Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Hybrid vehicles boast of an all-encompassing operational system. They operate by combining an electricity-run motor, a diesel engine and maximum-powered batteries. The battery gives off energy for the electric motor and recharges when it recaptures the energy that is usually lost when the car is lessening its acceleration or while it is coasting.

How Hybrid Cars Work

The distinction of the full hybrid from the mild variety is that the electric motor and the diesel engine can operate on its own. In most instances, the electric motor can function by itself in low speed, and once it picks up, the diesel engine automatically takes over. Both the motor and the engine can function together if the car is in hard acceleration.

This combined effort provides the car the power that it needs for that situation. Full hybrid cars can consume and build up electricity simultaneously. The full hybrid setup can be found in models such as the popular Toyota Prius, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and the Escape hybrid from Ford.

For instance, one can look at the way the Toyota Prius works. The Prius runs on a technology called the Hyrbid Synergy Drive, which involves a power split device to combine the energy of the electric motor and the gas engine. The HSD enables a effortless switching of power sources that the car driver would not notice in the slightest while driving.

Unlike the other mild hybrid types, the Prius can be operated by the electric motor alone powered by the battery pack. As a result, a motorist can drive silently for short amounts of time. The Honda hybrids on this level cannot function just by the electric motor.

While speeding up a highway, the Prius utilizes the diesel engine as its main operator, and can get assistance from the generator if needed. Then this hybrid car shuts off the gas engine automatically during stops. This contributes greatly in mileage improvement and produces less emission.

Diesel VS Hybrid

A good case in point is Ford’s hybrid version of the Escape SUV, which boasted of emitting less than a pound of smog substances for every 15,000 miles the vehicle runs. This is a great improvement considering that traditional diesel-powered light trucks emit around 105 pounds of smog pollutants for the same 15,000-mile distance. Even regular cars produce 67 pounds!

So really, there isn’t going to be much argument over the great savings a consumer can gain with a hybrid vehicles. Sure, it comes at a cost, but its long term gains truly outweigh the initial price shock. After, over time, when more people realize the merits of hybrid vehicles, supply will definitely go up and push prices down.

Environmentally-conscious individuals would find heaven with hybrid cars. However, since they are just being introduced in the market, they can come at quite an expense. With increased patronage, it is hoped that more hybrid cars will become accessible to everyone in the future.

Sure, hybrid cars are hot nowadays. And sure, this is not only a fad that would lose its appeal later on, because of the technology, gas mileage, and overall environmental concerns that it simultaneously tries to resolve.

So before you rush to your dealer, try researching on the different hybrid cars available in the market today. At the very least, compare hybrid cars using several factors.

We can start with some of the hybrid cars models currently available and are worth comparing. There is the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, the Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Honda Accord Hybrid. These are the four major hybrid cars available at dealers in your place today.

Your choice is also much improved with the availability of the Ford Escape Hybrid. This was the first hybrid SUV available. But you also have a choice with Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander and the Mariner Hybrid.

First consideration is the mileage

Vehicles sold in the United States to day, on the average, gets a combined highway and city EPA fuel usage estimate of some 20.4 miles per gallon (mpg). All hybrid cars, hard as you compare, have EPA number well above than what specified earlier.

Honda Insight was particularly manufactured to obtain the best mileage, making it the undisputed leader in terms of gas mileage. The traditional manual transmission hybrids have EPA estimates of 60 mpg in the city and 66 mpg on the highway. The automatic version on the other hand has transmission rated slightly lower at 57 city/56 highway.

The second best choice is the newest version of the Prius at 60 city/51 highway. It can be seen that the city estimate is higher than the highway estimate due to this hybrid car’s capacity to operate on battery power alone at low speeds.

The 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid was available with a manual transmission that was rated at 46 city/51 highway; the automatic at 48 city/47 highway. Hybrid sedan is rated at 25 city/28 highway.

Compared with other hybrid cars, SUV’s, like GS450h, get the lowest gas mileage of the hybrid vehicles. The Ford Escape on he other hand is rated at 36 city/31 highway. This is much better than a non-hybrid Escape that is only rated at 22 city/25 highway.

