Guide to Automotive Research and Development

Consider automotive research and development companies that make hybrid electrical vehicles

Hybrid vehicles reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. These auto industry R&D companies use regenerative braking technology, which can recycle energy and save it to electrical accessories. For example, if the hybrid goes in reverse, regenerative braking turns into an electric generator. That energy, which is converted into electricity, is stored in a chemical storage battery. Later, the hybrid can use that electricity as power.

I recommend: Toyota strongly believes in investing heavily in automotive industry research. This automotive research company makes the Prius, one of the top hybrid cars. You’ll also want to look at Ford, which is a strong automobile research and development company. Ford makes the Escape, an SUV hybrid. You can get up to 34 miles per gallon.

Consider auto R&D companies that convert hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles

Auto research and development companies have worked on engineering plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles to travel a long distance without using gasoline. With plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles, you can recharge the battery by connecting the plug to a power source. Current, existing hybrid vehicles can be converted into plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles (PHEVs).

I recommend: A123 Hymotion is an auto R & D company that offers this conversion program. You can get up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles if you let the company install this upgrade kit. Hybrids Plus also makes upgrade conversion kits. The kits work for both the Prius and Ford Escape.

Consider auto industry research companies that make hydrogen-powered vehicles

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are not as widely available as the hybrids. The abilities to produce, distribute and sell hydrogen are the main reasons it's difficult to find them on the market. Auto research and development companies have designed these vehicles so that the only emission they produce is water. Another plus is that hydrogen-powered vehicles get more miles per gallon than hybrids.

I recommend: Honda has developed a hydrogen-powered car, FCX Clarity. It can be leased for three years and includes maintenance and collision insurance. The FCX Clarity is limited to a certain number of residents who live in California. General Motors also is experimenting with a fuel cell vehicle, Sequel. On one tank of hydrogen, you can drive up to 300 miles.