Joseph Then asked:


The evolution of the hybrid car is no doubt a fascinating one, but it also has a history that spans several centuries, a fact that many are surprised to learn. Long before the sporty, fuel efficient hybrids of today, the idea for the first hybrids involved using steam as a power source, and “cars” could reach speeds of a whopping six miles per hour.

In 1839 a man by the name of Robert Anderson living in Scotland created the very first moving vehicle that used electricity as power. Fifty years later in Germany, a young Dr. Ferdinand Porsche built his first car called the Lohner Electric Chaise, which also happened to be the world’s first front-wheel drive car, and could travel for about 40 miles using just the battery alone.

The 20th century saw a boom in hybrid vehicles in the United States, and ironically, it was Henry Ford and the advent of his gasoline, self-starting engine that could be mass produced on assembly lines that led to the decline in hybrids. Once Ford was able to greatly improve upon the gas engine, mainly reducing loud noise and offensive odors, the electric vehicle dejectedly took the backseat in the automotive industry.

In the 1970s, gas prices skyrocketed, once again sparking new interest in a vehicle that uses electricity. In West Germany, the Volkswagen company produced a hybrid car called the VW Taxi. This vehicle was designed to switch between an electrically powered motor and a gasoline engine, much like the hybrids of today.

In the United States, AM General, which was a division of American Motors (AM), began producing electric vans for government use in 1975. Governmental programs were soon in place to advance and improve upon this exciting technology of the future. Laws were also soon enacted that enabled the auto industry to work with the government for the improvement of hybrid vehicles and their components.

In the 1980s when plans to protect the environment really came to the forefront, several different companies tried their hand at developing their own unique hybrid cars, none of which were very powerful or could hold a charge for as long as our fast-paced society would require. A few years later in 1992, Toyota announced its plans to develop a vehicle that would produce the lowest possible emissions and would therefore be the best for the environment.

Fast forwarding from the days of the inception of the Ford Motor Company to nearly a hundred years later in 1994, the head of the Toyota Motor Corporation asked their engineers to create a vehicle combining the use of gasoline as well as electricity, but also doubled in fuel economy. Three years later, the Toyota Prius was unveiled to the Japanese market, a full two years ahead of schedule, selling nearly 20,000 cars that first year.

In 1997, Audi began mass producing a hybrid vehicle in Europe, the Audi Duo, although its minimal success was very short-lived and then discontinued. In 1999, Honda created the Insight, a two-door hybrid that received several awards due to its favorable mileage ratings.

The following year in 2000, Toyota introduced the rest of the world to the Prius, making it the first four-door hybrid available in the US. The Prius became so popular that in 2004 there was a six month waiting list for consumers who wished to purchase the car as Toyota proudly proclaimed it to be the best selling vehicle they ever had.

The future is bright for hybrid cars as technology continues to advance, finding ways of saving more energy, using less fuel, and needing less maintenance. Now, there are several automobile manufacturers that have a variety of hybrid models, including SUVs available on the market today.

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Scott Gower asked:


Converting a car or truck to run on Hybrid Fuel, whether it is gas or diesel powered, is quite an easy task that can be performed in an afternoon, by most competent home mechanics or DIY enthusiasts.

The main component of this conversion is widely known as a Hydrogen Generator, although this unit does produce Hydrogen, it also at the same time produces Oxygen, and so is not strictly a pure Hydrogen generator.

In fact pure Hydrogen is a very volatile and dangerous gas, especially when it is compressed and stored in tanks to use in a Hydrogen Powered Vehicle, raising concerns over the future of this type of Hydrogen Car.

Hybrid Hydrogen Fueled Cars are however perfectly safe, well just as safe as a conventional cars and trucks. This is for two reasons, firstly the Hydrogen is produced along with Oxygen, by the chemical breakdown of water, the resulting gas has a chemical constitution of HHO, and is known as Hydroxy or Brown’s Gas. This gas is perfectly stable and very safe.

Secondly, the HHO gas is produced on demand, that is, only when the vehicles ignition is powered on, and so is used up as it is produced, by the combustion process of the vehicles engine. Thereby eliminating any hazards associated with storing a combustible gas.

The “Hydrogen Generator” as it is often called, is a very simple device, that can be easily constructed in just a few hours, using components available at most hardware stores.

Hydrogen Generators separate the chemical constituents of water, by the process known as electrolysis, which uses an electrical current passed through the water, to break it down into Two Parts Hydrogen and One Part Oxygen, producing HHO gas from H2O.

