Hybrid SUV Technology

The Hybrid Advantage

Hybrid electronic vehicles are getting the attention of environment-conscious consumers. There main feature is the engine power management accompanied with an array of other sophisticated features. This particular design's attraction lies on the practical use of engine size and power where the strong features of combustion engine and electric motors are put together. Hybrid vehicles are able to make their own electricity. They need not be plugged in as the battery is charged using power generated by energy recovered when the car is braking or when more power is produced by the gasoline engine than what is needed to drive.

Some common features of Hybrid Vehicles include regenerative braking which is essentially recapturing energy lost in friction in conventional vehicles to generate electricity charging the hybrid system's battery pack. Another is the idle-stop wherein the gasoline engine stops when the vehicle halts thus facilitating saving fuel and minimizing pollution. The electric motor restarts the engine as soon as the foot is lifted off the brake in automatic transmission or when the driver engages in another gear in the case of manual transmission. One feature incorporated in hybrid models that is not really new but not commonly used on conventional vehicles is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) which makes possible for transmissions to leap to an infinite number of speeds.

Hybrid SUV

Hybrid-electric models have now included sports utility vehicles (SUVs). The Ford Motor Company has produced a hybrid-electric version of its Escape SUV with its Escape HEV. It has paired an electric drive train with a four-cylinder gasoline engine to run at extra-high efficiency. It has a Power Smart transaxle which is a system that combines an electric motor, generator, electronic controller and planetary gear into one unit to take the place of conventional transmissions. General Motors has its Saturn VUE which unites two electric motors with a four-cylinder engine expecting to achieve maximum city and highway fuel economy while meeting allowed emission levels. GM will introduce in 2006 its Chevrolet Equinox, a crossover SUV which will carry with it GM's belt alternator starter (BAS) system. Lexus has its RX330, a compact SUV which uses Toyota 's "Hybrid Synergy Drive" technology using a pair of electric motors and a six-cylinder engine to come up with an SUV with fuel economy of a compact car and V8-like power. The hybrid system in place provides the vehicle with an all-wheel drive capability.

The Future Hybrids

The Hybrid models in the market are only the "first" of a new generation in automobile design with its trademark extra-efficient and super-clear engines as well as advanced materials and vehicle structures. Manufacturers are expected to come up with models with more innovations. There are plans to build lighter-weight SUVs to improve efficiency regardless of the kind of engine used. The search for an ideal lighter structure is also aimed at improving rigidity and crashworthiness as well as making the hybrid models more affordable.

Future hybrids are expected to run on the 42-volt electric system which would offer various benefits from smaller gauge wiring to new electronically controlled components. If circumstances would allow, the use of fuel cells would probably be a reality. Fuel cells are known to have powered space missions but work is underway to put this energy into "earthly" uses. They have the advantage of converting chemical energy directly into electricity from an on-board fuel but the cost remains a major consideration.