Eco=Kids: Explore[series info]

Hybrid Cars

The first hybrid car was introduced in 1905. It had two distinct power sources working together to make it run: gas and electric power. However, using only gasoline back then was cheap and easy to power, and the hybrid car was forgotten until recently. Since the fuel widely used now is a non-renewable resource and becoming increasingly less affordable, the hybrid car is making a comeback. Hybrid cars are operated by a computer system called the Digital Drive Line. When you step on the gas pedal, you are telling the system how fast you need to go and the car decides whether to use gas, electric power or both. The benefit of the hybrid is that instead of running on gas for an entire trip, it uses non-polluting electric power when possible. The hybrid car is ideal for city driving and traffic. By using less gas, hybrid cars help cut pollution and help save drivers money at the gas pump.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY
Fifth Grade-Eighth Grade
Taping Rights Available until: Aug 31, 2012

9:54 am Monday, October 31 on WPT