Size does matter

Another point to consider if must compare hybrid cars is the size. With earlier models, hybrid cars only came in two sizes. First is the small sized vehicle. The second is the much smaller one. But hybrid manufacturers are learning to respond with the consumer’s specific needs. And because these manufacturers somehow know that the consumers had learned how to compare hybrid cars, all of them are putting some improvements.

But let’s go back to the size consideration. When considering size of a particular hybrid car number of passengers and typical loads you may be transporting.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a compact sedan. It has five seats and has a general is outside look comparable to that of non-hybrid Civic. The interior is the same size, although the trunk of this hybrid is slightly smaller to accommodate the battery. For 2006 edition, it was redesigned, and now has a more slender and sporty overall look.

The Prius 2000-2003 models have 5 passenger compact capacity, and was redesigned in 2004 and evolved into a mid-size category car. This comparatively larger edition includes a versatile hatch back.

The Price

For price, below is a means to compare currently available hybrid cars. It’s not a clear-cut pricing table, but at least you have an idea.

> 2006 Toyota Prius, $21,2745
> 2006 Honda Insight, $19,330 manual transmission; $21,530 for automatic
> 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, $21,850
> 2007 Lexus GS 450h, $54,900
> 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, $25,900
> 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid, $30,140

For SUV:
> 2006 Ford Escape hybrid begins at $27,515 for the two-wheel drive version and $28,595 for four-wheel drive.
> Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid SUV (summer 2006) $23,995.
> 2006 Lexus RX400h $49,060.
> 2006 Mariner Hybrid $29,840
> 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 for the two-wheel drive; $34,430 for four-wheel drive.

The Look

The last consideration is the appearance. You can choose a hybrid car that looks like the other available models, or you may want to be totally different. Anyway, this one of the few reasons why hybrids are hot today and was able to penetrate the American market successfully within a short period of time.

Copyright (c) 2008 John Curry

Though the fuel crisis and skyrocketing gas prices seem to have passed, they will be back with a vengeance when our economy returns. Regardless, it is still important to reduce our gas consumption to protect our environment and conserve resources for future generations. Here are 5 easy ways for you to conserve gas while saving money.

1. Travel less. This gas-saving method can be implemented in a variety of ways including planning ahead for your needs, consolidating your trips to the store with other errands, as well as walking and bicycling more, carpooling, utilizing public transportation, and working from home occasionally instead of commuting every day.

2. Properly maintain your car. Regular maintenance of your vehicle is one of the most important things you can do to maximize your vehicle’s performance and increase its longevity. This includes regularly checking tire pressure, changing your oil, replacing air filters and getting tune-ups as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

3. Minimize damage to your vehicle. One way to prevent unnecessary damage to your vehicle is to install a set of curb ramps at the end of your roll-over curb driveway entries. Well-made curb ramps minimize damage to your car’s undercarriage, tires, alignment and steering, improving your gas mileage.

4. Drive a fuel efficient car. If you have two vehicles at home, drive the more fuel efficient vehicle whenever possible. And, when you’re in the market for a new car, consider trading in your gas-guzzling SUV or truck for a car that gets better gas mileage, like one of the many hybrids now on the market. Models to consider include the Toyota Prius, Nissan Versa, Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Chrysler Sebring E85.

5. Refill your gas tank slowly. Since modern gas pumps are safety-equipped with vapor returns, that vapor is sucked back out of your car and returned to the underground storage tank where it condenses back into gas. In effect, by pumping faster, you are paying for gas you don’t keep. Instead, pump your gas slowly on the lowest setting to minimize vapor creation and keep most of what you pay for.

By following these five simple tips, you can conserve gas without any significant changes to your driving habits or lifestyle. At the same time, you’ll reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and save time and money. What a bargain!

——

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Since more and more people are considering buying hybrid cars in order for them to save thousands of dollars on gasoline, it is best to look at the price of some of the most popular models of those vehicles.

As a general rule, one should expect that the hybrids are slightly more expensive that their regular counterparts. The hybrids are priced somewhere around $19,000 to $55,000. That makes them three to five thousand dollars pricier than the common car.

