List of Hybrid cars since 1899

Early designs: 1899-1917

Lohner Porsche

* 1899: Ferdinand Porsche, then a young engineer at Jacob Lohner & Co. creates the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.

* 1900: Carmaker Pieper of Belgium introduced a vehicle with an under-seat electric motor and a gasoline engine. It used the internal combustion engine to charge its batteries at cruise speed and used both motors to accelerate or climb a hill. Auto-Mixte, also of Belgium, built vehicles from 1906 to 1912 under the Pieper patents.

* 1901: Jacob Lohner & Co. produces the first Lohner Porsche, a series of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles based on employee Ferdinand Porsche's novel drivetrain.[1] These vehicles had a driveline that was either gas or electric, but not both at the same time.

* 1907: AL (French car)
* 1917: Wood's Dual Power Car had a driveline similar to the current GMC/Chevrolet Silverado hybrid pickup truck.

1960s

* 1969 General Motors XP-883

1970s

* 1972 Towns Microdot

1980s

* 1986 The Twike HEHV designed by a group of Swiss students debuted at the World expo in Vancouver, Canada. It remains in limited production and available in the USA (source: Neiman Marcus Christmas Book 2007, page 89).

* 1986 The Goldwing engine-based Gaselle hybrid gas/electric prototype built by Sarabjit Gandhi drove 8050 km in 16 days as part of the World Energy Autocross.

* 1989 Audi 100 Duo aka or Audi 100 Avant Duo experimental vehicle, a plug-in parallel hybrid based on the Audi 100 Avant quattro. No more than 10 were produced.

1990s

* 1991 Audi 100 Duo second generation, now with four-wheel-drive.
* 1996 AC Propulsion tzero (electric vehicle + steering-integrated genset trailer; 80 mile PbA, 300 mile Li-ion(2003) EV-mode)
* 1997 Toyota Prius (Japanese market only)
* 1997 Audi A4 Duo (a concept vehicle)
* 1999 Honda Insight

2000s

2000

* 2000 Toyota Estima hybrid (Japanese market only)
* 2000 Toyota Prius US market

2002

* 2002? Mazda Demio e-4WD (Japanese market only, used for traction assistance)
* 2002 Dyna Diesel Hybrid (Japan only, Diesel Hybrid)
* 2002 Honda Civic Hybrid 2003 model

2003

* Renault Kangoo (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)
* Suzuki Twin
* Toyota Alphard Hybrid
* Toyota Prius (5 seat midsize) 2004 model year, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive 1,000,000 sold (as of May 15, 2008)

2004

* Honda Accord Hybrid 2005 model
* Ford Escape Hybrid 2005 model (released in late summer 2004)

2005

* Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid 2006 model, Mild hybrid
* Honda Civic Hybrid 2006 model, second generation
* Lexus RX 400h 2006 model year, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive
* Mercury Mariner hybrid
* Toyota Kluger/Highlander Hybrid 2006 model

2006

* Lexus GS 450h 2007 model, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive
* Saturn Vue Green Line 2007 model, Mild hybrid
* Toyota Camry Hybrid 2007 model, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive
* Toyota Estima/Previa hybrid minivan, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive (Japanese market only)

2007

* BMW 1 Series small family car, first in the world with standard mild hybrid technology, Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, electric power steering, electric water pump[3][4]
* Lexus LS600hL 2008 model Luxury car, went on sale in June
* Mazda Tribute hybrid, 2008 model, expected to go on sale July 2007
* Nissan Altima Hybrid (limited sales)
* Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid (BAS) 2008 model, Mild hybrid
* Toyota Kluger/Highlander Hybrid 2008 model, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, will go on sale October 2007

2008

* Cadillac Escalade (AHS II) 2009 model
* Chevrolet Malibu (midsize car) Mild hybrid
* Chevrolet Tahoe (AHS II) (SUV, RWD/AWD) 2008 model
* Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid (AHS II) (fullsize pickup) 2009 model
* Dodge Durango (AHS II) (SUV) 2009 model, expected to go on sale Fall 2008
* GMC Sierra Hybrid (AHS II) (fullsize pickup) 2009 model
* GMC Yukon Hybrid (AHS II) (SUV, RWD/AWD) 2008 model
* Roewe 750 (midsize car) First Chinese hybrid car
* Saturn Vue Green Line (AHS II) (SUV, FWD) 2009 model, 45% improvement over non-hybrid version according to GM
* Saturn AURA Green Line Mild hybrid (midsize car) 2008 model
* BYD F3DM Plug-in hybrid

Unknown Date

* Toyota Sienna
* Peugeot 307 CC Hybride HDi.
* Toyota Crown (Japan only, Mild hybrid)

