How Hybrids Get Great Fuel Economy

How to get the best mpg

Since the recession. Americans seem to be much more accustomed to trimming their budgets and looking for ways to pinch pennies. One of the most common expenses that gets scrutinized is the money that people spend on gas, which seems to be getting increasingly expensive — even though it’s something that millions of Americans depend on every single day. People can turn to public transport, but more and more people are also looking into hybrid or electric cars.

As of now, a fully electric car doesn’t really seem to be a priority for many Americans, likely due to confusion or misunderstandings about how they run, how charging works, and they are a bit pricey. Hybrids are emerging as a sort of half step between traditional internal combustion engine cars and the completely electric ones — both in technology and in price.

But how do hybrids get such great fuel economy? Hybrid fuel economy is so good because hybrids don’t just run from one power source — they run from two. This is why they are called hybrid cars. There is a gasoline source that any driver is familiar with — this is what a person puts in the car at the pump. Car owners should also keep up with the Mileage Interval Service their car needs to maintain fuel efficiency.

The second source of power is the hybrid battery, which the engine runs from some of the time. The hybrid car batteries work is referred to as “regenerative braking,” that is, when the driver applies the brakes, some of the energy created by the battery goes back into it. This means that hybrid cars are not always burning fuel all the time, saving the owner on gas. The car switches between the two power sources so seamlessly that it’s nearly impossible to notice when it happens.

Do you have any questions about how hybrid batteries work? Let us know in the comments.

Remanufactured Hybrid Batteries Are a Less Expensive Replacement Option

Honda insight ima battery

Now that hybrid cars have been on the road for long enough, we all know at least three things. We know that they get great fuel economy. We know that they are better for the environment. The other thing we know about hybrid cars is that one of the things that is essential to their function is prone to failure. Research finds that though hybrid battery warranties are eight years, they can last as few as six. If you’re a hybrid owner you know that the thought of hybrid battery failure is pretty scary because you don’t know when it will fail and because you know the cost of hybrid battery replacement can run you a few thousand dollars.

One less expensive option in the event of hybrid battery failure is to get a remanufactured hybrid battery. Remanufactured hybrid batteries are significantly cheaper than buying a brand new one from your dealership.

When something is remanufactured — which happens with a lot of electronics like lap tops, cell phones, and other handheld devices — the parts are all tested and inspected. The parts that do not pass inspection or are worn are replaced. The battery is then put back together in better condition. Remanufactured hybrid batteries are not new, but all of the parts should be in working order.

Reduce the Cost of Maintaining Your Hybrid Car Purchase Replacement Batteries Online

Hybrid car battery replacement

There are a number of benefits to purchasing a hybrid vehicle in the United States. The first is the power of hybrid fuel economy: hybrid vehicles are an estimated 20 to 30% more fuel efficient than a traditional gas-powered vehicle. The second benefit is the vehicle’s reduced impact on the environment, as the typical hybrid vehicle decreases harmful gas emissions by 25 to 35% on average. The third benefit is the value of hybrid vehicles: although hybrid vehicles cost an average of 15 to 25% more than traditional vehicles, studies show that driving the vehicle for a long period of time recoups the cost of the vehicle several times over. Moreover, the United States offers a number of tax incentives for purchasing a hybrid vehicle, and can save hybrid drivers up to $3,400 in taxes. Because of this, an increasing number of drivers are purchasing hybrid vehicles, with an estimated 209,216 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles sold during 2012. However, there is at least one limitation to purchasing a hybrid vehicle: the cost of batteries for hybrid cars often means an expensive trip to the dealership. Fortunately, there are alternative retailers that can help make maintaining your hybrid car easy and affordable.

Hybrid car batteries are a vital part of the vehicle’s system, allowing the automobile to transition seamlessly between fuel and battery use and making the ride as smooth and easy as a traditional gas-powered vehicle. Unfortunately, their usage is limited: while many hybrid batteries come with an 8 year/ 100,000 mile warranty, research shows that the lifespan of a hybrid battery can be as low as 6 years. With the cost of batteries for hybrid cars ranging anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000 on average, this can make maintaining a hybrid car an expensive prospect.

Fortunately, by purchasing a hybrid car battery from an independent retailer rather than having it replaced by a dealership, it is possible to save several thousand dollars to ensure that your car will continue to perform effectively and efficiently. While ordering from these retailers will require a certain amount of determination, as you will have to replace the battery yourself or hire a mechanic to complete the project, many feel that the savings are worth the work. If you have a hybrid car or are considering buying one, don’t let the cost of batteries for hybrid cars hold you back: instead, purchase your batteries from a reputable independent retailer! Read more here.