Hybrid Cars/Technology

 Hybrid Cars/Technology

Hybrid technology was developed in 1665, when Jesuit and Ferdinand made a four -wheel vehicle that could run by steam when pulled by a horse. this vehicle could reach speeds of up to sixty miles per hour. in these vehicles, it was difficult to maintain enough speed for a long distance. in the twenty-first century, new improvements had been made in hybrid technology, and companies have made advanced hybrid technology and created new cars. Toyota introduced its first four-door Sedan in 2000. after that, Honda introduced Honda Civic hybrids. in September, Ford introduced the Escape hybrid, which is its first American hybrid. Now, hybrid cars have become very popular.

Hybrid cars do not use gasoline when they idle. They use both fuel and electric power and use less energy when compared to other fuel-generated vehicles. The batteries of hybrid cars are made of thousands of hundreds of cell. These are operated differently, depending on your mode. this type of car combines the power of an electric motor with a gasoline engine. It is often presented as a transitional technology. on the road, the primary power source is the internal engine. When maximum power is required, the electric motor is used to assist maximizing the power for a short period. sometimes, the engine is switched off when the car is stationary, reducing curbside emissions.

Is is important for anybody in the market for a hybrid car to remember that many hybrid vehicles have two engines. These cars usually use two sources of power. As described by the Lexus LS 600h’s makers, hybrid cars are the world’s first luxury Saloon, with large, high-output electric motors and a five liter, V8 petrol engine. These cars are as safe any other vehicles in their class. Hybrid cars have great mileage, but their purchase price is high in comparison to conventional vehicles that are also fuel -saving and green.

It is necessary that the batteries of hybrid car are replaced after every six years. this is a very important maintenance practice. Hybrids run on a combination of two power sources. first, hybrids run on normal but high-power gas engines designed to get maximum power to increase the mileage, using the minimum amount of fuel. some hybrid trolley buses can use on-board diesel engines and overhead electric power, depending on conditions. this will combine with the battery subsystem to create a plug-in hybrid trolley buses. Hybrid cars are very high priced as compare to other vehicles.

Using hybrid electrical cars may help to reduce the pollution in the environment. These cars have helped to save our atmosphere from damage. Hybrid car manufacturers make more improvements in order to reduce the overhauling cost and to increase the mileage and drive capacity for people. Hybrids have special tires, which are more inflated than regular tires which are made of a rubber compound and have lower rolling resistance while retaining acceptable grip on the road. With all these advantages, with the rate offered by companies, it will not be surprising to find the modern household owning at least one hybrid car in the next ten years.

Economical Cars – Honda Fuel Cell Vs. Hydrogen Conversion

Economical cars are the rage today as gas prices climb to record levels.  The Honda fuel cell vehicle – the FCX Clarity is making a big impact in California.  The California hydrogen highway is a series of hydrogen refueling stations in California for fuel cell vehicles – this state is leading the way.  But did you know there is a hydrogen conversion kit you can install yourself this weekend to improve gas mileage in your current car, truck or suv?

The Honda fuel cell car, the Honda FCX Clarity, is one of the most economical cars and eco-friendly vehicles on the road in America today.  In fact it is among the best gas mileage cars ever, getting an estimated fuel economy of 77 city and 67 highway. 

Only trouble is the lack of infrastructure.  Hydrogen gas stations are not so common, so you really have to watch your fuel guage.  The Honda fuel cell vehicle has quite limited availability – in fact, Jamie Lee Curtis was the second customer for the FCX Clarity, when she took delivery the end of July this year.  And unfortunately at this point, it looks like the Honda fuel cell cars won’t be mass produced until 2018!

Economical cars are not only being sold today – they are being born – by gas guzzling car, truck and suv owners in the form of hydrogen conversions.  Also known as hydrogen generators, these alternative fuel conversion kits allow your vehicle to get better fuel economy and boost fuel mileage by using a hydrogen cell and the electrolysis of water.

