What is a Hybrid Car? How Do Hybrid Electric Cars Work?

What is a Hybrid Car?

Two different engines, one gasoline and one electric, power hybrid vehicles. Together, they turn the wheels of progress. As a result, less gasoline is burnt, improving fuel economy. Hybrids, which combine the advantages of high fuel economy and low emissions, provide superior power and fuel efficiency when compared to traditional automobiles. Excess power produced by hybrid vehicles during cruising or braking is utilized to charge the batteries. Increased fuel economy or range are then aided by this.

How Do Hybrid Electric Cars Work?

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), sometimes known as hybrid automobiles, are powered by an internal combustion engine (petrol engine) and at least one electric motor. Continue reading to learn more about how hybrid electric cars function.

Important Hybrid Electric Car Components

The primary elements that provide electricity to move the hybrid automobile are listed below:

Internal Combustion Engine:

Fuel is pumped into the internal combustion chamber of a typical petrol engine. Here, a spark plug ignites gasoline after it has combined with air.

Electric Traction Motor:

The battery pack is used by this motor to supply power to the wheels.

Electric Generator:

This kind of motor recharges the battery pack by producing power from the regenerated energy while braking. Some electric generators perform regeneration and driving duties simultaneously.

Traction Battery Pack:

The pack charges through the electric generator while also storing electricity to run the electric motors.

The major source of power for the hybrid automobile is still its internal combustion petrol engine. Regenerative braking provides power to the electric motor; but, without the primary petrol engine, the hybrid's battery pack cannot recharge.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

Before moving into all-electric vehicles, the automotive industry may use hybrid automobiles as a stepping stone. Therefore, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid vehicles can help you grasp the technology.

Advantages of Hybrid Cars

Cleaner Emission:

In contrast to internal combustion engines, hybrid automobiles use both internal combustion and electric engines. As a result, emissions are reduced, and the process is ecologically beneficial.

Less Fuel Dependency:

Additional power is offered when the primary petrol engine is supported by an electric motor. There is thus less reliance on fossil fuel.

Smaller and Efficient Engine:

Since the hybrid vehicle has an electric motor, smaller engines are not required to power it alone. Additionally, the petrol engines utilized in hybrid vehicles are more compact and fuel-efficient.

Regenerative Braking:

In a hybrid car, the electric generator produces power and recharges the battery every time the brake is used. As a result, there is no need to stop the car to charge the battery.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

Lower Performance:

Because the major goal of a hybrid vehicle is to enhance its fuel economy or range, it may not accelerate as quickly as a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.

Expensive to Purchase:

Despite efforts by automakers to close the price difference between hybrids and regular vehicles, hybrids still command higher prices.