What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car is a car that operates simultaneously with an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. Recently, with the emergence of a trend for environmentally friendly cars, a car with a hybrid engine has begun to gain enormous popularity. Some well-known manufacturing companies create hybrids, and the resulting models are very successful.
But a hybrid car is considered far from a new invention. The first developments and car models appeared back in the 19th century. Since that time, technology has come very far. A modern hybrid car today is a transport that is practically not inferior to conventional cars.
A car with a hybrid engine receives energy from more than one source to operate. The internal combustion engine and the electric motor complement each other. This reduces the load and increases the efficiency of the vehicle.
The trend towards environmentally friendly vehicles is increasing, and the number of electric cars is also increasing. Hybrid cars remain popular among drivers who try to take care of their own comfort and the environment.
Cars with a hybrid engine include the following basic design elements:
Engine;
Fuel tank;
Electric motor;
Generator;
Battery;
Power controller;
Investor;
Transmission;
Charger.
You need to know that a hybrid car is a universal vehicle. It is perfect for motorists who want to use new developments in the automotive industry, but in their regions there are few charging stations for electric vehicles.
Design features of a hybrid car
Before studying the operation of a hybrid car, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the design features of this vehicle in order to better understand its operating principle.
A machine equipped with a hybrid engine has the following features:
- The engine is light in weight and powerful. This reduces the load, as well as harmful emissions, and reduces fuel consumption.
- The electric motor is located inside the power unit or separately. The mounted electric motor in a hybrid car, which operates differently, also provides energy for the battery. Due to this, charge consumption is also reduced.
- The transmission is a design mechanism that is almost no different from the analogues of an ordinary car. Both manual and automatic transmissions are used. Additionally, it is also worth highlighting hybrid gearboxes; they are directly connected to the electric motor.
- The fuel tank is located at the rear of the machine. It is necessary for the internal combustion engine to function correctly.
- The battery also serves to supply energy. In hybrid cars, two types of batteries are used: high-voltage (powers the electric motor) and ordinary (powers the on-board network).
- The inverter is responsible for converting direct current into alternating current, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the electric motor.
The vehicle’s generator is responsible for generating electricity while driving, but does not use it.
How does a hybrid car work?
Are you wondering how a hybrid car works? Then the process can be generally divided into the following stages:
- Start of movement. When the car moves at low speed, only the electric motor works. Therefore, initially the battery sends energy to the power supply, then to the electric motor.
- Movement. When the car is running, the internal combustion engine starts. Engines are responsible for the uniform distribution of energy that is required to move a car. With the remaining energy, it goes to the generator, then to the battery.
- Overclocking At this stage, as a rule, the internal combustion engine operates. An electric motor is necessary to maintain the dynamics of the system. The generator continues to distribute excess energy to the control unit.
- During braking, the internal combustion engine operates in normal mode. The electric motor gives back the energy from the battery, then it goes into the battery.
A hybrid machine has a rather complex operating principle. And its operation may depend on the type of power plant.
The operating principle of a hybrid car depending on the type of power unit
As described above, a hybrid car is considered a vehicle that moves thanks to a special installation (a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor). To become more familiar with the topic of what a hybrid machine is, you need to carefully study the design of the power unit.
The power device is of the following types:
Microhybrid;
Medium hybrid;
Full hybrid.
In the first case, an electric drive is used for starting and braking. The design has a 12 W battery, so the car cannot move solely using the electric motor. During movement, the remaining kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy.
The second option is used when starting, braking, and traction. The design itself contains a high-voltage battery, but the car cannot drive independently using an electric motor.
How does a hybrid car with a full hybrid powertrain function? In this option, the design of the car involves the installation of a powerful electric motor, capable of ensuring constant movement of the car without the participation of the internal combustion engine, for example, if the tank runs out of gasoline. But the vehicle performs a larger percentage of the work, as in a car with a mid-hybrid power unit.
Now you know that a hybrid car could combine two completely different technologies.
Hybrid car: advantages and disadvantages
Should you buy a hybrid car? This question plagues a large number of motorists who are trying to find a new vehicle. The pros and cons of such a car can clearly indicate what the car is like and how many modern drivers use it.
Let’s list the main advantages of a hybrid car:
- Economical fuel consumption. The car consumes ¼ less fuel than cars operating only on internal combustion engines.
- Environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that the amount of fuel required to move the vehicle is reduced, the amount of exhaust gases that enter the atmosphere is also reduced.
- Silence. Due to the reduced power of the internal combustion engine, the car does not make much noise when driving.
- Increased range with one charge. The full-hybrid power plant continues to operate even when the fuel runs out.
- Active energy storage. The use of the principle of recuperation during braking allows you to reduce energy consumption and increase the vehicle’s driving range.
If you want to know what a hybrid car is, also study its disadvantages:
- Price. As a rule, hybrid cars cost 50% more than regular cars.
- Maintainability. It is more difficult to repair a hybrid unit, therefore the cost of restoration is higher.
- Batteries. Those batteries installed in hybrid cars can lose a large amount of charge over time.
In addition, statistics show that hybrids are more likely to be involved in accidents involving pedestrians, since they do not hear the approaching car due to their quiet operation. It is worth buying models that have a special sound signal.
What is a hybrid car? This is the confidence that you will continue your journey even if the fuel in the tank runs out. A hybrid is a vehicle that has a unique combination of various technologies that make vehicle movement more efficient and economical.
Should you buy a hybrid car? This question plagues a large number of motorists who are trying to find a new vehicle. The pros and cons of such a car can clearly indicate what the car is like and how many modern drivers use it.
Let’s list the main advantages of a hybrid car:
- Economical fuel consumption. The car consumes ¼ less fuel than cars operating only on internal combustion engines.
- Environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that the amount of fuel required to move the vehicle is reduced, the amount of exhaust gases that enter the atmosphere is also reduced.
- Silence. Due to the reduced power of the internal combustion engine, the car does not make much noise when driving.
- Increased range with one charge. The full-hybrid power plant continues to operate even when the fuel runs out.
- Active energy storage. The use of the principle of recuperation during braking allows you to reduce energy consumption and increase the vehicle’s driving range.
If you want to know what a hybrid car is, also study its disadvantages:
- Price. As a rule, hybrid cars cost 50% more than regular cars.
- Maintainability. It is more difficult to repair a hybrid unit, therefore the cost of restoration is higher.
- Batteries. Those batteries installed in hybrid cars can lose a large amount of charge over time.
In addition, statistics show that hybrids are more likely to be involved in accidents involving pedestrians, since they do not hear the approaching car due to their quiet operation. It is worth buying models that have a special sound signal.
What is a hybrid car? This is the confidence that you will continue your journey even if the fuel in the tank runs out. A hybrid is a vehicle that has a unique combination of various technologies that make vehicle movement more efficient and economical.