| With gas prices rising and big vehicle sales waning, | | | | rechargeable batteries store the energy used by the |
| consumers are turning to the next best thing, hybrid | | | | electric motor. The driver doesn't have to worry |
| cars. Lines are forming as consumers demand hybrid | | | | about which energy source to use to maximize |
| cars, but manufacturers say a shortage of power | | | | efficiency, since a computer system determines |
| train components and batteries are creating limited | | | | when to switch systems. These hybrids use less |
| availability of hybrids. Overcautious forecasting on the | | | | gasoline since they also use electricity as a fuel. Some |
| part of automakers may also be to blame. | | | | future hybrids may be plug-ins, with the ability to be |
| What makes it a hybrid? A hybrid car has two or | | | | recharged at home. |
| more on-board energy sources and most often | | | | All the others. |
| features electric power combined with at least one | | | | Other hybrids have alternative fuel tanks that use |
| other energy source. Electronically Controlled | | | | traditional gasoline and another fuel, like compressed |
| Continuously Variable Transmission technology allows | | | | natural gas (CNG). Although not renewable, CNG is |
| management of transitioning back and forth to each | | | | cheaper and is readily available. More similar to |
| energy source, and a regenerative braking system | | | | conventional gas engine cars, flexible fuel vehicles |
| recharges the battery when the car slows. | | | | have a single fuel system which can run on two |
| Mild hybrid cars are defined by a primary reliance on | | | | separate fuels like gasoline and E85, or a blended fuel. |
| gas engine power for propulsion, with electric power | | | | A more environmentally friendly option is removing |
| secondary. Full hybrid cars rely on electric power for | | | | gas engine power altogether. French manufacturer |
| propulsion and the secondary gas engine for power | | | | Venturi is in the process of developing a car that |
| and acceleration. | | | | features two alternative fuel sources, solar |
| How does it work? The typical hybrid utilizes a | | | | photovoltaic cells and electric power. |
| gasoline engine and an electric motor, and | | | | |