2010 Hybrid cars - 6th post

2009 Mercury Mariner

4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 400 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: 2wd: $29,750 4wd: $31,500

Features
Front dual reclining bucket seats
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, 6-Disc CD changer, MP3 player
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Automatic climate control system
Dual foldable power external rearview mirrors
Side guard door beams; Crash sensors
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Front and rear side head curtain airbags

Specifications
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 133hp @ 6000rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, regenerative braking system
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in alloy wheels with SBRP235/70TR16 BSW all-season tires

2009 Mazda Tribute

4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: 4-speed auto; 5-speed manual
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31
range per fillup: 465 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: fwd: $28,175 4wd: $29,925 Mazda Tribute Hybrid

Features
Folding 60/40 rear seats w/ removable cushions
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, CD with 4 speakers
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Tire pressure monitoring system
Heated door mirrors
Rollover Stability Control (RSC)
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Side curtain airbags for first and second rows

Specifications
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 153hp @ 5800rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes,Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in aluminum alloy wheels with 235/70R16 all season T-rated tires

Readmore »» 2010 Hybrid cars - 6th post

2010 Hybrid cars - 5th post

2010 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid

4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 32city/ 28hwy
range per fillup: 450 - 530 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $41,600 - $43, 250 Lexus RX hybrid

Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Lexus 8-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD
Power tilt and slide moon roof
Transceiver to operate garage doors, lights
Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD)
Voice activated navigation system
XM Nav, Traffic, Weather; standard Bluetooth
Lexus Memory System for mirrors, seat, wheel
Smart Key remote entry system
Accessory power outlet in cargo area

Specifications
3.5-liter V6 engine w/ Atkinson Cycle valve timing; front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors
Available in FWD and AWD versions; Horsepower: 296 total system horsepower
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function
Wheels/Tires: 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires

2009 Toyota Highlander

4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 33/28 | 4wd 31/27
range per fillup: 450 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $34,700

Features
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Roof Rack System
3.5" multi-function display w/ backup camera
AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback
Driver and passenger Advanced Airbag System
CFC-free automatic digital climate control system
Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors
4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional)
HomeLink®5 universal transceiver
Second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags

Specifications
3.3-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 212 @ 4400 (foot/pounds)
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
Wheels/Tires: 19-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 all-season tires

Readmore »» 2010 Hybrid cars - 5th post

2010 Hybrid cars - 4th post

2010 Honda Insight Hybrid

5 door hatchback/4.5 seat compact sedan
transmission: 4-speed CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 40/43
range per fillup: 585 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $19,800 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid

Features
Automatic climate control
Steering wheel mounted Multi Information Display
Tire pressure monitoring system, EcoAssist system
60/40 split rear fold-down seat back
Projector-beam halogen headlights w/chrome bezels
Outboard lower anchors & tethers for children
Air bags, dual-stage frontal and side-impact
Immobilizer theft deterrent system
Maintenance Minder system
Optional Satellite Navigation w/ Voice Recognition

Specifications
1.3L SOHC MPFI 8-valve i-VTEC I4 engine w/permanent-magnet electric motor. Integrated Motor Assist.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 10.6 gallons / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power ventilated front disc/ rear drum brakes with 4-wheel ABS w/ electronic brake distribution (EBS)
Wheels: 15" steel; Tires: P175/65SR15 all season, blackwall, LLR

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 435 - 510 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $29,305 (2WD) Ford Escape Hybrid

Features
Manual Air Conditioning
AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD system
Roof rack with 2 horizontal bars
Lip and rear-wheel spoilers, rear anti-roll bar
Voice-activated SYNC entertainment system
Keyless Remote Entry
Driver and front passenger airbag system
Side air curtains, rollover sensor, front side airbags
Perimeter alarm
Sirius Travel Link system with 911 Assist

Specifications
2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, combined with a 65-kilowatt electric motor (optional 3.0 liter V6)
Horsepower: 170 (gas-electric combined); 230hp with 3.0 liter V6
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (60 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc with ABS and integrated regenerative braking
Tires: P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires; All-Season Radials, Hybrid-unique 16" aluminum wheels

Readmore »» 2010 Hybrid cars - 4th post

2010 Hybrid cars - 2nd post

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid

4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: eCVT auto or 6-speed manual
mileage (mpg): 35 city/ 33 hwy
range per fillup (miles) : 600+
2010 US Base Retail Price: $26,780 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Features
Air Conditioning, separate passenger climate control
Voice-activated GPS, traffic, weather, restaurant guide
Rear-view monitor (option)
Vehicle stability control system, traction control
XM Satellite Radio, DVD in-dash, iPod USB connectivity
Keyless Remote Entry, Intelligent Key Feature
Driver, passenger, side head curtain airbags
Available Bluetooth Hands-free phone system
Tire inflation/pressure monitor
Anti-Theft Immobilizer, Trunk anti-trap device

