roads. Now, automakers are shifting their attention to plug-in hybrid vehicles. Can buying one save you money on your taxes?
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Electric car charging networks are operational in several parts of the world. However, they're mainly for demonstration only, at this point. When might a charging network be available in your neighborhood?
Is designing a car a science or an art? Actually, it's both. But sometimes the final product is simply too bizarre, expensive, impractical (or even dangerous) to gain much public interest.