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Hybrid & Electric Cars: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Can Gasoline Harm a Diesel Engine?
It can happen to anyone, learn about the problems associated with mis-fueling a diesel vehicle.
What E85 Compatible Vehicles Are and How to Use...
Wondering if your vehicle is E85 compatible? Start here to find the model and year to confirm if you have a flex-fuel vehicle that can utilize E85.
How Do Plug-in Hybrids Work?
Electric cars hybrids rely upon electric motors for propulsion and assistance--learn more about how these electric motors and generators work.
What is Regenerative Braking in a Hybrid Car?
Learn how hybrids and all-electric vehicles create their own power for battery recharging through a process known as regenerative braking.
How Does Diesel Common Rail Direct Injection...
Find out how diesel common rail direct injection (CRD) works.
How Inverters and Converters work in Hybrids...
Learn how inverters and converters work to condition electricity for power and recharging in hybrids and EVs.
How do Hybrid Batteries Re-charge? Do I Need to...
Learn more about the batteries in hybrid vehicles.
Flex-fuel (E85) Vehicle Basics
Learn the basics about what a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) is and how it works.
What Is a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle?
Learn the definition of a PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle).
Is it Expensive to Replace Hybrid Batteries?...
Learn about the replacement cost and life of hybrid batteries.
What does carbon neutral mean?
: Carbon neutral is a term used to describe fuels that neither contribute to nor reduce the amount of
Why You Should Know About the Diesel Fuel Cetane
Learn about cetane and how the cetane number can affect diesel engine performance.
Find Alternative Fuel
Ever wonder where you can find a biofuel filling station near you? Click into these up-to-date databases to find the closest filling stations to you.
Where to Get Compressed Natural Gas Conversion...
Converting a conventional gasoline car to compressed natural gas with a CNG conversion kit may be complex, but not necessarily difficult. Here are companies that offer kits and/or installation.
How to Convert Your Car to Run on Propane
Propane and LPG conversion kits can convert your gasoline vehicle into a bi-fuel or alt fuel vehicles. Here are some kits and companies that offer street-ready and off-road kits and conversions.
Cylinder Deactivation
Have you heard of cylinder deactivation but don’t know what it is? Maybe you’ve heard it called Active Fuel Management or Displacement on Demand. Well, find out just what cylinder deactivation is, why it’s a good idea and how it works.
Honda Civic EX versus Honda Civic Hybrid Fuel...
The rubber hits the road in Scott's driving testorama in which his four tests provide a real life head-to-head comparison of the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Honda Civic vs. the 1.3-liter Honda Civic Hybrid.
Saleen hot-rods Tesla Model S
Steve Saleen steered his car tuning expertise to the Tesla Model S in creating the Saleen FourSixteen.
What is Detonation?
The definition of detonation in a vehicle engine.
What is PSI?
The definition of PSI. Hybrid Cars.
What is Regenerative Braking?
The definition of regenerative braking.
What is GVWR?
The definition of GVWR, the gross vehicle weight rating.
Maintaining Your Hybrid Vehicle
Keep your hybrid running its best by following these guidelines for regular maintenance.
Why Fuel Mileage Drops with E85
Find out why fuel economy drops in a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) when running E85.
How Hybrids Work
Learn about the inner workings of a hybrid vehicle, and how they seamlessly integrate an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a battery.
Five Facts on Electric Cars
Undertand the basics on electric cars.
What is a Lean-Burn Engine?
A description of lean-burn engine technology.
What is a Diesel Particulate Filter Delete Kit...
A reader wonders if he should install a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) delete kit on his 2008 Ford F-250 truck.
Collecting Used Vegetable Oil for Homemade...
Learn the tricks of the trade for collecting good quality used vegetable oil for making homemade biodiesel or for use in a converted diesel engine.
Hypermiling (Saving Lots of Fuel) in a Hybrid
What Are the Federal Tax Credits for Hybrid...
Find out how much of a federal tax credit you're due if you buy a hybrid in the United States.
BlueTEC Clean Diesel Technology
Learn about the BlueTEC diesel exhaust treatment system developed by Mercedes-Benz.
Can You Really Run Your Car on Water?
We've all seen the ads that purport converting your car to run on water. Here's what to beware of.
How Gasoline Gallon Equivalents Help Gauge...
Gasoline Gallon Equivalents are based on British Thermal Units (BTUs), this gasoline gallon equivalents chart compares the energy content of various fuels to that of a gallon of regular gasoline.