Specifications
2.5 liter I-4, engine with 40-horsepower electric motor, delivering 199 lb-ft of torque
Horsepower: 198 hp @ 5200rpm
6-speed manual transmission; automatic transmisson also available
Aluminum alloy body, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, anti-lock braking system
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 20 gallons (75 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Tires: 215/60 R16 16" Lightweight Alloy; All-Season Radials

2010 Toyota Prius

4 door/5 seat sedan w/ liftback
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 51 city/ 48 hwy
range per fillup: 547 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $25,800 2010 Toyota Prius

Features
Full climate control, CFC-Free Air Conditioning
Traffic reports integrated with DVD-based navigation system
Voice-activated navigation; "text to speech"
Four-disc CD changer, MP3 CD support; 8 JBL speakers
Backup camera, adaptive cruise control
Smart Key System
Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
Graphic display of steering wheel button settings
Satellite radio; Bluetooth phone interface
Heated/cooled seats: Solar roof option

Specifications (North American model)
1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with hybrid system; Horsepower: 134 (gas-electric combined)
Available in four trim levels, which Toyota dubs II, III, IV, and V
Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Wheels:15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires

Readmore »» 2010 Hybrid cars - 2nd post

Hybrid Cars: Scheduled Releases

Automakers are now developing new hybrid car models at a rapid pace. Here's a look at hybrid cars under development, and 'best estimate' dates for availablity to the consumer market:

2008 releases:
Saturn - GM hybrid midsize sedan, now available
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - midsize sedan

cancelled models:
2007 Honda Accord - this is the last model year for the Accord Hybrid
2006 Honda Insight - the old Insight line ends with the 2006 model
Chrysler Aspen - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chrysler Durango - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices

2009 releases:
Ford Fusion - full-sized hybrid sedan, recently released
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - full-size crew-cab pickup
Prius - third-generation model is slightly larger, with improved power and mpg
Cadillac Escalade - full-size sport utility vehicle
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Honda Insight - a new model of the hybrid Civic at a lower price
Mercury Montego - fullsize sedan

2010 scheduled releases:
Porsche - hybrid Cayenne SUV, the first hybrid car from Porsche
Chevrolet Volt - plug-in hybrid
Honda Fit - small sedan entering the market at a low price for hybrids
Honda CR-Z - hybrid sports car
Hyundai Sonata - first Korean hybrid in the US. Will use lithium-ion batteries.
Mercury Milan - new sedan model

2011 scheduled releases:
Nissan Infiniti M35 - hybrid version of the luxury performance brand; Nissan's first hybrid model
Buick Regal - preliminary plans point to 2011 model featuring the drive train developed for the Saturn Vue

Readmore »» Hybrid Cars: Scheduled Releases

2010 Hybrid cars

2010 Honda Civic Hybrid

4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT automatic or manual
mileage (mpg): 40 city/ 45 hwy
range per fillup: 650 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $23,800 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid

Features
Full climate control, Micron air filtration
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
New USB Audio Interface
Keyless Remote Entry
Dual-Stage Front and Dual Side Airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Available: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink®
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Indicator
Available: Honda Satellite Linked Navigation

Specifications
110-hp,8-Valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System; Dual-point sequential ignition system
Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 12.3 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials

2010 Saturn Aura Hybrid


4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan
transmission: 4-speed automatic
mileage (mpg): 26 city/ 34 hwy
range per fillup: 420 - 550 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $26,240 2010 Saturn Aura Hybrid

Features
Single-zone automatic climate control
6 speaker radio system, audio input jack
Driver Shift Control - steering wheel shift control
Center high-mounted LED stoplight, LED tail lamps
2 12v power outlets, Center console dual-bin storage
Passenger Sensing System
Dual-Stage Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags
Advanced Audio System AM/FM/CD/MP3 (option)
XM® Satellite Radio (option), Bluetooth (option)
Theff Deterrent System

Specifications
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder (164 hp [122.3 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 159 lb-ft of torque
StabiliTrak, Stability Control with traction control
Front-wheel drive. 4-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 16.3 gallons (62 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc disc with 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P215/55R17 touring, blackwall 17" All-Season Radials; Tire inflation kit (deletes spare tire, jack, tool kit)

Readmore »» 2010 Hybrid cars

Hybrid Cars

The one consumer decision most people make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car we drive.
Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and affordable option. After years of 'on the road' development, gas-electric hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers.

A hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive.

There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward, while in a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.

Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:

- Smaller and more efficient engines.
- Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
- Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is - temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
- Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
- Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
- Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.

These gas-electric hybrid cars are now available in North America:

1. Honda Civic Hybrid
2. Saturn Aura Hybrid
3. Toyota Prius
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid
5. Nissan Altima Hybrid
6. Honda Insight Hybrid
7. Ford Fusion Hybrid
8. Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
9. Lexus 250h Hybrid
10. Lexus 450h Hybrid SUV
11. Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV
12. Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV
13. Mazda Tribute compact SUV

by eartheasy

Readmore »» Hybrid Cars

Series hybrid

A series hybrid uses an electric motor(s), which is powered by a single-speed internal combustion engine. While operating at its most efficient single speed, the combustion engine drives an electric generator instead of directly driving the wheels. This engine can do any combination of the following: charge a battery, charge a capacitor, directly power the electric motor. When large amounts of power and torque are required, the electric motor can draw electricity from a combination of batteries, capacitors, and the generator. A series hybrid does not require batteries in its design as a capacitor can act as a storage device.

There are three main options for series hybrid electric motors: Permanent Magnet, 3-Phase AC Induction, Multi-Phase AC Induction. Permament Magnet motors, like those found in the Prius, degrade in performance at higher temperatures and require a cooling system in the design. They allow for regenerative braking, and this comes with a safety trade off as any time there is motion by the magnets, they produce voltage. Permanent magnets also require rare earth which are expensive and difficult to source.

In contrast, 3-Phase AC Induction motors can be air cooled and therefore have better stamina, but have less power density which means that the weight saved from removing the cooling system is replaced with heavier and more complex gearing for the drivetrain. This more complex transmission gearing is also needed to compensate for the fact that a standard 3-Phase AC Induction motor can be either low-speed high-torque (like a standard vehicles starter) or a high-speed low-torque (like a standrd vehicles alternator) but not both.

A Multi-Phase AC Induction motor (called a Chorus Motor) co-opts the harmonics that limit motor performance, which means a that it can smoothly change from behaving like a high-torque low-speed motor to behaving like a low-torque high-speed motor, without the need for efficiency robbing physical gearing that would be required to compensate for a 3-Phase AC Induction motors lower power density. The January 2009 issue of Motor Trend magazine discusses this third choice and its use in planes and vehicles. Furthermore, by co-opting the harmonics that limit standard motor performance, greater torque can be generated by this motor; up to 10 times the torque of a standard motor. This extra torque can be generated for short 'burst' or 'startup' torque requirements, which means that the Chorus Motor used in a series hybrid can both be smaller and be sized for its 'average' torque requirements while still providing the acceleration torque needed for occasional circumstances like joining a highway from a dead stop. This motor is presently only being used in WheelTug and its use turns an airplane into a series hybrid with a turbine in the APU generating the electricity needed to power the Chorus Motor in the WheelTug

BYD Auto's F3DM sedan is the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid, which went on sale in China on December 15, 2008. It costs the equivalent of USD $16,062 and has an all-electric range of 68.4 miles. The F3DM is set to debut in North America and Europe in 2011. Meanwhile, GM hopes to introduce the Chevy Volt by 2011, aiming for an all-electric range of 40 miles and a price tag of around $40,000.

by wikipedia

Readmore »» Series hybrid

Hybrid fuel (dual mode)

In addition to vehicles that use two or more different devices for propulsion, some also consider vehicles that use distinct energy sources or input types ("fuels") using the same engine to be hybrids, although to avoid confusion with hybrids as described above and to use correctly the terms, these are perhaps more correctly described as dual mode vehicles:

* Some electric trolleybuses can switch between an on board diesel engine and overhead electrical power depending on conditions (see dual mode bus). In principle, this could be combined with a battery subsystem to create a true plug-in hybrid trolleybus, although as of 2006[update], no such design seems to have been announced.
* Flexible-fuel vehicles can use a mixture of input fuels mixed in one tank — typically gasoline and ethanol, or methanol, or biobutanol.
* Bi-fuel vehicle:Liquified petroleum gas and natural gas are very different from petroleum or diesel and cannot be used in the same tanks, so it would be impossible to build an (LPG or NG) flexible fuel system. Instead vehicles are built with two, parallel, fuel systems feeding one engine. While the duplicated tanks cost space in some applications, the increased range and flexibility where (LPG or NG) infrastructure is incomplete may be a significant incentive to purchase.
* Some vehicles have been modified to use another fuel source if it is available, such as cars modified to run on autogas (LPG) and diesels modified to run on waste vegetable oil that has not been processed into biodiesel.
* Power-assist mechanisms for bicycles and other human-powered vehicles are also included

by wikipedia

Readmore »» Hybrid fuel (dual mode)

