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Resources
If you can't find what you're looking for on our hybrid
vehicle website, then check out some of our fine resources
below for further information. We've picked the finest resources
we can find that we think will be of interest to you, our
reader.
FuelEconomy.gov
- federal website that provides all sorts of information
on hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles.
National
Renewable Energy Labratory - works toward developing
hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs);
moving them from research and development to the marketplace.
The laboratory began investigating HEV technologies more
than a decade ago. In the past few years several commercial
HEV models, which are powered simultaneously by batteries
and fuel, have taken their place in the mainstream automobile
market. More recently, HEV drivetrains have been used successfully
in heavy-duty trucks, buses, and military vehicles.
Advanced
Vehicle Testing Activity (AVTA) - is conducted
jointly by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The data on this web
site only reflects the analysis results for the testing
activities directed by the INL.
California
Air Resources Board - CARB has been the leader in
the development of programs designed to reduce emissions from
mobile sources. Mobile sources account for well over half of
the emissions which contribute to ozone and particulate matter
air pollution in California. Zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and
near-zero emission vehicles are a key element of California's
plan for attaining health based air quality standards.
California
Cars Initiative (CalCars) - is a non-profit startup
formed by a group of California entrepreneurs, engineers,
environmentalists and consumers to jump-start the market
for plug-in hybrids. They've built a prototype PHEV, dubbed
Prius+
and are harnessing the collective vision and purchasing
power of individuals and corporate and government fleets.
CalCars aims to engage with a major car maker to produce
plug-in versions of existing sedans and SUVs.
USCAR
- is the umbrella organization of DaimlerChrysler, Ford
and General Motors, which was formed in 1992 to further
strengthen the technology base of the domestic auto industry
through cooperative research.
Hybrid
Car Information and Resources - contains information
and articles about hybrid cars, HEV's, electric cars, and
gasoline electric technology.
Hybrid
Car Guide - provides information about hybrid car
including reviews, technology, incentives, and a mileage calculator.
Exotic
Cars - features all sorts of supercars, sports cars,
luxury vehicles and unique limousines.
Car
Forums - directory of automotive message boards
around the Web that auto enthusiasts may find useful.
Carstuff
- Auto Parts - Find deals on a superior quality discount
auto parts and accessories plus more in their extensive auto
parts catalog.
Cool
Cars - features exotic, hydrogen and concept cars
along with reviews and photos.
Oil
Peaks - news, information and commentary about
how to survive the rising oil prices.
New legislation has changed the tax incentives for hybrid
vehicles. Hybrids placed in service by December 31, 2005
are still eligible for the tax incentives.
Hybrids placed in service after this date will no longer
be eligible for these deductions but may be eligible for
a federal income tax credit under new legislation—the
amount will depend upon the vehicle's fuel economy, estimated
fuel savings, and other factors.
Hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles are electrically
driven, albeit with dramatically different ways of producing
the electricity. In both cases these advanced vehicles require
high-power electric battery packs for optimal performance.
Thermal management is central to the science of energy
storage, and has long been a mainstay of NREL research,
as it affects life-cycle cost, performance, power, and charge
acceptance. The operating temperature of high-power battery
packs must be regulated because temperature variations between
modules can greatly reduce performance. NREL's energy storage
team also focuses on enhancing the performance and extending
the life of ultracapacitors, which store electricity by
physically separating positive and negative charges—unlike
batteries that do so chemically. Ultracapacitors are efficient
at capturing electricity from regenerative braking, and
can quickly deliver power for acceleration. They are important
and promising for HEV and FCV designs.
It's good to know that many resources are currently working
on the issue of placing more green vehicles into our future.
This helps us with our health, our pocketbooks, helps the
economy and lessens our depenedence upon foreign nations.
All efforts by all of the different agencies referenced
above is greatly appreciated.
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