While the Honda fuel cell needs pure hydrogen gas stored onboard in high-pressure tanks, a diy hydrogen conversion produces hydrogen-on-demand in a small container under your hood.  To build your own economical cars (using hydrogen to supplement gasoline) you only need a few household items you can find at your local hardware store.  You can get the diy auto conversion kit plans online and complete the job this weekend for under 0.

This device that fits under your hood is based on an old technology using the current from your battery to charge the water and release the hydrogen atoms.  Although hydrogen generators were invented decades ago, they weren’t very well known until the 1990’s when they started being used in Hummers for the U.S. military.

So what are you waiting for – gas prices to go down? 
 
We’ve checked out all the hydrogen conversion guides online – there are more than 20 now – and since we’ve done the research for you, we can help you choose the best guide for the buck.

Question by eddie_adams13: where can i find an online site that will show me the blueprints of a hydrogen fuel cell for home use?

i am trying to make my own fuel cell to convert my gasoline engine to hydrogen

Best answer:

Answer by campbelp2002
You can’t. Or even if you could it wouldn’t do you any good. You would need high tech manufacturing equipment costing far more than the fuel cell to make one. Just like the blueprints for a V8 engine would not be enough for you to make your own V8 engine. You would need a complete machine shop, and maybe a foundry too, costing FAR more than an engine to make an engine.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Honda FCX Clarity Concept/ In-Depth: Overview

From the 2007 LA Auto Show, Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder takes a look at Honda’s FCX Clarity concept car. Shot and produced by: Eric Rossi Edited by: Lindsay Bjerregaard

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Used Honda – Fuel Cell Technology

Article by Pete J Ridgard

If you had told scientists just a few decades ago that the first hydrogen powered car would be out pretty early into the 21st Century, then I very much doubt that they would have believed you. After all, the idea is that this technology uses one of our most available and copious resources to essentially produce energy, where the only emissions are the water that then goes back into producing the energy. It is cyclical, revolutionary, and quite frankly incredible. It has also happened so absurdly fast that many people haven’t even realised hydrogen fuel cell cars are available, which considering the publicity currently being given to all the less effective electric cars in the market, is quite a surprise.

The car that is available is produced by Honda, a fact that probably won’t surprise people who have observed Honda’s game over the past few years. You see, this innovative brand always appears to be ahead of the crowd – their hybrid car came out so many years ago that it doesn’t seem possible, and they are the only real competitor in the Fuel cell market. They are, quite simply, far better at working out what area is likely to take off next technologically, and where they needs to concentrate the next chunk of the research and development costs. They always make an educated guess, and they are very rarely wrong!

The FCX Clarity, Honda’s fuel cell car, is so new that you will be very unlikely to find one in a used Honda garage any time soon. However, what they haven’t seem to realise is that their hydrogen power doesn’t seem to be renewable – you will still have to fill up the tank with hydrogen rather than petrol or diesel. The end goal, I would imagine, would be to have a car that can turn the water by-product back into hydrogen and oxygen, ready to be combined again to produce energy, and so on and so forth.

Still, limitations aside, I personally feel that Honda are heading in the right direction by making this technology available in the real world. Far to many big and powerful oil companies are trying to stop hydrogen power happening, hence the emphasis instead on electric power – which, when you think about it, generally does a similar type of damage to the world. If eventually we can create something that either runs on plain water or which gets filled with hydrogen only the once, then that would save a lot of money, and would of course create a transport industry that won’t run out of those all important fossil fuels – in fact, it will be a nothing in nothing out world.

This of course is much better for the world in the long run, and whilst it may put some strain on the big powerful oil companies it is still something that needs to be thought about seriously and done for the greater, non corporate good. Sure it is thorny issue – but all the really important debates are.

About the Author

Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses Used Honda cars.

Review: Honda FCX Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Car

Go to MYRIDE.COM for more car videos. If this is a look into our future, it’s not too pretty… but at least it’s clean. What you’re looking at is Honda’s hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicle called the FCX. As part of their continuing research into advanced transportation technologies, Honda has actually brought this little car to market in limited quantities, and for those who get to drive it, it’s a very unique experience.

