Over the last ten years, bus manufacturers here and abroad have been offering energy efficient "hybrid" busses. These busses run on a mixture of conventional fuel and battery power. Since the batteries do not have to be plugged in, these vehicles seem to be as versatile as conventional vehicles and can be found in many American cities.

Now, enter the hybrid automobile into the American marketplace. What is good for the bus is good for the car, and really good for all of us. I saw my first hybrid up close about a month ago and it holds tremendous promise. Competitively priced, nice looking vehicles that make us less dependent on imported petroleum products: I suspect these hybrids are more than just a passing fad.

Honda's model is called the Insight and it has already been recognized by the Sierra Club with an Award for Excellence in Environmental Engineering. It went on sale in December and is the first gasoline-electric hybrid car to be sold in the U.S. The Insight received the highest mileage ratings ever from the EPA, 61 mpg in the city and 70 mpg highway. The Insight also earned an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rating.

The heart of the power system is Honda's "Integrated Motor Assist", which combines a three cylinder engine with an electric motor, promoting tremendous efficiency. Honda claims that the vehicle is also a high performer. We will have to do our own individual test driving to find out if this is so.

The car's battery is recharged by regenerative braking, which means it does not have to be "plugged in" for recharging. Specifically, energy from forward momentum is captured during braking. This energy is then used to recharge the batteries. That is amazing. Remember that prototype electric vehicles required lengthy plug-in periods.

Not willing to be outdone by Honda, Toyota has now introduced its Prius, which means "To Go Before" in Latin. Notwithstanding Honda's claim that it was first, Toyota claims that its hybrid is the first in the world to be mass produced.

Prius has several points of origin. Its exterior styling, and its is a sharp looking car, was designed in Newport Beach, California. Its Hybrid System (also a combined battery/gas engine) was developed in Japan. And its battery was developed in concert with Panasonic.

Prius is capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately 105 mph. According to Toyota, this speed can be maintained for extended distances. Prius' batteries never need to be recharged from an external source. Just as is so of the Insight, Prius is fitted with a regenerative braking system.

When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the motor is turned into a generator, capturing the energy that would normally be lost as heat or kinetic energy. This captured energy is used to recharge the battery.

In April 1999, Toyota formed an alliance with GM for joint research and development of advanced technology relating to electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. Toyota and Exxon are also jointly developing fuel, lubricant and engine technology for environmentally friendlier vehicles. There is also a licensing agreement with Volkswagen for use of Toyota's exhaust gas purification technology. So these large companies are illustrating some level of green cooperation.

I don't know about you, but I am always hesitant to purchase new model auto vehicles. I suspect that it might make sense to wait a little while before purchasing this new kind of vehicle. But, Honda and Toyota are both very brave to take these kinds of bold moves.

One thing is clear: these Japanese models can make our American air better and healthier. When will our domestic manufacturers follow?

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.