Electrolysis requires two separate conductors immersed in the liquid in question which is called the electrolyte. These conductors are known as the Anode (Positive) and the Cathode (Negative).

Water itself will not break down under electrolysis to form Brown’s gas, as it is not an electrolytic solution on its own. To make the electrolytic solution, all that is required is to dissolve some Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) into it, this then produces the HHO or Brown’s gas under electrolysis.

The Hydrogen Generator itself, is made from a standard rough service quart jar with a screw on plastic lid, the type available at most hardware stores. The electrodes of the Home Made Hydrogen Generator are made from twisted stainless steel wire, alternately wrapped around an insulating duraplas (Perspex) core. These are then terminated through the plastic lid using nuts, bolts, washers and wing nuts.

Plastic pipe connectors are affixed into the Jar’s lid and non return valves utilised to feed the HHO gas into the pipes feeding the vehicle air intake.

This type of Hydrogen Generator is very effective and has been built and used by thousands of people world wide with amazing results, more detailed instructions and Plans to Make a Hydrogen Generator are readily available, and well worth checking out.

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John Morris asked:


What is vacuum forming? What does it do? What are the methods used in forming vacuums? Vacuum forming is basically the procedure used in shaping any kind of plastic. The shaping of unusual shapes like dishes, boxes and others is called Vacuum forming process. The simplest explanation to its method is by placing the mould into an oven, heated for it to take shape and cooled within a significant amount of time. The advantages of using vacuum forming as a method is limitless and effective. Majority of the vacuum forming products are affordable, since not many produce vacuum forming products. The moulds could be made of low-costing materials and the process of the vacuum forming could be possibly faster than any forming process.

- The most common product made using vacuum forming is a simple plastic toy

- All of the process used includes three important stages. Heating, shaping and cooling.

- There are factors that would be vital in the process selection of the vacuum forming.

- Quantities of the product

- Material of the product

- Shape and details of the product

- Final product’s shape and size

1. Clamping process

The clamp or the fastener gives security to the materials being processed. By using this vacuum forming method, you could process even the thickest materials. It is important that the frame of the clamps is strong for the materials not to move during the whole vacuum forming process.

2. Heating process

This vacuum forming method makes use of infra-red heaters and aluminum plates. Although this kind of process is usually handles by larger machines, it could former thicker plastics rapidly. The heaters are located both above the aluminum plates and below it, to produce quality outcomes.

3. Bubble

When the plastic material is inside the machine and it has reached the temperature needed for it to form, this method pre-stretches the plastic to give a smoother outcome product. The bubble method is important because it could assure that unusual shaping materials with extraordinary angles could be reached by the heat.

4. Sheet level

This method involves an electric beam inside the machine that inspects the plastic material and the bottom heater. This method is used when the plastic starts to sag. When the plastic sags, the beam would automatically break down and a quantity of air would enter the machine causing the sagginess to stop.

6. Vacuum

This vacuum forming method pre-stretches the plastic material. The vacuum serves as assistance in the forming of quality sheets. There are two vital parts in a vacuum – the vacuum tank and the vacuum pump. These two parts enable the machine to rapidly mold the hot sheets.

Once the materials have been shaped and formed, a cooling procedure is done before releasing the plastic.

- Cooling is important because when the materials are released, the molds would become deformed and would cause a rejected outcome

- High speed fans are made use to fasten the cooling process. There is also an option in using s spray mist which is directed into the product sheet

- When cooled, it is inserted again into the machine to perform a reverse pressure method that strips excess product from the mould

7. Finishing Up

There are several trimming methods that could be used in vacuum forming. These methods would depend on the size of the part, production number needed, the kind of trimming, and the material’s thickness. The finishing of the product or the post-forming processes depends upon the materials processed in the vacuum forming method. Some finishing includes designing, printing of decorations, strengthening of the product and construction. Although there are many kinds of method used in forming plastics, you could always make use of the easiest method – vacuum forming. Anybody could do it. With just the right tools and these friendly procedures, you could make your own toy in a jiffy.

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Robert Masterson asked:


In recent years, people are becoming more conservative in their transportation needs. Hybrid cars are becoming ever more popular and electric vehicles are starting a new revolution. Scooters are very popular and practical for commuting to work and general transportation needs for a whole family. Really, though, just how far advanced are we in 2009? Actually, small battery powered vehicles, such as electric scooters, are very advanced. Batteries tend to be heavy, up to half of the weight of any electric vehicle.

