The Division for Air Quality incorporated nine hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) into its fleet. EPPC and Division of Waste Management have also added hybrids to their fleet. EPPC estimates over $3,000 per year in fuel costs have been saved per vehicle purchased.
Our education and outreach program offers HEV education for schools or events. If you would like to have a HEV and educational program come to your school or event, you may contact our education coordinator Elizabeth Robb.
HEVs are an innovative technology that incorporates two sources of power – a gasoline engine and an electric (battery) powered motor. These two power sources work in tandem, increasing fuel economy and reducing air emissions.
Some of the frequently asked questions are:
How do HEVs Work?
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools. www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml
Some of the advanced technologies typically used by HEVs include:
Regenerative Braking: The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor.
Electric Motor Drive/Assist: The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone provides power for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are less efficient.
Automatic Start/Shutoff: Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from idling.
Compare three HEVs and learn about individual hybrid technologies:
For fuel economy information on these vehicles, please visit the Compare side-by-side section.
How does the battery get charged? Do HEVs need to be plugged in?
Hybrid vehicles never need to be plugged in.
The car recharges the battery through a process called regenerative braking. Essentially, in a normal vehicle energy is lost as heat when the vehicle brakes. Hybrid vehicles are able to capture the energy from braking and use it to charge the battery, this is known as regenerative braking. For example, regular braking accounts for 20 percent of battery recharge in a Toyota Prius.
Hybrids also can use energy from the gasoline engine to charge the battery as needed.
What is the fuel economy of HEVs?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy produce the Fuel Economy Guide to help car buyers choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their needs. The guide is published in print and on the Web at www.fueleconomy.gov. Also see to compare hybrid fuel economics on the same Web site.
How do HEVs reduce air emissions?
First, hybrids reduce air emissions by increasing fuel economy. Second, many hybrids are designed to meet more stringent emissions standards, such as SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) and PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) standards set by the California Air Resources Board.
What makes and models of hybrids are currently available and how do they compare?
More and more auto manufacturers are incorporating hybrids into their fleet, so this information is always changing. As of May 15, 2006, the following HEV makes and models are on the market: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs_cars.shtml
Are there tax credits for purchasing hybrid electric vehicles?
Yes. For detailed information on the dollar amount of tax credits for purchasing hybrids see http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml or http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxcenter.shtml. Tax credits will be allowed for new makes and models until 60,000 of any given make and model are in dealerships. Tax credit amounts are based on increased fuel mileage and weight.
Where else can I go for more information?
To compare hybrid electric vehicles go to: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml
To look for hybrid electric vehicles currently on the market. www.edmunds.com
Greener Car links -- www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/
Fuel economy links -- www.fueleconomy.gov/
Hybrid links:
