Accord hybrid only available in select markets

Well, ya had to know it would be like this.

While the Honda Accord hybrid is available, it is only available at select dealers in select markets, and already the lists are building.

When you do finally get to test one out, what might the differences be like? In fact, what is this hybrid technology about? Is is the same in all hybrids?

Hybrid technology is not the same in all hybrid vehicles. Nonetheless, today's hybrids have one common theme, they utilize an electric motor in addition to a gasoline engine.

Right now, the whole hybrid market is dominated by Toyota and Honda, as the Ford Escape hybrid was built upon licensed Toyota Prius hybrid technology.

Both the Escape hybrid and the Prius use two electric motors, rather than one. Additionally, their gasoline engines have been modified to run on a different cycle. This creates a greater expansion ratio that causes the gasoline engine to inhale less air and fuel, resulting in greater fuel efficiency. However, this move also reduces the engines power, and that's where the two electric motors kick in.

The electric motors - one for the wheels, the other for engine starting and transmission - combined with a planetary-type continuously variable transmission allow the Escape and the Prius to be driven by electric power only.

This is ability to operate both the Prius and the Escape hybrid, by electric power only, results in one of the most significant differences between Honda and Toyota hybrid technology.

Of course, neither the Prius, nor the Escape hybrid run on electric power only. In most cases, this is only possible under 30 mph, and a host of other driving conditions. Still, it does result in signficicantly increased fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.