Thus, by keeping the vehicle smaller, you can get it to move with less power. In recent years, batteries have been made available in smaller sizes and with longer lasting technologies. This has created the advantage of Electric Powered Scooters being able to travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. Many of the newer Electric model Scooters can reach speeds over 60 miles per hour. They create no pollution and are practically noise free.

So why isn’t everyone out there getting Electric Scooters? They are very expensive. Right now, the technology is new and there are few companies producing these vehicles. The batteries aren’t cheap to produce and they require a very different motor than conventional Scooters. It is very similar to hybrid vehicles. They are more expensive than traditional car models, but you will use less gas.

Obviously, with Electric Scooters you will never use gas. You will only pay for the cost to charge the batteries, which might be about the same as running your washer and dryer for about 2 hours each day. Those savings add up and this type or Scooter will pay for itself in about a year or so.

Gas Powered Motor Scooters have become a less expensive alternative to their electric counterparts. Many of these scooters cost under one thousand dollars and can reach speeds up to 60 mph and get about 110 miles on a full tank of gas. They are still Earth friendly in the sense that the emissions output is about 1/10 of that of a typical 6 cylinder vehicle, such as a Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry. They tend to be a little noisier than an Electric Model, but they can be very enjoyable to ride, with smooth acceleration and require little effort to maintain. These Scooters are very easy to get in an out of tight traffic and finding parking spaces is as easy as parking a bicycle. Most of these Scooters are much safer than in previous years. They come standard with front and rear turn signals, and disc and drum brakes.

Whether you are looking for “Green,” Earth friendly transportation or just trying to get an affordable way to get around, Electric and Gas Scooters make excellent transportation. They have been used in European and Industrial nations for many years and their popularity is constantly growing, as is their technological advancement in recent years. In the next decade or two, Electric and Gas powered Scooters will play a key role in transitioning the change from large gas hungry vehicles to smaller more compact more electric powered vehicles. It is wise to consider these options before making your decision.

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Dendroctunus asked:

Fire Dept familiarization of Hybrid Vehicle, including safety considerations.

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Takashi Yodruk asked:


Want to know if it’s possible to convert your car to run on water and gas? And can this water for gas conversion system really improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency or is it a scam?

The buzz on this water for gas hybrid technology began when fuel prices around the world escalated to record highs. With no immediate relief from oil companies or the government in sight, ordinary folks began searching for alternative energy resources or gas saving technologies that will help them combat the rising cost of fuel. And currently, one of the most controversial and talked about solution is how to convert one’s car to run on water and gas to increase fuel efficiency.

Run Your Car On Water – The Truth

To begin with, run your car on water is not about adding water to the gas tank and driving your car completely on water. This kind of water fuel combination won’t mix and will result in serious damages to your car. Which is why the general community is having problems believing such water for gas conversion is genuine and calls it a scam.

In actual fact, the water for gas system explains that it still requires you to add gasoline to your vehicle’s gas tank to run your car. The secret to running your car on water lies in installing a “water fuel cell kit” that hooks directly onto your car’s engine. The water in the kit is then broken down into two components namely oxygen and hydrogen through the process of electrolysis. The oxygen and hydrogen is then converted to HHO or Brown’s Gas which is then used as fuel for cars. This way, fuel consumption is drastically reduced and hence the term, run your car on water or drive car with water.

In 2004, FISITA World Automotive Congress also performed a test on the addition of HHO from water to a single cylinder direct injection fuel engine and concluded that when a small amount of hydrogen is added, the combustion process of the internal combustion engines could be considerably enhanced.

Therefore, it is a proven fact that when a car is fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell kit, it can help increase the fuel economy of the vehicle. In fact, even big automobiles companies like BMW and Honda Technology are in the process of developing this water hybrid technology into their own cars and industry insiders are already saying that this water-gas technology will be the standard in new automobiles and most cars will be running with water and gas within the next 5 to 10 years!

Run car on water may be the future but if you want to enable your car to be more fuel efficient and save yourself thousands of dollars in fuel costs every year, the future is now!

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Angela Stringfellow asked:


You may be eligible for a hybrid vehicle tax credit if you bought a hybrid vehicle in 2008. For the most fuel-efficient models, the credit can be worth up to $3,000. The exact amount of the credit is dependent upon the make and model of the vehicle and in what state the vehicle was purchased.

The Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit (the name given to the tax credit for hybrid vehicles), is applicable to vehicles bought or put on the road after January 1, 2006.

