A hybrid vehicle is any kind of vehicle that uses two or more propulsion systems. Current hybrids integrate an internal combustion engine and an electric motor and battery.

Depending upon the type and design—and kind of usage—hybrid designs can range from operating mostly on the internal combustion engine with some assistance from the electric motor, to almost the opposite—operating predominantly on the electric motor, using the internal combustion engine only when significant power is needed.

The Basic Types of Hybrids:

• Mild – uses the electric motor and battery as an assist to the internal combustion engine
• Full – the two propulsion systems (electric motor and internal combustion engine) can work independently or in conjunction with each other
• Plug-in – the internal combustion engine acts only as a back-up to the main rechargeable motor and battery system

Read on for more detailed explanations of how each of these hybrid types operates:

How Mild & Full Hybrids Work

Mild and full hybrids never need to be plugged in.

mild hybrid is one that cannot drive on the electric motor alone—it always needs the internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle while the motor acts as an assist.

A full hybrid, unlike its mild counterpart, has the ability to propel the vehicle solely on its electric motor—without the internal combustion engine running. However, it is only able to do this under certain conditions (usually low load conditions). Under very light cruising load and under light acceleration, a full hybrid can run on just the electric motor. As soon as additional power is needed, the internal combustion engine will kick-in to provide full acceleration power.

Full hybrids tend to get much better fuel mileage than mild hybrids, plus much better city mileage, since the electric motor is used much more in city driving.

Regenerative Braking

To recapture energy that would normally be lost when slowing down or coasting, hybrids use regenerative braking. This is a fancy term that basically means the electric motor runs “in reverse” and acts as a generator to help recharge the NiMH battery. This is how it works: Whenever the driver lets off the throttle or applies the brakes, the computer runs the electric motor backwards to recharge the battery. Under extended periods of use such as highway cruising where little braking occurs, the engine itself can run the electric motor to recharge the battery also.

Hybrids are always in a state of flux—either drawing from, or recharging the battery. Hybrid batteries are not lead acid, like the starting battery. They are predominantly Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), which is a more sophisticated and reliable battery system. NiMH batteries charge better and hold charges longer. Both mild and full hybrids have the ability to shut the internal combustion engine off. Mild hybrids only turn the engine off at an idle to save gasoline and emissions—as long as the brake pedal is depressed. For example, when stopped at a traffic light, the internal combustion engine shuts off, but as soon as the brake is released, the engine re-starts in an instant, ready to go.

Complex Computer Systems

Because of the complexity of merging two different drive trains to work seamlessly as one, a hybrid requires a sophisticated computer management system. Hybrid control systems need to be heated and/or cooled, depending upon the climate and weather conditions, to maintain certain operating temperatures. The computer gathers data from many different sensors throughout the car for optiumum functioning: vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine load, gear selection, temperature, etc. It determines when the battery needs recharging, when the motor can run the vehicle, when it needs to start the engine back up—the whole shebang.

Yet driving a hybrid is just like any other car, thanks to this sophisticated computer system. Yes, the driver simply pushes the accelerator and/or brake as needed, and the computer takes care of managing all the systems to create a seamless driving experience.

Learn about how plug-in hybrids work.

More Hybrid Information:

Hybrids 101
Why is electricity an alt fuel? How exactly do mild, full and plug-in hybrids work? Plus FAQs about hybrids.

Hybrid Buying Guide
Check out the photos and test drives of current hybrid models, plus the lowdown on up-and-coming models.

Hybrid Maintenance and Safety Issues
Get the scoop on hybrid maintenance: from routine maintenance and professional repairs to safety issues and “beware the orange.”

Hybrid Tax Credits & Rebates
They go hand-in-hand: reduce your taxes and greenhouse gas contribution when you buy a hybrid vehicle.

From Christine & Scott Gable,

alternativefuels.about.com

Online Classified Ad Tips For Selling A Used Car
By Phoenix Delray

When it comes to selling a used car via an online classified ad, you have the opportunity to reach a much larger audience than you would with traditional advertising methods. If you have never sold with this method, or if you feel that your last sale could have gone better, here are some tips to keep in mind that will help ensure a successful used car sale.

The first thing to do is to establish the value of your used car, and the best way to do this is to consult a car values book, and other existing online classified car ads with similar vehicles. You may also consider taking your car to a lot to see what a dealer would offer, and then incorporate all of this information into the price that you include in your ad.

Next, be sure to list the body style, model, and year of your used car, as well as the engine size, color, and mileage. Honesty really is the best policy, and if your car has some less than desirable qualities, like cosmetic dings or rust, be sure to emphasize the positive to offset these negative descriptions. Phrases such as one owner, fuel economy, well maintained, and low mileage stand out to ad readers more than comments about imperfections that can be easily fixed.

After you have determined a price and written an effective ad, the next step is to prepare your vehicle for sale. Have your car professionally cleaned and detailed, and instead of spending money on major repairs, which will likely cost you more than the price that you will receive for the car, plan on being honest about the condition of your car, both in the ad and in person.

Once your ad is posted and your car is ready, it is time to wait for the calls and email inquiries to start rolling in. Be sure to give honest answers to questions, and make an appointment for a specific time to show the car. If the prospective buyer is late or does not show up, do not feel obligated to wait or hold the car for them, just move on to the next person. Always check the title transfer procedures and requirements for your state before you transfer physical ownership of the car, and always demand payment in cash or by certified check to protect your interests.

Online classified ads, when used correctly, can be powerful selling tools, so use yours wisely, following the above tips, and you will be well on your way to a successful sale.

For more information and to view or post online classifieds visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phoenix_Delray
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