Hybrid Car Fun Facts
Hybrid cars are vehicles that have more than one on-board energy source to achieve and maintain propulsion. Hybrid cars have a traditional internal- combustion system and fuel tank, in addition to one or more electric motor and battery pack. We’ve put together some interesting facts about hybrid engines for you.
- The first hybrid engine was built in 1902 by Ferdinand Porsche, yes, that Porsche! It was his second car creation and could travel nearly 40 miles on its battery.
- In 1976 Toyota — wins the hybrid car race — built its first hybrid while General Electric was constructing a parallel-hybrid sedan.
- In 1997, Toyota wins again and the Prius hits the Japanese market, which doesn’t make it to the United States until 2000.
- In 1999 the Honda Insight is the first hybrid car to hit the mass market in the United States.
- The quest for hybrid cars was fueled in the 70s by the Arab oil embargo of 1973 followed by the 1974 Federal Clean Car Incentive Program.
- Hybrid cars can be just as powerful, if not more powerful, than combustion engines; the Lexus GS 450H has more than 300 horsepower.
- Hybrid technicians are required to get re-certified on a yearly basis to make sure they stay up to date with the latest technology.
- Hybrid cars shouldn’t skip tire rotations because hybrid engines create more torque and this affects the wear of the tires.
- Hybrid engines use regenerative charging. The energy produced in the braking system is channeled to the battery recharging it.
- Hybrids are 20 to 30 percent more fuel efficient because they don’t rely solely on gas.
- The Toyota Prius produces 90% fewer pollutants than cars in its class that are not hybrids.
- Hybrids are more expensive to buy but use less gas and usually have good warranties.
- Hybrids are demonstrating that they retain their value, they have less of a depreciation rate, which makes them better investments.
- Maintenance costs are equivalent to non-hybrid cars. Just make sure your mechanic is trained so that he or she isn’t learning on your car.
- Many vital components of a hybrid engine come with a lifetime warranty.
- When you drive on the electric engine, you are creating zero emissions.
- Hybrids engines, just like other engines have a sweet spot, for hybrids, this is often in city driving.
- The batteries of hybrids cars are recyclable since they are made of nickel metal hybrid. There are almost no toxic by-products of these batteries.
No Asian imported car service shop would be functional without being able to work on hybrid cars — after all, Asia leads car technology! At Asian Auto Imports, we have hybrid-trained mechanics on staff to meet all your hybrid car needs, because not just any mechanic can work on a hybrid engine effectively. Our service technicians are experts at servicing all Asian made cars including Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Suzuki, Kia, Isuzu, and Daewoo. When you are looking for a mechanic for Toyota repair service, think Asian Imports Plus. Call Asian Imports Plus to schedule your maintenance or for your repair work. We have locations in Sumerlin and southwest Las Vegas, we look forward to meeting you, and your import, soon.