Video Rating: 5 / 5

Honda Environmental Technology Advances with Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Fuel Cell Stack

Article by Jenny McLane

Employing Variable Cylinder Management technology (VCM), Honda Accord Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to deactivate three of its engine’s six cylinders in certain conditions like highway cruising for greater fuel efficiency without affecting its performance. The new 2005 V6 Accord Hybrid integrates the fuel economy of a four cylinder compact Civic and high-level performance.Combining VCM with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology, Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid captured four of the top five slots in the EPA 2004 fuel economy ratings. In 2005, Honda-developed fuel cell stack featuring increased performance and fuel efficiency, reduced cost and the capability to start in below freezing temperatures.Leading the pioneering efforts for the development and application of leading edge environmental technologies including the first Low Emissions (LEV) and Ultra-Low Emissions (ULEV) vehicles and the first commercially certified fuel cell vehicle, Honda now again has proven its innovative ideas.FCX fuel vehicle powered by the Honda FC stack is the realization of Honda’s long held effort of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Honda FCX then on its launching will be the first and only fuel cell vehicle certified by the EPA and California Air Resources Board for regular commercial use.Starting and operating a vehicle in cold weather and freezing temperatures is a daunting technical barrier to the mass-market application of fuel cell technology. Honda’s answer to this problem is the Fuel Cell stack with its newly developed electrolyte membranes and stamped metal separator structure for improved efficiency, recycle ability, and operation over a greater range of temperatures.Prior to the FC stack’s introduction in the Honda FCX, public road evaluations in the U.S and Japan is on going. Make Honda parts shopping hassle-free and satisfying for you. Partstrain offers the best prices to save you on your next Honda parts purchase. We give you the best value and superior quality Honda parts. Buy from http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA and expect fast & reliable shipping of your Honda parts orders.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Honda “FCX Clarity” Fuel Cell Vehicle : DigInfo [CC]

default Honda FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle : DigInfo [CC]

DigInfo – www.diginfo.tv Honda FCX Clarity Related Links – www.honda.co.jp – automobiles.honda.com – www.fcexpo.jp (FC EXPO 2009)

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Article by Andrew Braithwaite

Over the last year we have seen sharp rises in fuel, this has been brought about due to the rising oil prices and already high amount of tax added. In the UK the average price of petrol is well over £1.10 and the USA and Europe have also seen a high increase. Many vehicles in the USA have larger engines and do far less to the gallon so any increase in price effects the average motorist.

A new concept in powering cars has been available for some time, hydrogen fuel cells: Also known as water fuel cells and ‘run cars on water’ systems are available to help the average motorist cut fuel costs by up to 50%.

These can be bought as kits but what many are doing is buying blueprints at much lower costs and making there own, as they can easily be built and installed to any car.

Before I go into which one is best I’ll give a brief explanation of how a hydrogen fuel cell works. A hydrogen fuel cell is a small device which is fitted under the bonnet of any car. Consisting of a small bottle and a specially made coil this bottle is connected to the battery, there is also a feed to the cars air intake.

When the car is running electric is drawn from the battery into the bottle, a special chemical reaction takes place (electrolysis) and HHO gas is extracted from the water – This is then introduced to the cars air intake system by pipe providing an extra source of fuel and making the car burn the existing gasoline more efficient.

So a hydrogen fuel cell still needs petrol to function, they just cut the amount thats used. There are however many different kits, guides and resources to follow to build them. Normally a hydrogen fuel cell can be made for well under 0 from parts found in at local shops. The installation is designed for anyone and should not take long too. To help you choose a hydrogen fuel cell its worth visiting Run Cars on Water Review.

About the Author

Water4Gas was Run Cars On Water Review 1st choice, it seems many have successfully converted there car using this system. Many consider Water4Gas the best option based on its value and information.

Honda to Produce Fuel Cell Vehicles For Consumers Next Year

Article by Jenny McLane

The current global warming threat and increasing prices of gasoline has led car manufacturers to develop new technologies to reduce the dependency on fossil fuel. Reducing greenhouse gases which contributes to global warming is also a major concern for car manufacturers. Currently, the most popular alternative engine technology is the gas-electric hybrid technology used widely by Japanese car manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda.

The Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid vehicle today with celebrities known to own and drive it all around town. Another technology though more fuel efficient than hybrids is being developed by Honda. The FCX fuel-cell vehicle is the first U.S. government approved fuel-cell vehicle. Currently, the said vehicle is being tested by fleets and a couple of consumers. Next year though, Honda promises to produce a limited number of this environment friendly vehicle.

The announcement came after General Motors also publicized that they will be letting consumers test 100 units of the fuel-cell powered Chevrolet Equinox. The modified SUV from General Motors also gained the approval of the government. Both the revised Equinox and the FCX are powered by electricity. The electricity which drives the vehicles is produced by the fusion of oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is taken in by the fuel cell stack from the surrounding air while hydrogen is purchased from refilling stations offering it. Currently, that is a problem being faced with the development of these hydrogen-fueled vehicles.

Across the country, there are limited numbers of refilling stations offering hydrogen fuel. Already, there are proposed solutions to this problem. One of these is the involvement of industrial gas suppliers. Companies such as Praxair and Air Products could make their resources available to fuel-cell car owners.

While the use of fuel cell technology eliminates the emission of harmful greenhouse gases, it is expected that fuel cell technology is years away from being practical for ordinary consumer use. Fuel cell vehicles are more environment friendly than hybrid vehicles since the result of the fusion of hydrogen fuel and oxygen is only water. The production of fuel stack though is costly and fragile. With more money being poured into the development of these vehicles, it can be expected that development of tougher fuel cell stacks for a lower price will be a reality.

For the 2008 FCX, Honda announced that they will be using a lithium-ion battery pack that is known to be lighter and more powerful than the nickel-metal hydride batteries used by current hybrid vehicles. The second largest Japanese car manufacturer also announced that the production FCX will be equipped with a smaller fuel cell stack. The current FCXs use the entire floor space to accommodate its fuel cell stack. For the next year, the fuel cell stack will only occupy the space under the armrest between the driver and the passenger. The light lithium-ion battery pack will be placed behind the rear seat.

The company did not release a statement whether they will be redesigning the exterior of the sleek FCX for the consumer market. Currently, the FCX’s design stands out with its unique headlight and taillight configuration which looks good even without a set of Auto Ventshade accessories. The FCX not only looks good but also delivers good value for money in terms of fuel efficiency. According to Honda, the FCX has a mileage rating of 68 mpg if equated to gasoline. While hydrogen costs more per gallon, the efficiency of fuel cell technology makes the cost per mile less than that of gasoline.

Aside from the limited production FCX, Honda also announced that they will be offering a unique hybrid vehicle which will cost less than the hybrid version of the Honda Civic in the near future. The company said that the new hybrid will not replace the Civic hybrid in its lineup. Instead, the said new hybrid will augment the Civic, much like what the Prius is to the Camry hybrid.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Question by go_duke_5: Where can I find specific goals that the government has set for fuel cell technology?

I am writing a research paper on fuel cells(hydrogen or any PEM fuel cell). I read in many of my sources that the government has invested millions, if not billions, into this research. They also state that there are specific goals that are suppose to be achieved by certain dates. I assume the goals include specific requirements on safety and efficiency of the fuel cell but I cannot find this information. Any information would be greatly appreciated and it must be from legitimate sources, Thanks to all who help.

Best answer:

Answer by brealyn71
Look up the Homeland Security webpage.

Give your answer to this question below!

First Quarter Sales Figures For Hybrid Vehicles Impact The New Hybrid Car Tax Credit

 First Quarter Sales Figures For Hybrid Vehicles Impact The New Hybrid Car Tax Credit

First Quarter Sales Figures for Hybrid Vehicles Impact The New Hybrid Car Tax Credit

Woburn, MA (PRWEB) July 27, 2006

The numbers are in. Toyota and Lexus outpaced their rivals by selling a combined 41,779 hybrid vehicles during the first quarter of 2006. Honda sold 9,072 hybrids and Ford and Mercury sold a combined 6,192 hybrids during the first three months of 2006.

