Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Andrew from AL. Andrew Wonders, “What is a hybrid car?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Andrew!

Wonder Friends already know about the musical side of Motown. Today, it’s time to take a look at the automotive side!

By now, you’ve probably heard about hybrid cars. They’ve been around for several years, and their popularity continues to grow. You may even have one in your family or know someone who drives a hybrid.

But what exactly is a hybrid? Regular cars have engines that run on gasoline. Hybrid cars, on the other hand, are powered by both a gasoline engine and an electric battery.

Why do people want cars that also run on electric batteries? They allow cars to use gasoline more efficiently. At low speeds, hybrid can run on just the electric battery. This lowers the amount of gasoline the car uses.

At higher speeds, the gasoline engine kicks in for more power. When the gasoline engine runs, the electric battery recharges. That way, it will have plenty of power again later when it’s needed.

Automobile makers are always improving their hybrid car systems. Today, there are several different types of these vehicles. There are small differences in the way they work, the basic idea is the same. They use an electric battery to improve gas mileage. Hybrid cars are also good for the environment. Since some of their power comes from electric batteries, they make less pollution than gas-powered cars.

Is a hybrid car right for you? You’ll also need to take their price into account. Most hybrid cars are more expensive than their “regular” car counterparts. This means that much of the money you save on gasoline will be spent upfront by paying more for the car at the beginning.

Despite their higher cost, though, hybrids are attractive to many people. This is because of their positive impact on the environment. Just be sure to do your research before you set your sights on a hybrid car. It’s always good to consider both the pros and the cons when making any major decision!

Today, some cars run solely on electric power. To charge these cars, owners plug them into a power source. Electric cars are another option to improve gas mileage and lower pollution. What kind of car is right for you? Consider many options before deciding!

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day takes an up-close look at a childhood favorite!