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Tech: How do Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid Batteries Recharge? Do I Need to Plug a Hybrid In?

Clean Fleet Report

When the first gasoline-electric hybrids vehicles began arriving in 1999 and 2000, early adopters did their research and were quite knowledgeable about the then-new and revolutionary transportation mode. But the mass market was confused; these new cars had an additional battery to provide electricity to an electric motor.

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Feature: Are Eco-Friendly Cars Expensive to Own?

Clean Fleet Report

A study conducted by a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) compared the lifetime costs of owning a gas-powered vehicle versus that of owning an eco-friendly vehicle. The motors that electric vehicles use have fewer moving parts than their gasoline-powered counterparts and don’t require oil changes.

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Lexus prices new three-row RX 450hL hybrid starting at $50,620

Green Car Congress

Lexus is pricing the new 2018 RX 450hL three-row hybrid SUV—announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2017—with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $50,620—$1,550 more than its gasoline-engined RX 350L AWD three-rowed sibling. The RX 450hL is set to go on sale at dealers in April.

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2019 Prius offered with new electric all-wheel drive system

Green Car Congress

Toyota is offering a new electric all-wheel drive system (AWD-e) on the facelifted 2019 Prius. The Prius AWD-e uses an independent electric, magnet-less rear motor (a Toyota first) to power the rear wheels from 0 to 6 mph, then when needed, up to 43 mph. FWD models will feature a Li-ion battery.

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Hyundai Debuts Sonata Hybrid at New York Show

Green Car Congress

liter Theta II engine (169 hp/126 kW at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft/212 N·m of torque at 4,500 rpm); a 6-speed automatic transmission; a 30 kW (151 lb-ft/205 N·m) electric motor; and a lithium-polymer battery pack. Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive has an all-electric mode and a parallel drive mode. 30kW, 151 lb-ft electric motor.

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Toyota introducing Corolla Hybrid to US at LA Auto Show; at least 50 mpg

Green Car Congress

liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two motor/generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) transaxle. The battery provides a subtle power boost when pulling away in order to put less strain on the engine and eliminate the “rubber band” effect experienced with some hybrids.

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Subaru introduces XV Crosstrek Hybrid, its first production hybrid

Green Car Congress

hp electric motor integrated into the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). kW nickel-metal hydride battery is located under a revised rear floor area, and the engine uses an integrated starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature. The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter

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