So far, the lowest-priced hybrid around is the 2006 Honda Insight with manual transmission, priced at around $19,330. The highest, on the other hand, is the GS 450h, a hybrid sports sedan from Lexus. It comes with a whopping $54,900 price tag.

For hybrid models for 2006-2007, pricing goes like this:

$21,274 for the 2006 Toyota Prius
$21,850 for the 2006 Honda Civic hybrid
$30,140 for the 2006 Honda Accord hybrid
$25,900 for the 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid

For the SUV category, here are the prices:

$24,840 for the 2006 Mariner hybrid, the standard four-wheel drive
$23,995 for the Saturn VUE Green Line hybrid, Summer 2006 edition
$49,060 for the 2006 Lexus GS 450h
$27,515 for the 2006 Ford Escape hybrid, the two-wheel drive version, then $28,595 for the four-wheel drive

Of course, these are just the base prices. Any additional or customized features will fatten the price tag.

There are issues regarding the hidden costs that can accumulate once someone purchases a hybrid vehicle. For instance, the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight have eight-year warranties for their batteries. The thing is, once the batteries dies down after eight years, it cannot be repaired – it must be replaced with a brand-new one, which will cost the owner around $7000.

Vic Johnstone, the manager for alternative vehicles and specialized vehicles of Toyota, verifies that the batteries are built to last for only less than a decade.

Car owners are on their toes regarding the recyclability of the batteries, which are made from NickelMetal Hydride. It is rumored that the said batteries can do more harm to the environment than it was originally intended for.

Significantly, Toyota has decreased the price of the batteries of their Prius. It was originally priced at $4500 and was brought down to only $3000. The downside is that unlike its closest competitor, Honda, Toyota will only offer a five-year warranty for the new batteries.

The prices of the batteries are expected to decrease as technology improves for the manufacturing of the hybrid models.

Still, owners of hybrid cars know that their cars will emphasize fuel savings than financial ones. They concluded that fifteen years are needed to pay off the extras spent on the battery of the Prius, along with its calculated fuel consumption.

The right disposal of the nickel batteries are also an issue among car owners. Since the main derivative of the batteries is nickel, it is considered semi-toxic . The content also contains electrolyte, which, if gathered in big portions, could be hazardous to the environment.

That no longer is the question. If Mr. Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA is to be believed, everything will be a hybrid, eventually. Mr. Press proposed that it’s going to be either a gas hybrid, a diesel hybrid, or a fuel-cell hybrid. Hmmmm. Looks like the world is going to be ruled by hybrids, interesting.

But, hey, why buy hybrid cars anyway?

Less resistance to air drag

This is also known as the concept of aerodynamics. A vehicle with designs that allows moving through air effortlessly is easily the least expensive in terms of fuel consumption. Studies had shown that about half of the energy needed to move a car traveling in a highway is used up by aerodynamic drag.

Car designers have a plethora of techniques for making vehicles glide more easily down a windy highway. Today’s more efficient hybrid cars use some of these strategies. To buy hybrid cars meant therefore, as to look for these characteristics.

A hybrid car eats up less air conditioning fuel

Looks like to buy hybrid cars means also to more efficient on air condition. Latest results from valuations of hybrid cars signify a drastically less consumption of fuel while car air condition is open. Hybrids got 15 to 27 percent lower fuel economy with the air conditioning on, according to Jim Francfort, main investigator at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, under the U.S. Department of Energy.

For five years now, Francfort has been evaluating hybrids. When he first came across with hybrid cars in 2001, he was astounded. While testing the Honda Insight and the first generation Toyota Prius (Two hybrids first introduced in the U.S.) Francfort realized immediately the future of these cars. He reportedly said, It was a new technology and we were trying to learn. We thought we needed to do more tests to understand the impacts on fuel economy, based on how hybrid owners actually drive their cars.

Low emission level

And of course, to buy hybrid cars means to help the environment. Hybrid vehicles are low emission and fuel efficient. These are some of the characteristics that top the list, actually. Why this is so? A hybrid car recharges its battery while running. This removes the need for regularly plugging the car for an electricity outlet.

Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicles emit 90 percent of cleaner emission than average new 2002 model car. Ultra Low-Emission Vehicles however, are cars that emit 50 percent cleaner emission, much lower than a new 2001 model car. Zero-emission cars however, belong only to the family of pure electric vehicles. But they are much expensive to produce, and proved to be impractical as drivers needed to plug these cars regularly.

Also at present, people who would buy hybrid cars will benefit from the Federal State tax deductions. Buying hybrid cars is encouraged because of the long term benefits of minimized fuel usage. Other tax deductions for hybrid car are also available. Some cities several free parking areas for low-emissions vehicles owners.

These efforts seem to be not lost to Americans. According to an online survey conducted by a research center, ninety percent of the respondents surveyed indicated a willingness to buy hybrid cars the next time they need one. Provided, however, that these cars are comparable in look with they currently own.

In this marketing study, about 46 percent of male respondents and 36 percent of female respondents strongly believed that these hybrid vehicles will perform comparably to all-gasoline vehicles. For these respondents, this is the most important factor. The concern for model, style, and features in these hybrid version is important for female respondents (49 percent), and 35 percent important for male respondents.

Only a handful of respondents, about 10 percent of those surveyed said they would buy hybrid cars with different style, while only 16 percent are willing to compromise on performance features, like horsepower and acceleration.

For price, however, the respondents are willing to compromise. When they’re asked what they would be most willing to sacrifice for more efficient fuel usage for the environment, a common characteristics of hybrids, 45 percent of the respondents indicated the willingness to pay $1,000 to $2,000 or higher for their new hybrid vehicles.

Hybrids are the in thing these days. A hybrid car operates with 2 engines — one using traditional fuel, and the other energy from a rechargeable battery. With the influx of hybrid cars in the market, one cannot simply take advertisement and supplier claims for their word. After all, it is every hybrid car manufacturer’s duty to sell. So, how do we sift through the multitude of brands, then?

The simplest way is by reading consumer reports on hybrid cars.

There are lots of information available about hybrid cars. Data from the manufacturer’s website are good sources of needed preliminary knowledge on hybrid cars. However, we may be able to glean a much more honest report on the ins and outs of this new revolutionary vehicle by consulting consumer reports.

What consumer reports say about the reliability of hybrid cars

“These hybrid systems have been very reliable,” according to Consumer Reports’ senior director for auto test centers David Champion. Mr. Champion said that around 94% of Toyota Prius owners would definitely buy another Prius and are very happy and satisfied.

Findings like this one can prove valuable to a consumer, because aside from taking individual consumer reports on certain hybrid car models, it also provides comparison on certain features.

However, this doesn’t really show that consumer reports agree with other opinions, as some automobile experts and analysts have criticized the hybrid car as flamboyant because of the fact that two engines are being used for one purpose. Several consumer reports argue explaining that the electric motor adds power to the engine.

Consumer reports often say that they are for the protection of environment, asserting that they are supportive in the burning of less fossil fuel. This is in lieu of opinion from experts that hybrid drivers are paying too high for an automobile that offers only marginally better fuel efficiency than the other economy cars already on the road.

At one point, consumer reports compared the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid car, which consumes 36 miles per gallon and worth $21,000, with the 2003 Honda Civic EX, which consumes 29 miles per gallon and worth $18,500 a unit on the average. Interested to know the results? The tax break excluded, it would take a consumer 21 years in fuel savings to cover the earlier expense for buying hybrid.

So many information, right? The fact of the matter is, consumer reports only serve as a healthy guide for people planning on buying hybrid cars. It takes rigorous tests on the products itself, using the expertise of its well-appointed staff and crew, and hopes that the consumer will be able to discern for himself if the product is worth buying or not.

In the end, after all the consumer reports that have been released and published about hybrid cars, it is still the buyer’s decision that will prevail.

