How Do Hybrid Vehicles Function?

Basics

A hybrid vehicle makes use of both gasoline (internal combustion engine) and electric motors for propulsion, switching between the gasoline engine and electric motors while the car is in motion to maximize efficiency. Various other combinations of technologies have been developed, but this, the so called HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) is focused on here.

Rechargeable Energy Storage System

The defining feature of an HEV is its RESS, or rechargeable energy storage system. Because this system is recharged by the processes of operating the car, it does not to be "plugged in" as does a battery electric vehicle. Regenerative breaking, for instance, converts some of the car's kinetic energy into energy stored by the battery or capacitors. Energy can also be generated and stored by an electrical generator operated by the engine.

Idle Emissions

Many models of hybrid cars disengage the engine when the car is idling (as at a stop sign or during a traffic jam), which has the added benefit of increased fuel efficiency. When the accelerator is pressed, the engine is quickly reengaged.

Switiching Between Power Sources

Hybrid cars do not require operators to make decisions about fuel source; instead, this is determined by the speed of the car. Generally, when the car starts up and at low speeds, power from the electric motor is used, while the ICE is engaged for higher speeds.

Resources

• Hybridcars.com