To qualify as a hybrid, the vehicle must have drive trains powered by both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery. Most hybrid make and models do qualify for this credit- over 40 models. However, to confirm that your vehicle qualifies, check Form 8910.

Taxpayers may claim the credit on their 2008 tax returns only if they placed a qualified hybrid vehicle on the road in 2008. The credit is only available to original purchaser of the vehicle and are not available to an individual who purchased or leased the vehicle used during the course of 2008.

The credit has been phased out for some hybrid models but is available for new hybrid vehicles that became available this past year. After 60,000 hybrid vehicles are sold by a particular manufacturer, the tax credit is reduced and slowly eliminated. To claim the full credit, the vehicle owner must file by the end of the third month after the quarter when the manufacturer has reached this limit on sales.

Note: The credit for qualified Toyota and Lexus vehicles was eliminated for purchases on or after Oct. 1, 2007. The full credit for qualified Honda vehicles was available for all purchases in 2007, but has been reduced for purchases on or after Jan. 1, 2008.

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Will Yap asked:


The current hot fuel saving gadgets are electrolysis devices attached to a car engine. The idea is to use hydrogen gas (H2) generated from electrolysis in water to use as a supplementary energy source. With the current high crude oil prices, gasoline prices locally have been skyrocketing. It has become a major challenge for car owners to fuel their car and maintaining a monthly household expense budget. As a solution to this problem, many people are resorting to use fuel saving gadgets on their cars. How does the device work? This article will provide some information on the topic.

The technology of producing hydrogen gas for cars has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, its development has been stifled by lack of education, ignorance and the interference of large oil companies. The concept is quite simple. We know that water is made from 2 parts hydrogen and one part oxygen thus its chemical name H2O. By connecting the electrolysis device to the car battery, the electricity current running through water will produce hydrogen gas.

The next step is to release the H2 into the engine combustion chambers. Inside the chambers, it will mix with normal gasoline fume. The gas mixture has a greater potency compared to gasoline alone because hydrogen gas is three times more potent than fossil fuel. The end result is a bigger and more powerful explosive in the engine producing higher torque level. In theory, when a car is burning the same amount of fuel and achieving greater engine output, it will travel further thus increasing its mileage and saving cost.

Water saving gadgets are the current craze for car owners around the world. The system has been field tested and the results are very encouraging. Some has experienced vehicle mileage increase as much as 30 percent. The great thing is it does not a bomb to implement the system. Most water saving gadgets can be installed with a budget of around $150.

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TANKAR1 asked:

TANKAR (tankae1 on YouTube) builds a new mini chopper / bicycle hybrid vehicle then takes it (and his video camera) for a ride on it before final tear-down after mock-up and before paint is finished. This chopper uses bicycle wheels, five speed sprocket, deraileur and chain mated to a small 2 stroke engine with a clutch and #35 chain and sprocket through a jackshaft.. After the JPEGS are done there is video footage of me riding by on it as well as on board cam footage where you can ride with …

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Jordan Matthews asked:


When it comes to getting through the fourth grade, very few students are able to escape the dreaded fourth grade science fair project. This single project could make up a large percentage of your student’s grade for the quarter and semester, and a failure could doom their chances of getting back to a passing grade. In addition, parent’s must also consider that failing students are often held back a year, or put into remedial classes because of these grades. That is a very bad place to be for students, particularly if they know their stuff, but simply failed to produce a quality project. So the question is, of course, what kinds of projects are good for your young students to attempt?

Fortunately, there is a very simple answer. You, the parent, need to take stock of what your student’s teachers require of the assignment. This is the first step because ultimately, they may have different requirements from the norm, and because they’re the ones who decide the grade your student will ultimately receive. Some teachers do not like students to create and research models, because there is no real experimentation aspect to this process. Contact your student’s teacher as soon as it is assigned, and they may be able to give you guidance on how he or she expects the project to be completed, which can give you some ideas.

The second step is to realize that you need not go out and create something unique and totally spectacular. The fourth grade science fair project is a project for fourth graders after all. Thus, it is fine to use a project you find on the internet or in a book. The only caution here is that you should probably avoid doing any of the projects from your student’s textbook, as there is a high probability of having multiple students who repeat the same project.

Finally, you should make sure to help your student through the majority of the steps in the process. It is probably well beyond the ability of your students to handle the entire project on their own, even when it is broken into parts and fed to them. Be an active participant, and you an ensure success on your child’s fourth grade science fair project.

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