Emissions and Resources

Hybrid Vehicle Emissions

Hybrid Vehicle emissions today are getting close to or even lower than the recommended level set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The recommended levels they suggest for a typical passenger vehicle should be equated to 5.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The three most popular hybrid vehicles, Honda Civic, Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, set the standards even higher by producing 4.1, 3.5, and 3.5 tons showing a major improvement in carbon dioxide emissions. Hybrid vehicles have an excellent improvement towards the environment.

This is a big step in the environmental impact of these vehicles. With an electric engine and a gasoline one, still shows that gasoline is not totally out of the picture. They still do contribute to a very small percent of the green house emissions due to the fact that they are still powered by petroleum based fuel which is used in other gasoline powered vehicles. Due to their small and lightweight size these current hybrid vehicles use less energy and fuel which puts out less emissions.

With the assistance of the electric motor the gasoline engine can be smaller. Hybrid vehicles can reduce air emissions of smog-forming pollutants by up to 90% and cut carbon dioxide emissions in half. Most of these vehicles are designed for commuting through cities, where there is an excessive amount of traffic to reduce the gas emissions and have a positive effect on the environment. Based on the average driving habits of an individual, pollution of these vehicles can be reduced anywhere between 25% to 90%, when you compare them to an everyday gas-powered vehicle.