Change up to a hybrid

Hybrid cars have become much more the norm these days.  There are so many models and makes to choose from – you’re not just restricted to the Toyota Prius anymore.

Yet there’s still a little scepticism about making the move from your conventional car.  Mostly, this is because these low emission cars are still a little mysterious to the uninitiated – how do they work and why are they better for the planet?

It’s actually very simple. Hybrid technology has been developed so that hybrid cars run on a dual power source – the internal combustion engine that you find in any regular car alongside an electric motor.  The electric motor’s battery is charged as you travel, and gets much of its energy through a process called regenerative braking.  Kinetic energy produced during braking is stored and then used to charge the electric motor’s battery.

As you accelerate in a hybrid, the electric motor kicks in to assist the engine.  Doing so means there is less strain on the engine, and consequently, less fuel is burned.  Lower fuel consumption leads to a lower output of carbon dioxide emissions.  So the hybrid scores highly in terms of being cheaper to run as you’re burning less fuel, and being better for the environment as you’re producing fewer emissions than in a conventional car.

In terms of power and speed, the hybrid is comparable to a conventional car. One additional bonus is that hybrids are quieter – as the engine doesn’t work so hard. Also, the engine gets less wear and tear, so lasts longer than a regular engine.

The Female Factor

For any woman who is a mother, it’s important to know that your lifestyle contributes to the health of your children and their children in the future. And even if you’re not a mother, doesn’t it feel good to know that you can drive a car that helps protect the planet for future generations to come?