How the Venturi Eclectic Works

At first blush, the Venturi Eclectic automobile sounds like the subject of a techno-thriller: A car that can power up with the limitless energy of the sun and wind -- a car that has no use for gasoline or diesel fuel. You can imagine governments, spies, superheroes and all sorts of nefarious characters trying to get their hands on one.

You can also imagine all sorts of people trying to keep it off the market. Would the major automakers or the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ever allow mass production of such a vehicle? After all, a car that dispenses with conventional combustion-powered technology would need no petroleum-based fuel; it would require far less maintenance and would need to be replaced far less often. A car like this would be nothing less than revolutionary, right?

Conventional automakers can rest easy for the moment: It turns out that the Eclectic, made by the small Monaco-based company Venturi, poses little threat to the automotive and energy powers that be -- at present. However, this unique vehicle offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of eco-friendly automobiles.

­The Venturi Eclectic sports an appearance that's as quirky as its method of propulsion. Its boxy body sits atop four small, thin wheels that evoke the carriage-like autos of the early 20th century. A roof covered with photovoltaic cells harnesses the sun's energy. And as if this car isn't green enough, Eclectic owners can also attach a removable wind turbine to collect auxiliary energy supplied by any available and adequate breeze.

This article will examine the battery-powered Eclectic and its bold claim that it's "solar-electric autonomous." Is it? In reality, the sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow. Since these renewable resources aren't always available or reliable, the Eclectic needs to be plugged in for electric power.

The Venturi follows in a long tradition of vehicles that have used solar power to charge on-board batteries. However, it appears to be the first mass-produced vehicle to do so, as opposed to merely being a prototype or concept car. Like many vehicles that run on the sun's power, the Eclectic shows certain limitations in comparison to petroleum-powered cars: It reaches a top speed of only 30 mph (48.3 kilometers per hour) and it's limited to a range of only 30 miles (48.3 kilometers).

Nonetheless, considering the attention paid to the effects of auto emissions on climate change, environmentalists and others remain positively charged about the Eclectic and cars like it. On the next page, we'll get inside the heads of the Eclectic's designers. (by Akweli Parer)

Readmore »» How the Venturi Eclectic Works

Honda Civic Hybrid

As soon as the second-generation Prius arrived on the scene in 2003, the Civic Hybrid was cast in its role as runner-up in the hybrid world. It’s true that the Civic Hybrid is not quite as fuel-efficient, not quite as comfortable and roomy, and not quite as powerful as the Prius. But the gas-electric Civic, like Rodney Dangerfield, deserves more respect than it receives.

In fact, it’s the Civic Hybrid’s un-hybrid-like looks and sticker price that makes it such a compelling proposition. Prius buyers usually spend at least a couple thousand more dollars to buy Toyota’s celebrity hybrid than those who drive off with a Civic. And yet the Civic’s 40-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway, places it right next to the Toyota Prius as two of the three vehicles with average fuel economy in the 40s. The other is the Prius-look-alike 2010 Honda Insight.

Perhaps more importantly, the Civic Hybrid looks like a cool car, not a cutesy electronic device. Auto critics have heaped praise on the Civic's design, calling it "gorgeous" and "head-turning."

The Civic matches a sporty design with all of Honda’s engineering prowess put to action. Honda is on the fourth generation of its integrated engine/motor hybrid design. The system combines a 1.3 liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine with a 20-hp electric motor to deliver a total of 110 hp. The Civic can save gas by de-activating all of its cylinders when they are not needed, and uses eight spark plugs to allow greater flexibility with the firing order for more complete combustion of fuel in the cylinder. Add improved battery packs and regenerative braking from the previous generation to produce a hybrid with Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions status. The feather in its cap is top safety rankings from NHTSA and IIHS.

So if the Prius design is not your cup of tea, and you can live with a compact rather than a mid-size sedan, then the Honda Civic Hybrid is worth a little respect and consideration.
Exterior

The Civic Hybrid destroys any notion that hybrids can't look cool. The reviews are unanimous:

* Autobytel: "Daring new styling."
* Automobile: "A real head-turner."
* USA Today: "Somewhere between engaging and gorgeous."
* Los Angles Times: "A handsome car."

