Hybrid Car Technology - The Basics

A Brief Definition Of Hybrid Car Technology

Simply put, hybrid cars combine gasoline engine and electric motors in one unit in order to save more fuel. The two systems work hand-in-hand to provide power at the same time conserving energy for better mileage. The power is generated and stored without the need of an external source since the systems compliment each other to propel the vehicle. The gasoline engine can support the electric motors or independently cause them to work or the electric motors can also work independently if gasoline is not necessary to produce needed power.

How It Works

Upon ignition, the gasoline engine warms up and immediately functions as a generator. The electric motors can provide more power to the gasoline engine by converting energy into electricity. Excess energy and power will then be stored in the battery. The gasoline engine usually takes over during cruising speed. If more speed is needed, both the engine and electric motors function to provide additional power.

The electric motors can be powered by the gasoline engine or the battery which has stored enough energy and power. The energy in the battery comes from excess energy converted into electricity by the electric motors during deceleration or regenerative braking. During regenerative braking, the electric motors reverse creating electricity and stopping the car. At this point, the electric motors and gasoline engine is completely off. The battery solely provides power for vehicle accessories such as air conditioning and lights.

Battery Technology

Hybrid cars use the same lead acid battery that conventional models have. The battery mainly generates torque in order to start the engine. However, hybrids also have another rechargeable battery called a deep cycle battery. This special battery is able to discharge and recharge time and again.

The deep cycle battery is much larger in size or is composed of a series of smaller batteries since it needs to carry more energy to carry out road functions. At present, nickel-metal-hydride or NiMH batteries have replaced lead acid to decrease overall size. The voltages of hybrid batteries range around 300 volts or higher.

The Aim of Hybrid Car Technology

Hybrid cars have been tagged as the most efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles around. The technology aims to help people cover more distance at lower gasoline rates. Hybrid cars are also the least polluting.

Comparing present hybrid models with their conventional counterparts, miles per gallon has improved almost twice as much. The reduction of emission has also been estimated to be around 25% to 40%. The government is currently encouraging people to start investing in hybrid cars by offering tax credits upon purchase.

What the Future Holds

Hybrid car technology is here to stay. The type of fuel used in most hybrid engines is currently being developed since manufacturers aim to completely discontinue the use of petroleum should new viable fuel sources render effective. Drivetrain, mileage and fuel economy still remain the main reasons for research and development. Now, there are variations of gas-electric and diesel-electric engines which may change dramatically in the next few years.