When the first hybrid cars hit showrooms roughly two
decades ago, they were dismissed as science projects. But now, hybrid
powertrains can be found in everything from high-end supercars, to humble taxis, and even
in commercial vehicles.
Hybrids will become even more common over the next
decade or so as automakers go to significant lengths to comply with strict emissions
regulations. If you’re unsure as to what exactly a hybrid is and how it works, look
below to find out the answer.
What is a hybrid car?
The most pertinent question of them all. Quite
simply, a hybrid in the context of the automobile means that it’s powered by
both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The two systems work
directly with each other to spin the wheels.
The most obvious example of a hybrid vehicle is
the Toyota Prius, which was the first modern,
mass-produced hybrid car when it made its debut on the Japanese market in 1997.
The Prius is now well into its fourth generation, and it’s the poster child of
the segment.
Better fuel economy is the primary motivation
behind hybridization. But, more recently, automakers are noticing that
hybridization also benefits performance. We’ll get to that in a second.
In essence, a hybrid’s electric motor gets its
juice from an on-board battery pack that usually sits in in the trunk behind
the rear seats or in the floor pan to lower the center of gravity for improved
handling.
When certain driving conditions favor the use of
only the electric motor, such as driving below a certain speed or sitting at
idle, the engine remains off and thus burns zero gasoline. When the battery
level gets to a certain depletion level or if heavy throttle loads are
required, the gasoline motor automatically kicks in to assist both in
recharging the battery and propelling the drive wheels.
How do hybrids work?
In a conceptual nutshell, hybrid automobiles might
all seem like they’re the same: they’re cars powered by both gasoline and
electric power and geared toward saving fuel. That may be their main
identifier, but there are variations in the designs and layouts of certain
hybrids, depending on the type of vehicle and model. There are also different
types of hybrid vehicles out there, though we’re focusing mainly on common
consumer and commercial vehicle applications.
In a traditional hybrid, like a Toyota Prius, or
even a larger Toyota Highlander Hybrid, to the likes of the Honda Accord
Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and Malibu Hybrid, and the
Ford Fusion Hybrid — the gasoline engine is still the primary source of overall
power for the vehicle. The electric motor also produces electricity by
converting kinetic energy with regenerative braking. However, without the gas engine,
the hybrid’s battery pack cannot recharge to supply the electric motor and some
of the vehicle’s main functions. Thus, the car would basically become terribly
short-range and under-powered electric vehicle.
Supplementing the gasoline engine is an electric
motor often integrated into the transmission. It serves as the primary source
of propulsion, whereas the gas engine is secondary. In the case of Toyota’s ubiquitous Hybrid Synergy Drive, a
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
takes the place of the traditional gearbox and the electric motor is sort of
sandwiched inside, consisting of a planetary gear set, a ring gear, pinion
gears, a sun gear, and a planetary carrier.
The electric motor then drives the wheels by
sending power through the transmission whenever the throttle is depressed. In
hybrids like the Prius or in a Chevrolet Volt, the electric motor acts solely
to accelerate the car from a standstill. Once it goes over a certain speed or
the gas pedal is pressed down to a certain degree, the gas engine then kicks in
to assist the electric motor by sending more power through the CVT, ultimately
utilizing both to drive the wheels.
Controlling it all is a series of computers that
automatically detect certain driving conditions and various parameters. Though
with fuel economy as the primary goal, the computers prioritize the use of the
electric motor over the gas engine for motivation.
More recently, manufacturers also began realizing
that hybrids also benefit performance and thus, they have engineered various
different types of hybrid vehicles. That’s because electric motors deliver
instant power, whereas internal combustion engines by contrast have to spool up
before hitting their power peaks.
Examples include the supercar trifecta, the Porsche 918, the McLaren P1, and
the LaFerrari. All three rely on a combination of
an electric motor and gasoline engine for propulsion and power. However,
they’re all built and designed rather differently, especially when compared to
the traditional hybrid system found in a mass-market vehicle.
The Porsche 918 has twin-turbo V8 that sits in the
middle of the chassis driving the rear wheels, but its electric motors are
mounted at the front axle, providing the 918 with simulated all-wheel drive.
The McLaren P1’s electric motor is integrated to the gas engine and mated to a
dual-clutch transmission, while the LaFerrari’s hybrid capabilities involve a
system initially developed for Formula 1 racing, also known as KERS, or kinetic
energy recovery system.
But ultimately, they all rely on electricity and
gasoline for propulsion, thus giving them their hybrid status.
More recently, another term also began surfacing,
adding itself to the list as a variant: the mild-hybrid. The term was coined to
describe one of the industry’s latest innovations: the 48-volt electrical
system. It’s an additional electric supply that supplements the already
standard 12-volt electrical supply used on vehicles. It also powers a new
electric motor/generator combination module, or EMG, mounted outboard of an
internal combustion engine and connected directly to the crankshaft pulley via
a heavy-duty belt.
Why would you want a hybrid?
Odds are that if you’re interested in acquiring a
hybrid vehicle, you want to save money on gasoline. Who doesn’t love paying as
little at the pump as possible and going as far as possible between fill ups?
As with any car purchase, you need to consider your
budget and needs and find a vehicle that fits them. Thanks to their popularity,
there are many hybrid models of all shapes and sizes to choose from. Those
wanting a regular car-based hybrid can spring for the Toyota Prius, the Hyundai
Ioniq, and hybrid versions of various other models are available, too. If
standard cars don’t entice you, there are hybrid crossover SUV options as well.
Some luxury automakers such as Lexus also produce
hybrids. Other manufacturers of hybrid vehicles include Hyundai, Kia, Ford,
Chevrolet, Honda, Audi, Mini, BMW, and many more.
Conclusion
A hybrid car can be a great way to save money on
gas, provided you pick the right one and have a good idea of how it will be
used before you buy. With so many hybrids on the market, and with more coming
in the next few years, there is certainly no shortage of options.
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