AdBlue and Clean Diesels
AdBlue is a brand name for for Diesel Emissions Fluid. Learn how this urea solution is used to scrub oxides of nitrogen from diesel exhaust.
HCCI - Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition
It's diesel compression ignition technology for gasoline engines. Learn how and why this old yet new fuel-saving technology is on the come back, along with its advantages and disadvantages.
A 70mpg Ford F-150 pickup? Maybe with a...
BMW uses the same principal the powered the Stanley Steamer
How to Make Your Own Biodiesel
Ever wonder how to make your own biodiesel? We'll walk you through it with step-by-step instructions and photos.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Conversion Companies
Here's our constantly-growing reference listing of companies that offer electric vehicle (EV) conversions and all-electric car components.
What is a Throttle Body?
The definition of a throttle body.
What Rebates and Tax Breaks are Available for...
Tax credits, rebates and incentives available for hybrid vehicles.
Understanding Basics of Flex Fuel Vehicles
Understanding flex fuel vehicles basics
Top gasoline mileage: 3,365 miles per gallon
A showcase of innovation, ingenuity, teamwork and perseverance
What is Ethanol?
The basic facts about ethanol, an alternative fuel derived from corn, grains or agricultural waste or it is chemically extracted from ethylene.
First of 10 Plug-in Hybrid Models by 2017
All electric driving range is 18.6 miles
What is a Clean Diesel?
Clean diesels utilize advanced fuel delivery and exhaust scrubbing technology that take advantage of the 15 ppm sulfur content of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Learn more here.
What is Alternative Fuel?
Alternative fuels; we're not talking about gasoline, diesel or kerosene. Think cleaner and also domestically produced: Discover the array of alternative fuels that offer hope and possibility for life after traditional fossil fuels.
Maintaining Your Flex-fuel Vehicle
Do you have an FFV? Do you use E85? What you need to know about maintaining your flex-fuel vehicle.
Reader Question: Should gasoline or kerosene be...
A regular reader writes in asking if gasoline can be mixed with oil to run in a diesel engine. Scott answers, and sheds light on the many fuels that can run in a diesel.
Here come the fuel cell vehicles, where do they...
The 2015 Lexus NX 300h makes a big splash with head turning styling, a no-detail-overlooked interior and class leading fuel economy.
Making Biodiesel from Algae
There are several ways for extracting oil from algae to produce biodiesel.
Diesel Vehicle Basics
Learn the basics about what a diesel/biodiesel vehicle is and how it works.
What is a SULEV - Super Ultra Low Emissions...
Check out the definition of an SULEV, a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.
Two models for new Volt?
What to expect when the 2016 Chevrolet Volt arrives.
What is a DPF - Diesel Particulate Filter?
The definition of a Diesel Particulate Filter.
What is Electronic throttle Control?
A description and the workings of electronic throttle control technology.
How Exactly Do Fuel Cells Work?
How do fuel cells make electricity? What is the fuel for fuel cells? What kinds of fuel cells exist? Find the answers here.
What is Compression Ignition?
An explanation of compression ignition.
Five Quick Facts About PZEVs
Here are five things you should know about PZEVs.
What is a ULEV - Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle?
The definition of ULEV, an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.
What is a Full Hybrid?
The definition of a full hybrid.
Here Are Five Fun Facts on Hybrid Cars
You may know how hybrid vehicles works, but did you know these five fun facts about these alternative fuel vehicles?
Toyota Prius, the quintessential hybrid
What to expect when the 2015 Toyota Prius arrives.
What Are the Ingredients in Biodiesel?
The basic facts about biodiesel, an alternative fuel made from vegetable oil.
Books on Solar Energy
A selection of books focused on solar energy.
Got Alt fuel Questions? Start Here.
Find answers to basic questions about alternative fuels. From where to find biodiesel to FAQs on hybrids (do I need to plug it in?) and where to buy E85 for flex-fuels, we'll answer your alternative fuel questions here.
Reader Question: Why do Electric Cars Need to...
Alternators and voltage regulators have been in automotive vehicles for years--find out the answer to this reader's question on why an electric car needs to be plugged in to recharge.
Hybrid Vehicle FAQs
You've got questions about hybrids, we've got answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hybrid vehicles--and their answers.
Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicle test drive
Hydrogen hits the road with the Equinox Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle - by Scott Gable
Maintaining Your Natural Gas or Propane Vehicle
Learn how to maintain your natural gas or propane powered vehicle.
