Q: What is a belt-alternator-starter system?

A: A belt-alternator-starter (BAS) system is one type of hybrid vehicle, sometimes called a mild hybrid. In a BAS system, the alternator and starter are combined into one unit. The BAS connects to the engine via a serpentine belt and is mounted like a traditional alternator. The BAS has the ability to crank over the engine, provide additional power during acceleration, and incorporate regenerative braking into the vehicle. In addition to being able to reclaim some previously lost energy through regenerative braking, vehicles with BAS systems can shut down at stops and restart upon acceleration which further increases fuel economy.

Q: I was at a recent show displaying new cars. Some of the cars had electrical cables that were orange under the hood. Why are the cables orange?

A: Orange cables represent high voltage. Higher voltages are being used on hybrids. For example, a 2007 Toyota Highlander hybrid has a 288V DC Nickel Metal Hydride battery and an electric motor with a max voltage output of 650V. Be extremely careful around these high voltage cables.

Q: Some fuels in our area contain 10% ethanol. What is ethanol and why should I use it?

A: Ethanol is a fuel made from agricultural crops, most commonly corn. Ethanol is called a grain alcohol. E-10 fuel contains 90% unleaded gasoline and 10% ethanol. Fuel with 10% ethanol can be used in any gasoline-burning automobile. Ethanol is beneficial because it is a renewable natural resource and supports North American farmers. Adding 10% ethanol to fuel reduces our country’s reliance on fossil fuel producing nations. Ethanol also burns cleaner than 100% gasoline and increases the octane of the fuel.

Q: What does the acronym AT-PZEV represent?

A: AT-PZEV stands for Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. This standard, which was created by the California Air Resources Board and adopted nationwide, certifies that vehicles have close to no tailpipe emissions, zero evaporative emissions (i.e., fuel vapor being released into the air), and have a 15-year/150,000 mile warranty on their emission system components. The Advanced Technology designation indicates that the vehicle also has Zero Emission Vehicle characteristics through the use of electric motors or alternative fuels. For more information on near zero or zero emissions vehicles go to www.driveclean.ca.gov.

Q:  How do I find out if my vehicle can run on ethanol?

A: All vehicles manufactured today and sold in the United States can burn at a minimum of 10% Ethanol. Many vehicles are also considered flexible fuel vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles can burn up to 85% Ethanol, a fuel called E-85. Check your owner’s manual or go to www.fueleconomy.gov to verify if your vehicle can burn E-85.

Q: Why does my flex fuel vehicle get less miles per gallon with E-85 as compared to regular gasoline?

A: Ethanol has less energy (BTUs) per gallon. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of heat. To illustrate, the amount of energy released by burning one wooden match is approximately one BTU. E-85 Fuel (85% ethanol/15% gasoline) contains about 84,000 BTUs per gallon, whereas gasoline has about 115,000 BTUs per gallon. Less energy per gallon results in lower fuel economy.

Q: What is a flexible fueled vehicle?

A: A flexible fueled (flex-fuel) vehicle is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline or alcohol-based fuels (ethanol or methanol). The two most common types of alcohol fuels are E-85 fuel that is 85% ethanol – 15% unleaded gasoline and M-85 fuel that is 85% methanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. The engine can run any mixture of the fuels. Since the vehicle utilizes only one fuel tank and one engine, it has a fuel sensor that identifies the alcohol mixture in the fuel line to adjust engine controls as necessary. Given that alcohol based fuel is slightly more corrosive than unleaded gasoline, engine and fuel system modifications are also necessary.

Q: Since fuel prices continue to rise I am debating purchasing a hybrid car. However, I am unsure economically if I will get a return on my investment considering fuel costs. What calculations can I complete to compare a non-hybrid car with a hybrid car?