2009

* Aptera Motors' Aptera 2h (three-wheeled, two seat)
* BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid
* Ford Fusion Hybrid (midsize car)
* Fisker Karma
* Honda Insight 2010 model year, second-generation model, now as a 5-door hatchback
* Lexus RX450h 2010 model refresh
* Mercedes-Benz S-Class Mild hybrid
* Mercury Milan Hybrid (midsize car)
* Phoenix MotorCars: Starts selling plug-in hybrid SUV & Truck in California 2009 (also available all-electric); Assembled in the USA; no projected release date outside CA yet[citation needed]
* Porsche Cayenne
* Saturn Vue Green Line (AHS II) (SUV, FWD, 2010 model, Plug-in capable, Lithium-Ion batteries)
* Toyota FT-HS
* Toyota Prius (5 seat midsize) 2010 model year, third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive

2010

* Chevrolet Volt production version (PHEV-40)
* Nissan's original hybrid vehicle is targeted for launch in 2010.
* PSA Peugeot Citroen will market hybrid HDi vehicles from 2010.
* Audi A1
* Proton Gen-2 EVE Hybrid is targeted to be produced commercially within 2010-2011.[14] Concept model was shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show.
* VentureOne Three wheeled vehicl

2011

* Toyota Camry Hybrid 2012 model, third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive[15]
* Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid concept, diesel-electric engine (under development) in conjunction with new aluminum body
* Fiat Nuova 500 Hybrid

Unknown Date

* Daihatsu Hijet Cargo Hybrid a commercial microvan (659 cc) (in Japan, not yet in production)
* Ford hybrid car
* Honda CR-Z Hybrid sports car.
* Hyundai Accent Unknown date of production
* Kia Rio Originally for 2007, now delayed along with Hyundai Accent hybrid (concept model was shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show)
* Lexus LF-A 2009
* Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid.
* Porsche Panamera
* Saab planning hybrid based on GM system
* Toyota Corolla
* Mahindra Diesel-electric hybrid PikUp in 2010.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid, launched in 2004, is a gas-electric hybrid powered version of the Ford Escape SUV developed by the Ford Motor Company. Built in Kansas City, Missouri, it was the first hybrid SUV to hit the market. A similar vehicle, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is sold by Ford's Mercury marque. A third variation, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, arrived in the fall of 2007 as a 2008 Model Year vehicle with a limited production run for the California market.[4]

Hybrid versions can be identified by the "Hybrid" badges on the front driver's and passenger's doors as well as on the tailgate. In addition, the driver's side window in the cargo area is smaller in size in order to accommodate a ventilation slot for the high voltage battery. There was also a "Special Appearance Package" available as an option on the 2005-2007 Hybrid models. This package replaced the traditional lower cladding of the Escape with a silver finish (see picture).

The Escape hybrid is a "full" hybrid electric system, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Escape's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. With 155 hp (116 kW), the Hybrid Escape has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp (150 kW) V6 Escape.

Ford built 17,000 Escape Hybrids in the second half of 2004, four times as many as it had originally planned, and sales figures have remained steady. Starting in 2005 New York City and other cities in the world such as Mexico city began using the Ford Escape Hybrid as Taxicabs.

Development

The Escape Hybrid uses technology similar to that used in Toyota's Prius. Ford engineers realized their technology may conflict with patents held by Toyota, which led to a 2004 patent-sharing accord between the companies, licensing Ford's use of some of Toyota's hybrid technology in exchange for Toyota's use of some of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology. Both Ford and Toyota state that Ford received no technical assistance from Toyota in developing the hybrid power train, but that some hybrid engine technologies developed by Ford independently were found to be similar to technologies previously patented by Toyota. Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., a Japanese automotive components supplier belonging to the Toyota Group, supplies the hybrid continuously variable transmission for the Escape Hybrid. While Toyota produces its third-generation Prius transmission in-house, Aisin is the only supplier of hybrid transmissions to other manufacturers. Friction has arisen concerning Aisin's allocation of limited production capacity and engineering resources to Ford.

Sanyo Electric Co., which first produced hybrid car batteries in a joint venture with Honda,[11] built the 50 kg (110 lb),330V[12] 5.5 Ah (would make it 1.8kWh storage) , 250-cell nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack for the 2005 Escape Hybrid.