How Selective Catalytic Reduction Renders...
Learn about Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), a method of converting harmful diesel oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, by catalytic reaction, into benign nitrogen gas and water.
The Gasification Process and Syngas as an...
Learn more about what gasification is and the thermo-chemical process by which carbon-rich feedstocks are converted into syngas.
What is an Instant Fuel Consumption Display?
The definition of and an explanation of how an instant fuel consumption display works.
Will the 2016 Volt become a 5-passenger car?
Will the sales numbers increase for the 2016 Volt?
Are Hybrid Vehicles Safe?
Learn about the safety of hybrid vehicles and how they compare to conventional vehicles.
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel 101
Learn the basics on ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and how it affects newer and older diesel vehicles.
What is E85 Fuel?
The definition of E85 fuel. Hybrid Cars & Alt Fuels.
3 Things to Know About Biodiesel Vehicles and...
Check out these three things to keep your diesel running smoothly all winter long and eliminate those cold weather starting problems.
Routine Maintenance Schedule for Alternative...
Alternative fuel vehicle general maintenance schedule based on time and mileage.
Honda Civic GX test drive
Combine a Honda Civic with the super clean efficiency of natural gas and you have a clear winner- by Christine & Scott Gable
The Great Oil Change Debate
What is Fuel Injector Pulse Width?
An explanation of fuel injector pulse width.
This shows great promise as a motor fuel due to its favorable energy density, and it returns better fuel economy compared to ethanol.
Top 20 Simplest & Easiest Ways to Drive...
Drop-in Fuels Are Road Ready
Drop-in fuels take many forms, but their commonality is the ability to be used without major changes in infrastructure.
What is Energy?
Learn how the law of energy applies to hybrid and all-electric cars.
Five Facts to Know About Compressed Natural Gas
Use of CNG as an alternative vehicle fuel is growing in significance with many city-owned fleets converting to the fuel. Here are five quick facts to know.
From Gasoline to Alcohol - E85 as a Transitiona...
Learn why flex-fuel vehicles have to use E85, and how it's a transitional fuel.
What is Miles per Gallon?
The definition of miles per gallon (mpg).
What is a Plug-in Hybrid?
The definition of a plug-in hybrid.
What is Spark Ignition?
The definition of spark ignition.
Do Hybrids Cost More to Maintain?
Learn why the cost of maintaining a hybrid car is quite similar to the expenses of maintaining a conventional car.
What is an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve?
The definition of an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve.
What is Fuel Atomization?
The definition of atomization. Hybrid & Electric Cars.
What is a flex-fuel vehicle?
Start here for answers about flex-fuel vehicles and how to find current FFVs that run on E85.
How Flywheel Storage Works in a Hybrid Vehicle
Learn more about a flywheel hybrid, a hybrid car with a flywheel storage device.
Hybrids: The Real Deal or Marketing Hype
Are hybrids just more marketing hype--or are they the real deal to saving fuel and emissions?
Five Things to Know About Hydrogen Fuel Cell...
Learn these five important basics about hyrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Nissan LEAF is No-Emission Vehicle
Nissan opens a new era for no-emission vehicles with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF to mainstream markets.
2016 Mirai has a driving range of about 300 miles
Miria can act as an emergency back up power generator
Top Three Reasons for Choosing an Electric...
Top three reasons to choose an electric vehicle for your next car purchase.
What is a Two-Mode Hybrid?
Find out what a two-mode hybrid is, how two-mode hybrids work, and what makes them different from full hybrids.
i-Road Is A Cross Between A Car And A Motorcycle
Toyota Says It’s Not Possible For The i-Road To Flip Over
How to Help Your Hybrid Beat the Wintertime Blues
Find out why winter's dropping temperatures affect hybrid fuel economy--and how to fight back.
10 Reasons to Switch to Alternative Fuels
Why should you change your ways and go from using traditional fuels to the alternatives? Here are the top 10 reasons to go for it.
Surprising Facts About Electric Vehicles
Here are ten things you may not have known about electric cars.
Toyota's Latest Move Underscores Battery...
Recent announcements by Toyota underscore the significance of lithium-ion battery technologies in growing hybrid market share.
Run a Diesel on Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) Part 1
Part 1 of a series on running a car on WVO
2015 Ford Fusion With Stop-Start Test Drive
Ford Fusion’s stop-start system improves fuel economy up to 10 percent
Saving Lots of Fuel with Scott: Pulse and Glide...
