How Do Hybrid Electric Vehicles Function?

Lately, hybrid cars are gaining more and more popularity among people and the main reason for their positive image is that they are pollution-free, and their CO2 emission rate is relatively low. Besides this, they are also cost-efficient with regards to fuel and last but not least they are extremely quiet and thus they do not contribute to the noise levels in cities. If we have to imagine the perfect world, a hybrid car would be the vehicle of every driver. The good news is that we are seeing them more and more frequently on highways and in city traffic. They have, however, one main disadvantage - their batteries require an often charge and up until this moment, charging stations in big cities are scarce.

Let’s see how they function on the inside:

An electric vehicle uses a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which uses energy stored in batteries. The battery of a hybrid electric vehicle is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. The battery can’t be plugged in to charge as you would do with your phone. The additional power provided by the electric motor can potentially allow for a smaller engine. Also, the battery can power additional widgets like sound systems and lights and reduce idling when stationary. Altogether, these features result in better fuel economy and eco-friendly performance. When pulling away from a stop position, the electric motor starts up the car, draining the battery for power. Up to 15 miles/hour, the vehicle uses only the electric motor for power. This is why hybrids are considered more efficient when driving in traffic.

During normal cruising, the gasoline engine is used because this is when it is most efficient. Also, it can power the generator, which produces electricity and stores it in the batteries for later usage.

During braking and cruising, when the brakes are applied or the pressure is released from the gas pedal, the hybrid uses a smart system called “regenerative braking”. Since the car is already slowing down, it doesn’t need to keep the gasoline engine or the electric motor running. At this moment, the car ceases to power the wheels and this way all of the torque goes into the generator. Then again, the generator produces energy and stores it for later.

When the car is stationary, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor turn off. The vehicle uses the already stored power to start all the auxiliary gear such as conditioning, radio, and lights.

Transmission types:

The hybrid electrical vehicles usually come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Some hybrids, usually European ones, come with the conventional automatic transmission or the dual-clutch manual types.

Drive Wheels:

Hybrids can be front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. Most small and mid-sized hybrids are front-wheel drive, while luxury-car hybrids are rear-wheel drive.

Battery Types:

The conventional batteries for electric vehicles are of the nickel-metal hydride type. They are quickly being replaced by lithium-ion batteries, which are smaller and lighter as well as much more efficient. Hybrid models that run nickel-metal hydride hybrid batteries typically have very good reliability. Lithium-ion batteries are still new and don't have a proven long-term track record. Carmakers are required to warranty the batteries on any hybrid as an emissions control part for eight years and 80,000 miles in most states. Outside the warranty period, new nickel-metal hydride battery replacements can run as much as $3,000, but replacements have been relatively rare. Moreover, used batteries are available for much less.

 

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