Chrysler's hybrid technology, shown in two concept SUVs, works differently. In the Dodge Durango HEV, a V-6 with automatic transmission is the sole power source for the rear wheels, while an electric motor provides added power to the front wheels when needed. In the Jeep Liberty HEV, a four-cylinder engine drives the rear wheels. The lightweight electric motor in GM's full-sized truck doesn't power the wheels. But it replaces the starter and alternator and so functions to get the vehicle's V-8 up and running. This Vortec V-8 is shut off whenever the vehicle is idle, such as at stoplights, to save fuel. The electric motor is always at the ready to power it up again when needed. The electric motor and associated storage battery in the GM truck also power many of the vehicle's electrical accessories, alleviating fuel use and, like that of the Dodge Ram, doubling as a portable power generator. Despite the differences, each hybrid reaps benefits over conventionally powered counterparts. Fuel economy is a top benefit. The Insight has been the most fuel-efficient vehicle on America's roads for three straight years, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Insight is rated at 61 mpg in the city and 68 mpg on the highway when fitted with a manual transmission. Best of all, while hybrid vehicles use fuel more efficiently, resulting in greater fuel economy than what would be expected in a conventional, comparable vehicle, they also maintain or, in some cases improve, performance. Officials at DaimlerChrysler said the hybrid Durango and Liberty achieve up to 30 percent better fuel economy: 22.3 miles per gallon combined city/highway driving for the Durango HEV compared with 17.1 miles per gallon for a comparable conventional V-8 Durango. Yet the hybrid Durango's power, acceleration, and performance are similar to that of a V-8 Durango. In testing, the hybrid has a quicker 0-to-60-mph time than does a Durango with 5.9-liter V-8. The reason? Electric motors can provide immediate torque as a vehicle begins to move, while an internal combustion engine has a torque curve that requires a certain rpm level to be reached before high torque is achieved. I ndeed, Ford says its coming four-cylinder Escape SUV hybrid delivers nearly 40 mpg in city driving, can travel more than 500 miles on a single tank of gasoline, yet delivers the acceleration akin to that of an Escape with a V-6. Emissions also are lower in these vehicles, since the smaller gas engines put out fewer pollutants. In addition, the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Civic, and others can turn off their engines when the vehicles are at rest — for example, when they're waiting at a stoplight. This not only saves on fuel but reduces emissions. Both GM's and Dodge's hybrid pickup trucks promise a novel, additional benefit. They can double as portable power generators because the electric power can be tapped via regular electrical outlets built into the trucks. Up to 20 kilowatts of power are available from the Dodge Ram Contractor Special pickup, for example, with electrical sockets at the rear fender. "We dubbed this vehicle the Contractor Special because it is perfect for construction site work, but we believe the vehicle will also appeal to campers and outdoor enthusiasts, to farmers who have to work on remote sites, and to homeowners who need to keep their households running in the case of a power failure," said Bernard Robertson, senior vice president, engineering technologies and regulatory affairs at DaimlerChrysler. No matter how the gas engine and electric motor work together, there is another common trait of the new hybrids: Consumers don't have to plug these vehicles in as they would a pure electric vehicle. Rather, these hybrids get their electric power by capturing energy as the vehicle is driven, so consumers merely need to fill the vehicle fuel tanks as they would a normal car. As Tom Elliott, executive vice president of automotive sales for American Honda, put it, "You treat the Insight just like a regular car, and it treats you to great gas mileage and a cleaner environment." The first hybrids, the Insight and Prius, struck a chord with environmentalists and technology buffs. And interest zoomed among Americans in general when gasoline prices soared in spring 2001. But the Civic Hybrid is the first real test of how these newfangled power systems will be received by consumers for use in a mainstream car. After all, many consumers buy cars with long-term durability and reliability as a priority, and some have questioned the longevity of nickel-metal hydride batteries that are used to help save and store electrical energy for use by the electric motor. Bienenfeld said Honda officials "have a lot of confidence in the reliability" of the Civic powertrain system. He noted that Civic Hybrids, like the Insight, have an extra warranty. Besides the comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile coverage found on every Honda, the Civic Hybrid comes with battery coverage lasting eight years or 80,000 miles, Bienenfeld said. In addition, in the event of a failure of the electric motor system, the car would still run on its gasoline engine. Copyright 2002 — Associated Press Any reprinting, rebroadcast or digital transmission of thiswork without written permission from Environmental News Network, Inc. is strictly prohibited.