Separating the Fact From the Fiction

Hybrid Vehicles

HISTORY OF HYBRIDS First started in 1993 Was created in Biel,

Switzerland Was first named

Micro Compact Car AG

Moved to Germany Once moved to

Germany became known as Smart

THE 1975 MISTAKE Dick Klimisch was hired by GM Help made the catalytic converter Made the emissions better for the

environment Had ceramic beads trapping the gases Was like another tail pipe New tailpipes lead to the cars getting 20

to 30 percent higher mileage then before This lead to the use of unleaded gasoline

THE TYPES OF SMART CARSo There are four

different types of smart vehicles: 1. Hybrid 2. Diesel 3.Engine Changes 4. Ethanol

HYBRID Runs on two different

power sources Electric and gas

powered engine Switches to meet the

requirements of the road

Switches on it’s own Saves on gas Gets about fifty percent

more miles then non-hybrid models

DIESEL New clean diesel is

available Traps harmful gases Still has strong power

and great mileage Uses gas about that

cost the same about premium unleaded gasoline

Can get as much as thirty-five percent better mileage

ENHANCEMENTS TO THE ENGINE Changing the way

the engine is produced

Now have six and seven speed transmission

Direct fuel injection Changes help keep a

smaller engine with the same amount of power as before

ETHANOL Made from corn

base Still being tested Doesn’t work yet,

still getting low mileage

Testing out cellulosic ethanol

Trying to use roots and grasses for fuel

If it works gas can be around a dollar a gallon

WHERE THEY CAN BE FOUND ON CAMPUS ALREADY

Professors drive smart cars

The electric cars There are smart cars

that students are driving

If you are lucky you can find some used cars that are smart cars

There are mostly used cars in Europe because they have been there longer

You can also check with local dealers to see if they or a sister company sales the vehicle you are looking for