How Does a Hybrid Auto Work?

Basics of Hybrids

Hybrid autos combine gas and electric power to get something more efficient than gas alone, and more convenient than electric. The gas engine in a hybrid car works in a different manner than the engine in a gasoline car. In a gas-powered car, the engine drives the motors directly, and turns an alternator--a small generator which powers the radio, headlights, spark plugs and other electrical systems and charges up the batteries. In a hybrid car, the gas engine doesn't turn the wheels at all. It powers the alternator, which sends energy to the electric motor or motors. These motors provide all the actual movement of the car.

The Engine

One of the main reasons hybrids are more efficient than traditional cars is because of their engines. Gasoline engines in traditional automobiles have to be pretty big so that they can create the burst of power needed to accelerate. Once the engine has gotten up to speed, it doesn't need nearly as much power to keep the car running. Nonetheless, the engine keeps running, burning extra gas and lowering efficiency. Hybrids use a small engine, just big enough to turn the alternator and charge the batteries. This engine only runs when it is needed and then shuts off automatically. This allows the car to run much more efficiently and use much less fuel.

The Motor

Usually, hybrids use two electric motors instead of one, either on the front two wheels or the back wheels. If the car is accelerating, an internal computer sends more electricity the the motors, which causes them to produce more torque. If the car gets up to speed or starts to coast down, the computer can reduce the amount of power flowing to the motors, or even disengage them from the wheels and turn them off to save power. Some electric vehicles even have regenerative braking. When they are slowing down, they can use some of that power to turn the alternator, turning what would normally be wasted energy into more electricity.

References

• Hybrid Info