Hybrid Fuel Vehicles

Hybrid fuel vehicles are vehicles that use two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.

Both a gas engine and an electric motor power hybrid fuel vehicles. The energy used by the electric motors is stored in rechargeable batteries. The vehicle�s computer system chooses the best energy source to use at different times to maximize efficiency as well as provide satisfactory levels of safety and comfort.

Hybrid fuel vehicles often appear in greenest vehicles ratings lists released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. They don�t necessarily cost more than traditional fossil fuel powered models. Wear and tear is smaller and manufacturers sometimes provide higher mileage warranty. As the number of hybrid fuel vehicles on the road increase, maintenance and repair costs at dealer service centers are likely to go down.

Recent research carried out amongst senior automotive executives by KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, found that hybrid fuel vehicles are being given top priority amongst alternative fuel technologies (85 per cent), followed by battery electric power (68 percent), fuel cell electric power (63 percent), and biodiesel (42 percent). Consumer demand is forcing automakers to satisfy the growing preference for cleaner vehicles and hybrid fuel vehicles are spearheading the trend.