Some consumer reports say hybrid cars are practical; some don’t. Some say only specific models are recommendable; others argue against them and sing praises about others. The bottomline is, consumer reports are exactly what they are: consumer reports. Their findings are based on their experience and opinions of the their own set of experts. How you respond to them, however, is a different story.

General Motors has long been bludgeoned into backing the supporting hybrid car technology.

The car making company has already suffered blows not from pro-hybrid fanatics or not even from environmentalists but mostly from the market itself.

Almost all news article and analyses that tackle GM’s softening financial performance mention GM’s missteps regarding hybrid cars. For instance, CBS News tagged GM as road kill amid the rising hybrid cars demand.

But much to credits, GM has been taking lumps, has been humble in admitting miscalculations, and finally has been abruptly and surely jumping on the bandwagon for hybrid.

Queue from competitor

At the end of the year 2004, incidentally also the year when rival Toyota’s Toyota Prius created a wave in the market, GM had announced an alliance with another major car maker, DaimlerChrysler in a joint effort to build and assemble hybrid cars of the future.

At the time, GM humbly admitted and apologized for its past lax treatment for need to ramp up development of hybrid cars. Now, the apology translates to missed revenues, because GM is still not on top in terms of developing and selling hybrid cars.

When oil and gasoline prices started rising in 2005, GM admittedly made the mistake of not taking as seriously the potential opportunities posed by the times.

No one has foreseen that oil prices would continue to sky rocket then, because apparently, the situation in the Middle East then seemed to be greatly improving.

High standards

By the summer of 2005, GM’s hybrid car version was almost complete. GM then started a strategy to greatly and strongly focus on car hybrids, whether mild hybrids, full-massive hybrids or intermediate hybrids.

GM boasted at the time that it was the only car manufacturing firm that passionately pursue manufacturing of ultra-mild hybrid car systems, like the high-standard Belt Alternator Starters or BAS.

GM said by being so, its hybrids in the future would be less expensive but will surely generate much savings for the consumers or users gasoline consumption bills.

By that time, GM was already quick to assert that its forthcoming 2007 Saturn VUE hybrid would be the first and pioneering hybrid car that would be using the ultra and high-standard BAS.

Another hybrid system

GM is understood to also be actively pursuing developing and adopting a full hybrid system that would be a significant and major breakthrough in the emerging hybrid car technology.

The two-mode hybrid system is expected to lead GM into once again dominating not just the local but also the global car manufacturing and distributing industry.

The hybrid system would be a part of GM’s scheme to assemble hybrid cars that would have improved fuel economy. The more interesting feature to come up with GM’s future hybrid cars using the new system is the speed capacity.

GM is apparently and undoubtedly a believer in hybrid cars. By that, it is expected that the company’s future car products will be able to make believers out of the ever-insatiable American public.

GM plans to further deliver superior and quality hybrid vehicles in the future. The company plans to roll out hybrid car products that boast of fuel efficiency, performance and impressive gains.

GM’s strategy

GM’s strategy of rolling out more powerful hybrid cars in the future is tipped at the company’s response to rising need to finally snatch up again its leadership in the car industry.

Through the years, the company has shed its position in favour of Japanese car makers Toyota and Honda. However, analysts and experts expect GM to make use of its superior hybrid cars to get into the top spot once again.

The strategy may seem to obvious and apparent, but it is one that would surely get things done. Wait for a few more years and let history and hybrid reception decide on GM’s future.

Toyota, the famous Japanese car brand, is one of the very few car makers that had initially taken the heed to develop and market hybrid cars in the market.

It is in this dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction that sets Toyota above the rest. Now, it enjoys being the top car seller worldwide, beating the long-time leaders and giants like the United States-based General Motors and Germany’s Ford and Volkswagen.

Toyota has been on top for valid and practical reasons. It is determined to snap away leadership from threats and competition.

The strategy adopted by the company in unveiling and marketing hybrid cars is immensely amazing. Today, there are two top hybrid car models originating from Toyota that would surely be on top of your list when you shop around for hybrid cars.

The Toyota Prius hybrid

The Toyota Prius definitely is Toyota’s middle-sized gasoline-electric or otherwise known as hybrid car. This hybrid car, according to earlier buyers are really a joy to drive.