Why are these sales figures important? “Effective January 1, 2006, anyone who purchases a new hybrid vehicle is eligible for a tax credit of up to $ 3,400,” explains Andrew Schwartz CPA, founder of CPA Niche, LLC (http://www.cpaniche.com), a site where taxpayers can interact with CPAs who specialize in a variety of niches such as healthcare, real estate professionals, and lawyers. “The catch is this credit begins to phase out for each manufacturer upon selling 60,000 hybrids,” as follows:

The full credit is allowed through the end of the quarter following the quarter during which the manufacturer sells its 60,000th hybrid vehicle after January 1, 2006.

The credit is cut in half for the subsequent two quarters.

The credit is then cut to twenty-five percent of the original credit for the subsequent two quarters.

No credit is allowed for vehicles purchased from that manufacturer thereafter.

The hybrid car tax credit is currently set to expire on December 31, 2010. “even so, if you’re thinking about purchasing a Toyota or Lexus, don’t delay!” warns Schwartz. “Based on the sales figures for the first quarter of 2006, the allowable credit for their hybrids is on track to be cut in half on October 1, 2006 and then will be fully phased out on September 30, 2007.”

The New Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credit

Prior to January 1, 2006, anyone who purchased a new hybrid was eligible to claim the $ 2,000 “clean Fuel” deduction. The Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 enacted a more valuable tax credit for hybrid purchasers.

To qualify for this tax credit, the hybrid purchased must be a new vehicle. according to the IRS, “the original use of the vehicle must begin with you”, so used vehicles don’t qualify. Leasing a hybrid doesn’t qualify the lessee for the credit. “If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit,” explains the IRS. And the final condition to qualify for this tax credit is that you use your hybrid predominantly within the United States.

Here are the hybrids currently eligible for this new tax credit:

Chevy Silverado 2WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $ 250

Chevy Silverado 4WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $ 650

Ford Escape Hybrid Front 2WD, 2006 & 2007 – $ 2,600

Ford Escape Hybrid 4 WD, 2006 & 2007 – $ 1,950

GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $ 250

GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $ 650

Honda Accord Hybrid AT, 2006 – $ 1,300 or $ 650

Honda Accord Hybrid AT, 2005 – $ 650

Honda Civic Hybrid CVT, 2006 – $ 2,100

Honda Civic Hybrid SUVEL, 2005 – $ 1,700

Honda Insight CVT, 2005 & 2006 – $ 1,450

Lexus GS 450h, 2007 – $ 1,550

Lexus RX400h 2WD or 4WD, 2006 – $ 2,200

Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4 WD, 2006 & 2007 – $ 1,950

Saturn Vue Green Line, 2004 – $ 650

Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2007 – $ 2,600

Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 2006 – $ 2,600

Toyota Prius, 2005 & 2006 – $ 3,150

To claim this new tax credit, taxpayers need to complete and attach a Form 8910 (available at http://www.irs.gov) to their federal income tax return.

While the form seems simple enough to complete, anyone subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) might completely lose out on this new tax break. “And with more and more people paying this tax each year, working through a tax projection is the best way to determine if you’ll be hit by the AMT the year you plan to purchase your hybrid vehicle,” suggests Schwartz.

Andrew D. Schwartz, CPA is the editor and founder of CPA Niche, LLC (http://www.cpaniche.com), a site where taxpayers can interact with CPAs who specialize in a variety of niches such as healthcare, real estate professionals, and lawyers. Schwartz has provided tax and basic financial planning advice in interviews with various media, including the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. he is available for interviews.

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Is there a clean way to extract Hydrogen fuel?



Honda plans to release a Hydrogen fuel cell car in 2008.
I know You can extract Hydrogen fuel by “splitting” water with an electric current, but that electricity comes from a power plant, which generates greenhouse gases. Is there a totally clean way to extract Hydrogen fuel?