A: The actual calculations will depend on the types of vehicles selected. I will give you two examples to compare. Let’s say that you are considering purchasing a 2005 Toyota Corolla or a 2005 Toyota Prius – both have excellent fuel economy. A Prius (hybrid) may cost around $22,000, while a comparably equipped Corolla (non-hybrid) may run around $16,000. It is estimated that a Prius will achieve about 55 MPG (combined highway/city), while a Corolla will achieve 34 MPG (combined highway/city) with an automatic transmission. If you only considered fuel costs the following would be true. At 100,000 miles the Prius would have used about 1818 gallons ($4091) of fuel while the Corolla consumed 2941 gallons ($6617). To calculate gallons, take the miles driven divided by MPG (e.g., 100,000/55 = 1818). If gas prices averaged $2.25 a gallon, the Prius would have saved you about $2,526. Since the sticker price difference is about $6,000, it would take over 200,000 miles to make up the cost in fuel savings. However, the hybrid may still be a good choice if you are looking for ways to reduce fossil fuel consumption and decrease pollution.

Q: What is a hybrid vehicle and why should I consider one for my next vehicle purchase?

A: Any vehicle that combines multiple power sources for movement is considered a hybrid. Hybrid vehicles on the market today use an electric motor and an internal combustion engine for propulsion. Hybrids evolved from electric vehicles but have eliminated their predecessor’s inconveniences of short driving distances and the need to be plugged in. Hybrids combine the convenience of a gasoline-burning car and the efficiency of an electric car into one reliable mode of transportation. Hybrids are not plugged in like electric vehicles. The internal combustion engine on a hybrid recharges the batteries as well as supplements the electric motor to move the vehicle. Hybrid passenger cars like the Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius are extremely fuel efficient (50-70 MPG) and low polluting. Look for hybrid SUVs in the near future. For example, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV will be available later this year. Consider buying a hybrid if you want to lower your fuel bill and reduce harmful emissions.

Q: How much of a tax incentive can I get for buying a new hybrid vehicle? What hybrid vehicles are eligible?

A: According to the website, www.fueleconomy.gov, the following vehicles have a federal tax credit up to $2000 when purchased in 2005: Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, and the Toyota Prius. The IRS may approve other hybrid vehicles as they are introduced into the market. The current legislation states that the tax credit will reduce to $500 in 2006 and will become obsolete in 2007. However, keep an eye on Congress because the tax incentives could change.

Q: What is the upkeep and maintenance on a hybrid car?

A: The upkeep and maintenance on a hybrid vehicle is pretty much the same as on a conventional vehicle. Hybrids need ordinary preventative maintenance like changing oil, replacing filters, adding fluids, and rotating tires just like regular vehicles. Hybrid specific parts, such as the NiMH battery packs and high-voltage electric motors have been designed to last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Hybrids have a standard 12V battery that supplies power for everything except the high-voltage electric motors. The 12V battery can be jump-started like a regular car, but if the high-voltage battery ever dies the hybrid would need to be towed to a dealer for service. To replace a battery pack could cost anywhere from $1,000 - $2,000.

Q: What is the difference between a hybrid car and a regular car?

A: The main difference is the source of power. Most conventional cars run only on fossil fuels (e.g., gasoline or diesel). Hybrid cars have two sources of power – a fossil fuel such as gasoline and electricity from batteries. Conveniently, hybrid cars do not need to be plugged in. While driving, the batteries are charged as needed by generators or through regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the same electric motors that propel the car to also slow it down. When braking, the electric motors act like generators and convert energy of motion (kinetic energy) to electric energy to help slow down the car. This action makes hybrid cars much more energy efficient than conventional cars because they reduce the amount of energy wasted. Some gasoline engines in hybrids also shut down at stoplights or in stop and go traffic to conserve energy.

Q: What are the advantages of a natural gas vehicle as compared to a gasoline powered vehicle and where do you fill up the tank?

A: Natural gas vehicles emit fewer pollutants than vehicles powered by gasoline. Another advantage is that natural gas prices tend to be more stable than gasoline. There are over 750 natural gas fueling stations in the United States. Also, if your home is hooked up to a natural gas pipeline, a retrofit can be done so you can fuel up at your own home. For more information regarding home fueling stations, go to www.myphill.com.

Q: What is regenerative braking on hybrid cars? How does it work?

A: The key to this technology is the electric motor. Hybrids have gasoline internal combustion engines and electric motors for propulsion. The electric motor on the hybrid has two functions. It can act as an electric motor for acceleration or it can act as a generator to assist in deceleration. When the brakes are applied in a hybrid, the electric motor works as a generator - converting mechanical motion to electricity. As the generator is working, it puts drag on the driveline components which in turn slows the vehicle. The car also has conventional disk brakes to assist in stopping.