The Toyota Prius relies on an effective combination of the gas engine, the electric motor and a set of battery pack that move and run the hybrid car going along the road.

Prices range from $20,875 for the basic model, going up to about $25,940. Demand for this hybrid car model has outpaced its own production; thus, some buyers are already waiting weeks or even months just so they could own a Prius.

Consequently, Toyota has abruptly increased the production of this hybrid car. As most of the car’s early buyers and owners would tell you, it is definitely worth all the wait.

Prius technology

When you are driving a Prius, it would be hard not be amazed by the hybrid car’s technology. Engine starting this hybrid car is not done simply by turning a key the traditional way, spurring ignition.

Initiating this hybrid car is done by pressing the round Power push button on the dash. You will also find an interactive, a touch sensitive, a multi-information display monitor or screen that is mounted within in the center console.

This display has a number of modes and can indicate things like energy flow between power and train components, the consumption of fuel, the radio settings, the sensitive climate control, or the many other function of this hybrid vehicle.

But the car’s technology, just like its ultra and unique futuristic styling and exterior design, could be seen either positively or negatively, that would depend on an observer’s point of view.

Overall, the Toyota Prius hybrid car delivers smoother ride and definitely has ample amounts of rooms for a number of passengers. The interior volume is also very versatile. Similarly, the lift-back hatch in the rear and the fold down seats in the rear will make make carrying heavier and larger items so easy.

The Toyota Camry

Definitely, no one will be accused of committing reckless driving for purchasing a Toyota Camry hybrid.

This hybrid car model is so safe, dependable, comfortable and attractive, not to mention predictable. Based on the sales volume about 430,000 units sold in the United States alone in 2005 most Americans are so happy with the reliability and affordability of this set of wheels that are fit for the family.

The Toyota Camry hybrid has been America’s top-selling passenger hybrid vehicle for the past couple of years.

Being practical, why not invest a premium or more for the Toyota Camry hybrid drive, which offers an Environmental Protection Agency high-rating of about 40 miles to a gallon, giving you about 700 miles between breaks or next visit to the nearest gas station?

The Toyota Camry hybrid car is not the industry’s first attempt to offer a hybrid vehicle in an upbeat, vogue and ultra-popular model. In late 2004, rival firm Honda launched the hybrid version of its top seller Accord the United States second most popular model of car behind the Camry.

But, Honda run short on its effort for hybrids because it used hybrid technology for supposedly better performance rather than for fuel economy, which is deemed more important these times due to the soaring gasoline prices.

Overall, whichever Toyota hybrid car model you choose, for sure you will always be a winner. Toyota really has come up with the best and high-quality cars, hybrid or not, surpassing all the competitors.

Since its first production commercially in the 1990′s, the number of hybrid cars models had swollen into gargantuan volumes.

In 2004, some 80,000 hybrid vehicles (cars and trucks included) were sold, reaching a some 17 million USD in total sales, in the US alone. In 2005, about 200,000 hybrids cars, with different models, were sold. This singular sale represented the total of 1.2 percent of all cars sold in the US, in the same year. Some authorities believe that that by 2007, some 400,000 hybrid vehicles will be sold in the US.

The Toyota Prius, however, rules supreme over other hybrid car models. With 107,897 units sold for the year 2005, which represented 52% of the total hybrid market, Toyota Prius is currently unbeatable. The next most popular hybrid was the Honda Civic Hybrid, which sold over 25,000 vehicles.

Here’s a look at different models of hybrid cars

2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. This is a 4 door/5 seat sedan, with automatic or manual CVT for its transmission. MPG is 47city/ 48 hwy, while the range per fillup is 650 miles. Base on 2005 pricing, this model is worth $19,800 per unit in the US.

This model boasts of such features as full climate control, a Micron air filtration, and built with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). It has Cruise Control, Power windows, mirrors and door locks, together with AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers.

