Hybrid Car

The 5-Minute Guide To Understanding Hybrid Vehicles

Cars that are environmentally friendly were once a novelty. If you observed one on the road, you’d instinctively look at the driver to see whether he or she matched the stereotypical hybrid owner (upscale, chic, and fashionable). Today, sales of this type of automobile are outpacing sales of gas-powered vehicles. Most people have realized that not only are hybrids more friendly to the environment, but they’re also more fuel-efficient.

In this article, we’ll explore how these cars work. We’ll take a close look at how the technology generates the necessary energy and torque for driving. I’ll also describe the two different ways in which carmakers are designing their powertrains.

A Blend Of Two Technologies

Hybrids generate energy and torque using a two-pronged approach. A motor that is powered by a battery (or dual batteries) sits alongside a conventional engine that is powered by gasoline. The batteries are charged by the gas-powered engine. That’s why this type of vehicle does not need to be plugged into an outlet like electric automobiles.

Your car’s computer controls the operation of both parts of the system based upon the output needed. For example, when you’re idling at a stop sign or traffic light, the computer will shut the gasoline engine off and let the battery take over. When you accelerate, the computer will automatically trigger the engine again to provide the needed boost. Then, once you reach a steady speed, it finds the most efficient balance between the two components. As a result, the energy output and torque are produced efficiently, which helps conserve fuel.

Toyota Vs. Honda: Different Types

Even though hybrids are popular, the technology is still maturing. Because the industry has yet to agree on one path toward delivering a seamless driving experience using hybrid technology, automakers are employing different approaches.

For example, Toyota Prius is a “pure” approach. If the computer determines that the gas-powered engine is unnecessary, it is turned off and the electric motor is allowed to operate the car exclusively. By contrast, Honda has designed some of their vehicles to employ both components in generating the required energy and torque. But, the electric motor is never allowed to run exclusively. Having said that, Honda seems to be switching gears with their latest Honda Civic models. Once you reach a steady speed, the electric motor takes over completely.

Maintenance And Repairs

When the technology first debuted, a common criticism was that repairs were expensive and many independent garages were unable to perform them. That has largely changed. Normal maintenance items, such as brake jobs, oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and servicing the shocks can be performed by any mechanic. But, some of the electronics will still need to be serviced by the auto technicians at your dealership.

Hybrids are here to stay. The technology offers too many advantages over the sole use of traditional gas engines. The good news is that their increasing popularity has motivated automakers to expand their inventories. That will eventually lower prices, allowing more drivers to get behind the hybrid wheel.

Exploring The Fundamentals Of HEVs

When the internal combustion engine was first invented in the late 19th century, it proved to be the driving force behind a century of transportation advancement. However, today’s automobile has changed little from that original concept, save minor performance enhancements and efficiency upgrades. In the 1990s, that picture changed with the wide-ranging success of the hybrid electric vehicle, or HEV.

An HEV is a car that combines a traditional engine with a large electric motor, enabling the vehicle to save fuel, pollute less, and reduce roadway noise. These types of vehicles are offered by nearly all major auto manufacturers, and provide the average consumer with a means to help the environment.

Hybrid Drivetrain

HEVs can be divided into two distinct categories: series and parallel. The first vehicle type, series, means that the engine powers a generator that either drives an electric motor or charges the battery bank. From the motor, the power transfers to the transmission and on to the wheels.

At low speeds, approximately 20 MPH or less, the engine will switch off and run in all-electric mode until the battery runs out, at which point the engine will restart in order to compensate. In addition to charging the battery via the engine, series cars also use regenerative breaking. Regenerative breaking is a technology that draws on the energy traditionally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery.

The second hybrid design is known as a parallel layout. In parallel vehicles, the engine and motor both interface with the transmission, which then transfers power to the wheels. The batteries in this type are recharged largely by regenerative breaking, but can also be fueled by the engine as well. Because the motor in this design is meant to supplement the engine, these cars are rarely able to enter into all-electric mode.

Hybrid Types

Besides drivetrain differences, hybrids are generally classified in two other categories: full and power assist.

Full HEVs are able to run on the engine or just the battery. For example, the Toyota Prius operates in five modes: electric vehicle mode, cruise mode, battery charge mode, power boost mode, and negative split mode. Depending on road load conditions, the power distribution will vary in order to maintain maximum efficiency.

Power assist cars use the engine as the main power source, with a motor installed to provide an extra burst of power when needed. A subset of power assist vehicles, known as mild hybrids, use oversized starter motors to shutdown the engine when coasting and braking.

That’s a brief overview of HEVs. They have become increasingly popular for their fuel efficiency and lower emissions. In a future column, we’ll explore the motor in more detail.

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Four Reasons To Buy A Hybrid Car

When they first hit the showroom floors, hybrids were considered a novelty. Today, people think of them as the future of automotive technology. As consumers and governments turn a wary eye to the growing problems of pollution and other environmental issues, sales have surged dramatically. Below, you’ll discover the 4 most popular reasons why people are buying hybrid vehicles in growing numbers.

#1 - Going Green

The pollution that stains the skylines of all major cities has grown from a mild annoyance to an alarming health concern. A significant portion of that pollution is comprised of the exhaust generated by the vehicles which litter the roads. Emissions testing has tried to curb the problem, but more aggressive steps are needed to reverse it. Hybrids run cleaner. Drivers who are motivated to “go green” purchase them because their emissions contribute less to pollution.

#2 - Saving Money At The Pump

The vehicles got their name by generating power from 2 different methods: gas and electricity. Like older cars, they have a conventional gas-powered engine that requires fuel. But, pop the hood and you’ll find an electric motor, too. When motorists drive on freeways, a computer switches the gas engine on in order to power the car. However, when coasting, slowing down, or even driving on signal-littered city streets, the computer generates power from the electric motor, thereby saving gas. The less gas used, the fewer trips to the pump needed, helping the driver to save money.

#3 - Projecting An Image

There’s no denying that hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs still carry an air of sophistication. The people who drive them are often considered environmentally conscious. Until these vehicles become the norm (which is still several years away), those who drive them will continue to enjoy being perceived as fashionably aware of the environmental pressures around us.

#4 - Taking Advantage Of Incentives

State and federal governments are keenly aware of the problem that pollution poses to large cities. To encourage drivers to purchase hybrids, they’ve offered a number of perks. Tax deductions were introduced first and then replaced with tax credits. Even though a few popular models have been removed from the eligibility list, many remain and drivers can take advantage of credits up to $3,000. Plus, some states allow drivers to use freeway carpool lanes (again, some models aren’t eligible).

The Future Looks Green

Most automotive experts expect that sales will continue to grow due to a couple of converging dynamics. First, government officials are becoming more aggressive in pursuing cleaner air. It’s likely they’ll pass legislation that encourages motorists to “go green” by buying these vehicles. Meanwhile, the technology used under the hood will become less expensive for automakers, thereby reducing sticker prices. In the end, millions of drivers will buy hybrids over the next decade, helping to bring the days of the sole gas engine to a close.