Alternative Fuel Cars
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by: breezego.css
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Word Count: 321
Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 Time: 11:27 AM
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Priority for research and development has been largely centered on "hybrid" vehicles. They use both electric power and internal combustion. However, there are other| alternative fuel cars being developed. Right now, the most popular alternative fuel cars are the electric car, the petrol-electric hybrid, and the solar-powered car.
The battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, are cars that are run by the chemical energy of batteries. Most are classified as zero emission vehicles, or ZEHs, because no emissions are produced when driven. Electrical energy for these cars are obtained from a variety of battery chemistry's arranged into battery packs. BEVs have mainly used lead-acid batteries, NiMH batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
A hybrid vehicle, or the petrol-electric hybrid, uses multiple sources to provide power. This commonly refers to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, which use gasoline and electric batteries for the energy used to power internal-combustion engines (ICEs) and electric motors. The Toyota Prius is one of the world's first commercially mass-produced and marketed hybrid automobiles. It first went on the worldwide market in 2000, and today has surpassed the mark of one million units.
A solar car is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the car. However, solar cars are not a practical form of transportation. Events sponsored by government agencies, such as the US Department of Energy, to promote the development of alternative energy technology such as solar cells and electric vehicles have been held. Such challenges are often entered by universities to develop their students' engineering and technological skills as well as motor vehicle manufacturers such as GM and Honda.
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