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. This one is4 door and 5 seat midsize sedan. Transmission is 5-speed automatic, while the mileage (mpg) is 29 city/ 37 hwy. Range per fillup is 600 miles (1000 km). Based on the 2005 Base Retail Price, this car worth $30,000 in the US.

This hybrid car model’s notable features are its unique hybrid air-conditioning system, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Grade logic control, a Driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment, and a Satellite-linked navigation system. The last feature, though, is optional for the owner.

Another hybrid car model from Honda that made it to the list is its 2005 Insight. It has 3 doors and two seat coupe. Transmission is CVT automatic or 5-speed manual. Mileage (mpg) is 60 city/ 70 hwy (3.2L/100km), while its range per fillup is 600 miles (1000 km).

Retail price is pegged at 2003 Price: $19,080 – $21,280 in the US.

In terms of features, this hybrid car model has full climate control, a CFC-Free Air Conditioning, with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), and an Electronic instrument display. It also has a tachometer, power windows and mirrors; door locks; and AM/FM Stereo/Cassette System.

2005 Toyota Prius. Of course, the first among the hybrid car models to successfully reached the US market is included among the best. This one is 4 door and a 5 seat sedan with a liftback. Transmission is CVT automatic, while mileage (mpg) is 60 city/ 51 hwy. range per fillup is 566 miles. Based on the 2005 Base Retail Price, this model is $20,875 per unit, in the US.

This one has a full climate control, a CFC-Free Air Conditioning and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Also comes with central instrument display, LCD energy monitor, power windows and mirrors, door locks with deluxe AM/FM ETR/Cassette with 4 speakers.

2005 Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford answer with Japanese cars is this 4 door/5 seat SUV unit. Transmission is CVT automatic with a mileage (city/hwy) of 2wd 31/36 | 4wd 29/33. Range per fillup is 400 to 600 miles. It has manual Air Conditioning, with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), a roof rack with 2 horizontal bars and also comes with power windows and mirrors, door locks, and AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD system. The price based on 2005 $26,970

2006 Lexus RX 400h. This hybrid car model is a 4 door/5 seat SUV unit. Transmission is ECVT automatic, a 31city/ 27hwy mileage (mpg), and the range per fillup is 450 to 530 miles. The retail price is $48,500

This one has dual-zone automatic climate control, and an exclusive Lexus 8-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD, power tilt and slide moon roof, transceiver to operate garage doors, lights, and part-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

The 2005 hybrid car models include some of the best and ingenious ones. Car experts believe that other models in the future will just take their improvement from this most productive year in the history of hybrid cars.

Today we are going to go over the top ten fuel efficient cars currently being sold in and outside the US. While most of the fuel efficient cars on the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) list of the most fuel efficient cars are listed below. Along with some information on what type of car it is. This list contains mostly all Hybrid cars. However This does not mean you can not duplicate these fuel efficient cars with your own car.

Later through out this post you will be given some very powerful information on how you can convert your current car to a hybrid with very little out of pocket expenses. We all know it is important to own a fuel efficient car. Especially with how the current gas prices are soaring though out the world. Prepare to be amazed by some of the cars you will find on this list of the top ten fuel efficient cars.

