High gas prices and concerns over the environment have inspired more people than ever to go in search of alternative energy sources. The internal combustion motor is considered to be the biggest air contaminator on the planet. Hybrid vehicles have been gaining attention and favor as a result of these concerns. Most manufacturers either currently offer these cars or are in the process of creating them.

There are two types of hybrid powered vehicles: series gas/electric cars and parallel hybrid vehicles. The parallel kind has a fuel tank for the fuel engine and batteries for the electric motor. Both the power plant and the electric motor can turn the transmission and power the vehicle. The small fuel engine runs the automobile and the electric motor comes on when needed to boost power. This is typically needed for increasing speed, merging and passing other cars and trucks. Honda currently uses this technology.

Series hybrids have a gas power plant that powers the generator. The generator then charges the batteries and powers the electric motor. The gas engine doesn’t performance the vehicle on its own. The electric motor runs all the time and the fuel motor comes on only when needed. This automobile gets better mileage around town, where the electric motor is doing most of the work. Ford and Toyota currently use this technology.

Hybrid cars get significantly better gasoline mileage than the traditional internal combustion motor. Most get between 20 and 30 miles per gallon more than standard automobiles. All gas/electric cars shut off the gasoline power plant automatically when the auto is stopped. This saves fuel and is better for the environment. When you press the gas pedal, the motor turns back on automatically. The gasoline engine will also come on to start charging the batteries when they become low on power.

Because less gas is burned in these cars, trucks and suvs, there is less pollution causing emissions released into the atmosphere. In addition, there is a lower level of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Many scientists and environmentalists link carbon dioxide to global warming.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com