Five Questions to Ask Before Natural Gas...
Before undertaking natural gas conversion of your vehicle, be sure you know what questions to consider regarding regulations, cost and infrastructure.
What are fuel injectors?
The definition of fuel injectors.
What is Natural Gas?
Learn the basics about natural gas and its use as an alternative fuel.
Five Things to Know About Propane
Here are five facts to know about this popular fleet vehicle fuel.
Identifying Energy as an Alternative Source
There are many terms used to define alternative energy sources.
Understanding Hybrid Vehicle Basics
While technological advancements for hybrid vehicles continue to emerge, there are still a small number of basics you can expect to find in most hybrids.
Where are the Hybrid Batteries Located in a...
Learn about the batteries that help power hybrid vehicles.
Homemade Biodiesel Recipe
Good quality waste vegetable oil is an important part of this recipe for making homebrewed biodiesel fuel.
What Does Octane Rating Mean?
The definition of octane rating.
Take Five to Save Fuel
Seven tips that will help you get better fuel mileage plus slash your fuel budget and greenhouse gas contribution.
What is the Otto Cycle?
The definition of the Otto cycle engine.
Titration Test for Homemade Biodiesel
Titration is one method used to determine the appropriate amount of lye (base) needed for a particular batch of waste vegetable oil when making homemade biodiesel.
Why is Electricity an Alternative Fuel?
Electricity is an alternative fuel. Learn the basic facts on how electricity has joined the rank of the other alternatives: it may just be the fuel of choice for your next vehicle.
A hybrid crossover SUV, bring it on!
Kia aims for over 50 mpg fuel economy
Hybrid Buying Guide – Reviews and Photos
Take a gander through these pictures and test drives for a first-hand look at the available and up-and-coming hybrids.
A Green “Hippie Bus.” Groovy!
VW says could make production with attractive cost base
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Working Diagrams
From Proton Exchange Membrane to Molten Carbonate, these diagrams illustrate how various types of fuel cells work.
Hybrid Maintenance
Learn about the best maintenance tips to help keep all the components of your hybrid in peak condition.
Gasoline and Petroleum
Learn the origins of the terms gasoline and petroleum, words used to describe our everyday motor fuel.
What is Bioethanol?
The definition of bioethanol. Hybrid & Electric Cars.
What is an Oxidation Catalyst?
The definition of an Oxidation Catalyst.
What is a flywheel?
The definition of a vehicle flywheel.
What Hybrid Models are Currently Available?
Find out all of the models of hybrid vehicles available.
Five Facts to Know About Biomass
Biomass is derived from living organisms and can be used as a renewable energy feedstock.
This hybrid is not just hot air
UK’s Auto Car magazine gave the HYbrid Air a 4 out of 5 stars rating
Hybrid Technology Terms
There are several variations of hybrid technology in use today.
Ethanol 101
Find answers to your questions about ethanol, an alternative fuel derived from corn, grains or agricultural waste.
Surprising Facts About Solar Energy
Learn these surprising facts about solar energy.
Add BMW To The Growing List Of Euro Plug-in...
A 13-mile, emissions free all-electric driving range
How Safe is Natural Gas?
Do the physical properties of natural gas and the design characteristics of natural gas make it a safe motor fuel?
What is a Lithium-ion Battery?
The definition of a lithium-ion battery.
Hybrid Central
Whether you're looking to bone up on hybrid car basics and maintenance or looking for photos and test drives of the latest hybrid car models, start here to find the answers.
Fast Green Machines
The quest for fast green machines is gaining traction.
The Volvo name is synonymous with car safety;...
Volvo says the XC90 plug-in hybrid has an all-electric driving range of around 25 miles, an impressive number.
What is a Fuel Cell?
What is a fuel cell? How long have fuel cells been around? Who invented fuel cells? Find the answers here.
Chevy Improves Malibu But Drops the Hybrid Label
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco competes better than the previous Malibu Hybrid could. Page 6.
Hamster Wagon Gets Plugged In
Battery size is the key to electric driving range. Here, the Kia Soul EV has a small edge over the pack of small electrics, where 21 to 24 kW-hour battery packs are the norm.
What's an AT-PZEV - Advanced Technology Partial...
The definition of an AT-PZEV, an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle.
Will the CT6 reinstate Cadillac as the...
2016 CT6 takes on Euro plug-in hybrid luxury cars

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