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So what the heck is a hybrid anyway?
22Apr
For Earth Day, let’s break down what exactly makes a Hybrid vehicle. Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and a fuel-saving option for consumers.
A hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive. There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid.
Parallel hybrid systems, which are most commonly produced at present, have both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor connected to a mechanical transmission. The gasoline engine and the electric motor work together to move the car forward.
Series hybrids have also been referred to as a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) in order to emphasis that they are electric vehicles with a combustion engine assist. In a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.
Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:
Smaller and more efficient engines.
Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.