The Car Connection.com: Previews of 2006 Hybrid Marques
Paul A.Eisenstein explains the reasoning behind the development of the "Hybrid vehicle" and previews the features of some of the 2006 automobiles. 'The concept behind the hybrid is simple: recapture energy normally wasted during braking and coasting and store it in a modest-sized battery. When the hybrid needs a burst of power, that energy can be used to run an electric motor paired up with the vehicle's internal combustion engine. Some hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, can also operate in electric-only mode, though only at slow speeds and for relatively short distances. Then there are so-called "mybrids," or "mild hybrids," such as the hybrid version of Chevrolet's big Silverado. Its battery stores only a minimal amount of energy and doesn't provide much of a boost in range, but the pickup does have the ability to serve as a mobile, 110-volt generator for a work or campsite.'