Description of Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars have some characteristics of the gasoline cars you're used to, but they're a different animal. Several important characteristics set them apart from other vehicles on the road. These qualities not only make them more environmentally friendly, but also more energy conscious. In the long run, they can save you a lot of money in fuel costs.

Definition

Hybrid cars get their power from a combination of gasoline and electricity. It is how the power is delivered and how the ratio of electric to gasoline power is divided that separates different types of hybrid cars.

Types

Full hybrids are cars that are able to move forward from a complete stop using only electric power and no gasoline whatsoever. Mild hybrids are cars that require gasoline combustion in order to begin moving forward. Both types of cars require use of gasoline when traveling at speeds above 25 mph.

Secondary types

Both full and mild hybrids can be further categorized based on how their engines deliver power. Parallel hybrids feature gasoline engines and electric motors that are both capable of powering the car independently of one another.

Series hybrids, on the other hand, work in a cause-and-effect fashion. In a series hybrid, the gasoline engine either charges a battery that powers the electric motor, or else the gasoline engine powers the electric motor directly.

Finally, plug-in hybrids offer you the choice of charging your car using an electrical outlet---although this is not strictly necessary. As of September 2009, all available hybrid cars sold are parallel hybrids. The Chevrolet Volt will be a plug-in hybrid when it is released.

Regenerative braking

Many hybrid cars utilize regenerative braking, which means that when the brakes are engaged, the electric motor switches into generator mode and is using that power to recharge your batteries. Less energy is wasted, and more power stays in your car.

Periodic engine shut-off

A big difference between hybrid cars and traditional gasoline and diesel cars is that their engines go into an automatic shut-off mode when idling. A lot of energy is wasted at idle, not to mention the emissions your car is expelling. This mode conserves energy and is emission-free at idle---not bad, especially since all you have to do to start the motor up again is hit the accelerator pedal.

Construction

Hybrid cars are typically built of lightweight materials to ease stress on the engine. They're also designed to have advanced aerodynamic characteristics. These two qualities work in conjunction with special low rolling-resistance tires that have stiff sidewalls and a narrower footprint (as compared to more traditional tires), allowing your hybrid car to use less energy to move forward.

References

• Hybrid Cars
• Hybrid Terms