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Hybrid future: How cars are going green

Most people now realise that one day the oil will run out and that mankind will have to look for alternative power sources. There are two fairly distinct reactions to this inevitable problem. The first is to try and get your hands on the ever more dwindling reserves. The oil that is left will become ever more valuable, which means that it will continue to get more and more expensive. It is an unsustainable model and one that has to change.

The other reaction to this inevitable shortage is to try and do something about it. To try and develop new technology to combat the problem and create new solutions that will last in the long term. Of course, the other major benefit of a move away from a reliance on petro-chemicals is that it is better for the environment. Not only is the oil running out but it has also been damaging our planet ever since the first petrol tank was filled up over one hundred years ago. That is why companies like Lexus are doing everything they can to encourage a move towards alternative fuels. They feel it is their duty to lead these efforts, not just to follow the example of others. Which is one of the main reasons why they have developed their hybrid technology, which they feel is ‘the future of motoring’.

What is hybrid technology?

Hybrid technology involves combining traditional fuel motors with modern, clean electric engines in order to reduce fuel consumption. In the absence of a fully viable electric car (they’re working on it) this is the next best solution. Lexus actually developed the world’s first hybrid luxury car way back in 2004 and have been building on that work ever since. You can find out more about their efforts by visiting www.lexus.co.uk.

In the very near future, all or certainly most cars will be run in this hybrid way. The combination of petrol engine and electric motor can be very efficient, which is not just great news for the planet but also great news for your wallet. At the moment, alternative fuel sources are still relatively expensive but as the technology improves, you will start to see huge savings in your fuel bills.

How it works

At lower speeds, the Lexus Hybrid can be powered entirely by the electric motor. When you accelerate, the petrol engine will come in to add some extra power when you need it. The intelligent hybrid system detects when this needs to happen and operates in a way to preserve as much fuel as possible at all times.

These are exciting times for the automotive industry, so why not get ahead of the curve and get on board with tomorrow’s advances in technology, today?