How Does a Hybrid Vehicle Work?

Onboard Computer

An onboard micro-controller switches a hybrid car from one fuel source to another when certain criteria are met. Commonly, a car with a fuel source has a battery added to it, with the computer switching the car from electricity to gas when the car reaches a certain MPH (miles per hour). This MPH is usually around 50 to 60 MPH. The car must also switch to gasoline when the battery is low, since these batteries can usually only take a car up to 100 miles.

Starting

Gasoline is converted into energy which starts the car and fuels the battery with electricity. The battery stores this electricity, which is used to provide much of the power to the car. The batteries are mostly recharged through excess energy that comes from the burning of gasoline. But electric cars can also recharge their batteries at fuel stations where the car can literally plug in and charge up.

Cruising

As the car cruises, the computer switches the car to pure electricity. This is where fuel and the environment are saved.

Passing

When accelerating, gasoline is released and converted into energy, which gives the car the extra jolt to move rapidly forward.

Stopping

When the car is stopped, excess energy is absorbed by the battery and stored to prevent wasting energy. Hybrid cars use regenerative braking in order to conserve energy. Regenerative braking is when kinetic energy is reduced by directing some of the energy towards the car battery or the motor.