Top Ten Best Fuel Efficient Cars

1. Toyota Prius 3rd Generation Hybrid. According to the EPA the Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the USA. The Prius is a gas-electric hybrid that first went on sale in Japan in 1997. The Prius was also the first mass produced hybrid ever to hit the production lines. The Toyota Prius 3rd Gen Hybrid currently holds the number 1 spot on the most fuel efficient cars of 2010.
2. Ford Fusion Hybrid is driven by a state of the art propulsion gas-electric engine. The Ford Fusion first hit the production line Aug. 1 2005. Fusion Hybrid propulsion is supplied by a combination of two sources: an electric motor powered by an innovative nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery and the next generation of the 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 gas engine. The Ford Fusion Hybrid was a close runner up to the Toyota Prius landing it in the top two most fuel efficient cars of 2010.
3. Honda Civic Hybrid was first introduced in Japan in late 2001. The Honda Civic Hybrid was introduced to the us in Feb. of 2002 as a 2003 model. The motor is a super efficient 1.3-liter, 8-valve i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a lightweight, high-output electric motor, which adds extra power when needed.The Honda civic has made the top ten list for the most fuel efficient cars for the past few years. Once again it makes the top three most fuel efficient cars of 2010.
4. Honda Insight Hybrid was first introduced in 1999. The Insight features a highly efficient, 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and DC-brushless electric motor, and it’s equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Honda Insight landed itself amung the top five on the top ten fuel efficient cars of 2010
5. Lexus HS250h Hybrid was introduced in 2009 as a luxury compact sedan. The engine is a In-line 4, Atkinson cycle with a high output electric drive motor.Even with all its luxuries it has still landed in the top five of the most fuel efficient cars of 2010. It just goes to show you do not need to give up luxury and comfort to own one of the most fuel efficient cars.
6. Nissan Altima Hybrid was first introduced in 2007. The Hybrid Altima features a 2.5 L engine QR25DE, CVT transmission, and electric motor/generator. The Nissan Altima Hybrid has been gaing ground on the most fuel efficient cars list. However for 2010 it still remains in the number 6 spot as one of the most fuel efficient cars of 2010.
7. Ford Escape Hybrid was first introduced to the US in 2004.  The Ford Escape Hybrid was also the first SUV hybrid ever to hit the market. The Ford Escape Hybrid has a 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine with a Permanent Magnet AC synchronous electric motor . Making the Ford Escape Hybrid the most fuel efficient SUV currently on the market. As the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV is one of the most fuel efficient cars of 2010. The Ford Escape Hybrid takes a better title being the most fuel efficient SUV currently on the market.
8. Mazda Tribute Hybrid was first introduced in 2007. The Mazada Tribute hybrid offers a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6. While the Mazda Tribute ranks eighth in the most fuel efficient cars of 2010. It is still one of the newest models of hybrids currently being sold in the US.
9. Mercury Mariner Hybrid was first introduced in early 2005. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid offers a 2.5L iVCT I4 Atkinson cycle engine & Permanent magnet electric motor with a 330-volt sealed nickel-metal-hydride (NIMH) battery and a 6-Speed automatic transmission.
10. Smart fortwo Cabriolet is the only none hybrid on the top ten best fuel efficient cars of 2010. The Smart foretwo Cabriolet was first introduced in 1998. This two seater offers a 1 liter / 61 cu inch inline 3 engine. Making it the most fuel efficient none hybrid car currently on the market.

While all of the fuel efficient cars mentioned above provide great gas mileage. There is still one major delema for many. That delam is the fact many can not afford to purchase any of these new vehicles. Since studies show that most cars on the road today are older then 10 years. This means with all of these cars older then ten years old you are wasting more money on fuel cost every day on gas you could be saving.

Although did you know your current car could be on this list of the top ten fuel efficient cars. Granted you will not get as good of gas mileage as the Toyota Prius or the Ford Fusion hybrids. You could still save a ton of money every single month on gas. All that is needed to do is add a very simple device called the hho dry cell. These device range in prices from $300-2000. However with the right set of instructions you could build one of these devices your self and install it over the course of a weekend.

If you would like to know more about your alternative fuel options (or to build a HHO gas Generator or a HHO Dry Cell Device to help save on your fuel bill and own fuel efficient cars) these are the guides we recommend:

Click Here to Visit Run Auto With Water – The #1 Guide

Click Here to Visit Gas 4 Free – The #2 Guide

Click Here to Read Our Reviews of All of the Top 3 Guides

Either Run Auto With Water (#1 on our Hydrogen fueled cars review page) or Gas 4 Free (#2 on our Hydrogen fueled cars review page) will make it easier for you to really learn about DIY HHO Gas Generators!

Other Top Posts:

What Is A Hybrid Car

HHO Parts and Accessories

Converting To a More Fuel Efficient Cars

HHO How To Build Hydrogen Fuel Cars

The Future is Now With Fuel Efficient Cars

Companies That Sell Hydrogen Fuel Kits For Cars

Make A HHO Dry Cell – Dry Cell HHO Plans