First Generation

Production : 2004–2007
Engine(s) : 2.3 L (140 cu in, 2261 cc) Duratec 23 I4 Atkinson cycle
Transmission(s) : Electronically controlled continuously variable
Wheelbase : 103.2 in (2621 mm
Length : 174.9 in (4442 mm)
Width : 70.1 in (1781 mm)
Height : 69.9 in (1775 mm) (w/roof rack)
Fuel capacity : 15.0 U.S. gal (57 L; 12.5 imp gal)

Second Generation

Production : 2008–present
Engine(s) : 2008: 2.3 L (140 cu in, 2261 cc)[2]
2009: 2.5 L (152 cu. in, 2488 cc) I4 DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle[3]
Transmission(s) : Continuously variable transmission
Wheelbase : 103.1 in (2619 mm)[3]
Length : 174.7 in (4437 mm)[3]
Width : 71.1 in (1806 mm)[3]
Height : 67.7 in (1720 mm)[3]
Fuel capacity : 15.0 U.S. gal (57 L; 12.5 imp gal)

Performance

The Escape Hybrid's 133 horsepower (99 kW) gasoline I4 engine and 94 hp (70 kW) electric motor combine to give performance similar to the 200 hp (150 kW) V6 engine commonly used in the regular Escape. The hybrid is said to give approximately 75% greater efficiency, with about 33 to 36 mpg-U.S. (6.5-7.1 L/100 km; 40-43 mpg-imp) in city traffic, (and has demonstrated it can travel 400–500 miles (644-805 km) on a single 16.5-U.S.-gallon (62 L; 13.7 imp gal) tank of gasoline in city driving), and 29 to 31 mpg-U.S. (7.6L-8.1 L/100 km; 35-37 mpg-imp) on the highway. Unlike conventional vehicles, hybrids often achieve better figures in the city because they do not waste power idling and can recover some power when stopping (by using regenerative braking) that would be wasted on a conventional vehicle.

The Escape Hybrid can accelerate up to approximately 30 miles per hour (63 km/h) on electric,[citation needed] with a gentle acceleration. A maximum distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) - 1.8 miles (2.9 km) can be performed on electric before the batteries will discharge and the gasoline will restart.[citation needed] When coasting, if the brake is gently tapped when passing below 30 mph (48 km/h), the gasoline engine will cut off, and the coast will continue with no gasoline being consumed.[citation needed] Electric mode does not perform as well when below 50 °F (10 °C), and performance degrades further as outside temperature drops further.[citation needed]

The Escape Hybrid gives a top speed of 102 mph (163 km/h).

Environmental Impact

Fuel consumption

Current HEVs reduce petroleum consumption under certain circumstances, compared to otherwise similar conventional vehicles, primarily by using three mechanisms:

1. Reducing wasted energy during idle/low output, generally by turning the ICE off
2. Recapturing waste energy (i.e. regenerative braking)
3. Reducing the size and power of the ICE, and hence inefficiencies from under-utilization, by using the added power from the electric motor to compensate for the loss in peak power output from the smaller ICE.

Any combination of these three primary hybrid advantages may be used in different vehicles to realize different fuel usage, power, emissions, weight and cost profiles. The ICE in an HEV can be smaller, lighter, and more efficient than the one in a conventional vehicle, because the combustion engine can be sized for slightly above average power demand rather than peak power demand. The drive system in a vehicle is required to operate over a range of speed and power, but an ICE's highest efficiency is in a narrow range of operation, making conventional vehicles inefficient. On the contrary, in most HEV designs, the ICE operates closer to its range of highest efficiency more frequently. The power curve of electric motors is better suited to variable speeds and can provide substantially greater torque at low speeds compared with internal-combustion engines. The greater fuel economy of HEVs has implication for reduced petroleum consumption and vehicle air pollution emissions worldwide.

Noise

Reduced noise emissions resulting from substantial use of the electric motor at idling and low speeds, leading to roadway noise reduction,[33] in comparison to conventional gasoline or diesel powered engine vehicles, resulting in beneficial noise health effects (although road noise from tires and wind, the loudest noises at highway speeds from the interior of most vehicles, are not affected by the hybrid design alone).

Reduced noise may not be considered an advantage by some; for example, some people who are blind or visually-impaired consider the noise of combustion engines a helpful aid while crossing streets and feel quiet hybrids could pose an unexpected hazard.

Pollution

Reduced air pollution emissions, due to lower fuel consumption, lead improved human health with regard to respiratory problems and other illnesses. Pollution reduction in urban environments may be particularly significant due to elimination of idle-at-rest.

Battery toxicity is a concern, although today's hybrids use NiMH batteries, not the environmentally problematic rechargeable nickel cadmium. "Nickel metal hydride batteries are benign. They can be fully recycled," says Ron Cogan, editor of the Green Car Journal.[citation needed] Toyota and Honda say that they will recycle dead batteries and that disposal will pose no toxic hazards. Toyota puts a phone number on each battery, and they pay a $200 "bounty" for each battery to help ensure that it will be properly recycled.

Toyota Hybrid Car

Prius 09 is the latest Toyota Hybrid car. It comes 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid and 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid car respectively as Prius and Prius Touring.This Hybrid system generate 110 hp (82 kW) Net power from it.Power out put is 28 hp (21 KW).