we service hybrids
Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green"
Vehicles Are Here Today
We know today that better economy can be achieved by driving less aggressively, inflating tires, and carrying less weight in vehicles. When combined with newer technologies these factors can have a huge impact on energy consumption.
Zero-Emission Vehicles
For purists, ZEVs, or zero-emission vehicles, are
available on a limited basis. When the United States became the 37th country to sell the Smart car in January 2008, the landscape of American highways was forever changed. These
vehicles are typically charged overnight or recharged between trips; they
offer considerable fuel and maintenance savings along with zero on-road
emissions. The electric vehicle's market share will grow, but the rate of growth will depend on the rate of decline in battery costs.
Hybrids Gaining in Popularity
Gasoline engines will continue to improve and offer a viable solution when combined with hybrid-electric drives. They are not range limited, can get exceptional mileage, and are rated as SULEVs. 
Hybrids generally work by using an engine and generator in harmony with
one or more energy storage devices such as batteries. Managed by sophisticated
computers, today's hybrids may use battery-only power at low speeds, or
a combination of battery and engine power for accelerating and hill climbing
- the batteries serving as an "electric supercharger." Under
cruise conditions, the engine runs a generator as needed to re-charge the
batteries and propel the vehicle. When going downhill, coasting or braking,
otherwise-wasted vehicle inertia runs the generator for re-charging the
batteries, and the engine shuts off, adding to miles-per-gallon.
For now, hybrid-electrics seem the most popular choice. Hybrids are achieving 50 mpg and more. Greater numbers of these gasoline/electric autos, vans, pickups and SUVs will be for sale in the next couple of years. The State of California has a website to help you choose the option that could be best for you.
The Future
Longer-term projections indicate that hybrid-powered vehicles of all stripes will gain considerable market share over conventional gasoline
and diesel vehicles in the next 10 to 20 years. Purchase prices will depend
on economies of scale, and government and auto manufacturer subsidies.
Widespread acceptance of hybrids would mean far less petroleum would be
consumed, which translates to both lower overall grams-per-mile of emissions
and a greater degree of energy independence.
Most industry experts predict that the gasoline or diesel powered hybrid is an interim step towards achieving near pollution-free transportation. The ultimate in zero- emission vehicles are hybrids that use the hydrogen fuel-cell engine. Hydrogen is reacted (not burned) in the fuel cell to generate electricity for the vehicle's traction motor(s) and for charging the batteries. When run on pure hydrogen, fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) produce no harmful emission and are more fuel-efficient than the best vehicles with internal combustion engines.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, "Most major auto
manufacturers have announced plans to 
commercialize
(fuel cell powered)." But improving the technology
and lowering the cost of fuel cell production and materials is a key factor
for market success.
The future is coming, and sooner than most people realize. For those impatient with the pace of progress, consider how far we've already come: Today's conventional cars could actually run on the tailpipe emissions of cars produced in the 1960s, thanks in large part to on-board vehicle technology.
visit us in the Redwood Auto Care Center
Across the street from the Skyview Drive-In
2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-462-4436
Monday-Friday/8:00 am-5:00 pm