Dan Neil of the Los Angeles Times identifies the Civic Hybrid's defining characteristic as its sloping windshield. He explained, "The slicked-back windshield look is often used on concept cars but is discarded in production cars because it creates an unmanageable flat space behind the steering wheel. Honda designers turned this space to their advantage, creating a beautiful two-tier instrument panel limned in organic shapes."

The hybrid comes with its own unique wheel rims, turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors, and two exclusive paint options: Opal Silver Blue and Magnetic Pearl.
Interior

The Civic Hybrid looks almost identical to the conventional gas-powered sedan, which was redesigned—to rave reviews—for the 2006 model. Honda has made few changes to that winning design. Standard equipment is on par with the gas-powered Civic's top EX trim level. The Hybrid comes with power-assisted doors, windows, and mirrors—although the seats must be adjusted manually. A navigation system is the only factory option.

The blue backlit instrumental panel is split into two tiers. The top level, in line with the driver’s view above the steering wheel, features a digital speedometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature readout. In the lower tier behind the tilting, telescoping, and relatively small steering wheel is the tachometer, fuel economy readout, and a hybrid gauge—showing how much the hybrid batteries are being recharged (via regenerative breaking) or being used to assist the gas engine. An Idle-Stop indicator flashes when the gasoline engine has completely shut down to prevent burning fuel when the vehicle is at a stop. Gear-shifting is standard issue, unlike the Prius’s bounce-back joystick.

While the Civic Hybrid scores high points for style, finish and ergonomics, the cabin doesn’t rank as well for cargo space and comfort in the back seat. The rear-seat legroom was cut by 1.4 inches with the 2006 redesign, making it cramped when loaded with three adults. The Honda Civic Hybrid has 10.4 cubic feet for cargo space. To make room for the hybrid system’s battery pack, Honda has eliminated the rear folding seats on the Civic Hybrid. As a result, storage of long objects cannot be shared between the trunk and the back seats.

for more info visit HybridCars.com

Readmore »» Honda Civic Hybrid

First Numbers on Hybrid Battery Failure

For years, sporadic anecdotes about hybrid battery failures have been reported by individual hybrid drivers. But finally, the automakers are reporting the first numbers about the likelihood of batteries failing after the warranty expired.

With more than 100,000 Honda hybrids on the road, the automaker told Newsweek that fewer than 200 had a battery fail after the warranty expired. That’s a 0.002 likelihood. Toyota says its out-of-warranty battery replacement rate is 0.003 percent—or one out of 40,000 Priuses—for the second generation Prius. Based on this rate, and the fact that very few of the second-generation Priuses have been driven beyond the warranty period, perhaps fewer than a dozen have had battery failures after the warranty expired. Replacement rates for the first generation Prius was closer to 1 percent.

Most hybrid-producing automakers offer a warranty on hybrid components for the first 100,000 miles. In California and other states using California’s stricter emissions laws, the warranty is extended to 150,000 miles.

The next logical question is the replacement cost, which has been very difficult to determine—but the numbers are in. The cost of a new Honda hybrid battery pack ranges from $2,000 to $2,500 depending on the model. Toyota currently sells a Prius pack for about $3,000. Installation costs are approximately $900, according to the Newsweek article. Both companies plan to substantially reduce the cost of the replacement packs, as they reach economies of scale on battery production.

The hybrid battery industry is growing by leaps and bounds, as automakers prepare for a rapid increase in demand for hybrids and electric vehicles. Toyota recently announced plans to invest $673 million to build two new battery plants and expand a third. The goal is annual battery output of 1 million units by 2011.

Volkswagen—a company that has not sold its first hybrid—announced yesterday that it will partner with Japan’s Sanyo Electric to manufacture next-generation lithium ion batteries. Sanyo, which produces hybrid batteries for Ford and has agreements with a number of other carmakers, is investing $769 million to expand production. Earlier this month, Nissan—with limited hybrid sales so far—announced plans to build a battery production facility with NEC Corp, with the goal of ramping up annual production from 13,000 units initially to 65,000 units. As Volkswagen, Nissan and nearly every other major automaker join the race toward hybrids and electric vehicles, establishing a supply of durable, powerful, high-energy batteries could become a make-or-break proposition.

View more info at HybridCars.com

Readmore »» First Numbers on Hybrid Battery Failure