| Hybrid cars can range from fully hybrid to partially hybrid cars. As the engines of these vehicles are smaller in size and can run at higher speed providing more efficiency, they provide for better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle. Moreover, these vehicles come geared up with the latest technologies to recover or reduce waste energy. Some examples of such techniques are instant shutting down of the combustion engine and regenerative braking.
Some advantages of Hybrid cars over traditional cars are as follows:
• Reduced petroleum consumption due to less weight
• Braking is controlled by the electric motor to some extent. Due to this reason, a part of the kinetic energy of the vehicle is recaptured and is used to partially recharge the batteries. This process is known as regenerative braking which contributes to the higher efficiency of the hybrid cars to a great extent.
• Due to less fuel consumption, air pollution can be kept under control to a great extent.
• Due to the use of regenerative braking system, there is less wear on brakes resulting in longevity of the vehicle.
Less noise due to substantial use of the electric motor etc. The DCE Hybrid Car is India's answer to the global hybrid car manufacturers. Also called "The Fledge", it has been developed by a team of six students from Delhi College of Engineering. Launched in May 2006, it is India's first hybrid car to be launched for commercial use.
Increasing fuel prices have provided the required impetus for developing such a vehicle in India. It's certain that with the passage of time, more and more such cars would be built and this prototype would surely hog the limelight in the coming years.
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