The Complete Idiot's Guide To Hybrid And Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles by Jack R. Nerad A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles by Jack R. Nerad A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. This book is dedicated to my lovely daughters Maddie, Emma, and Greta with the hope that, in a small way at least, it will make their future and the future of all children who live in this world better and more secure. ALPHA BOOKS Published by the Penguin Group Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi—110 017, India Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, North Shore, Auckland 1311, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England Copyright © 2007 Jack R. Nerad All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240. THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. ISBN: 1-4362-9428-2 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2007922823 Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book. Publisher: Marie Butler-Knight Senior Acquisitions Editor: Paul Dinas Managing Editor: Billy Fields Development Editor: Ginny Munroe Production Editor: Kayla Dugger Copy Editor: Tricia Liebig Book Designer: Trina Wurst Indexer: Tonya Heard Layout: Ayanna Lacey Proofreader: Aaron Black Contents at a Glance 1 Challenges to Our Mobility Fuel prices have sent a seismic shock through the land, but there is more to the issues than just the cost of gas. 1 2 Brief History of Alternative Propulsion Technology A look at the alternative technologies of the past—steam and electric among them—gives us a window on the future. 3 Green for Sale Today Although hybrids rule the headlines when it comes to fuel efficiency, there are other technologies that are worthy of attention. 29 4 Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Vehicles The veh