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Types & Systems

Indian Carmaker Plans Diesel-Hybrid Pickup for the U.S.

Indian Carmaker Plans Diesel-Hybrid Pickup for the U.S.

Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra plans to introduce a diesel-hybrid pickup truck for sale in the U.S. by 2010. The pickup would become the first diesel-hybrid to hit the light-duty market in the United States.

Turbocharging, The New Hybrid?

Turbocharging, The New Hybrid?

One of the reasons hybrids get good gas mileage is because they use a smaller engine without losing too much performance. But there are other ways to downsize. As automakers decide how to meet stricter fuel-efficiency goals, they’re exploring all their options. Could turbocharging become the new hybrid?

Tesla Will Go Hybrid

Tesla Will Go Hybrid

Tesla Motors may be the darling of the "take no prisoners" electric vehicle world, but the company may break from its roots with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain for its upcoming Whitestar sedan.

Diesel-Hybrid Dreams

Diesel-Hybrid Dreams

Die-hard hybrid fans would like to see the technology used in all its many varieties. But we should be careful about slapping the word “hybrid” and a hyphen in too many places. All hybridizations don’t pass the three-part test of feasibility, appeal and cost. Consider the Citroën C-Métisse diesel-hybrid concept.

I'm a Hybrid, You're Not a Hybrid

I'm a Hybrid, You're Not a Hybrid

Three short years ago, just three vehicles comprised the hybrid market. At that time, the term “hybrid car” could be described without much trouble: a vehicle that uses gas and electricity to get exceptional mileage. The quadrupling of the hybrid market—11 vehicles are sold today; 10 more are set for release within two years—has brought, unfortunately, a similarly savage market in the area of hybrid lexicon.

Breakthrough Technologies

Breakthrough Technologies

Volatility in gas prices. Concerns over energy security. Worries about climate change. Most drivers see nothing but heartache, but a few enterprising companies and individuals see big opportunities to help car owners get relief—and maybe even usher in a post-petroleum era.

Hydraulic Hybrids

Hydraulic hybrids use a motor-pump instead of an electric motor-generator—and an accumulator rather than the battery pack.

Flywheel Hybrids

Battery-based hybrids require multiple energy-sapping transformations. With flywheels, less conversion equals less energy lost.

Diesel and Hybrid

While a diesel hybrid-electric passenger car or light truck would certainly improve fuel economy, its emissions would be abysmal. Then again, it may get up to 80 mpg.

Belt Alternator Starters

The belt system, Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) is the least a carmaker can do, and still claim the hybrid badge. It's the answer when cost is the major decision factor.

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