How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
Hybrid cars are more popular than ever on the Wheeling roads, and there’s never been a better time to try this smart technology in person. But, just what is a hybrid car and how does it work compared to gas-powered options? Allow the team at Straub Honda to help. Our experts are here to detail just what goes into the modern hybrid, so you can shop with confidence. Learn the basics, then experience the technology up close during your test drive in Triadelphia!
Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles
So, how do hybrid cars work? While a gas-powered vehicle just has a combustion engine, hybrids like the Accord and CR-V have both a combustion engine and an electric battery to power your Moundsville travels. However, there are two primary configuration available today:
- Parallel Hybrid: The most common hybrid design, parallel hybrids connect the electric motor and gas engine and blend both power sources together.
- Series Hybrid: A less common design, the series hybrid uses the electric motor as the primary source of power and the gas engine is merely a generator for the motor.
Hybrid Cars vs. Plug-In EVs
You know how hybrid cars work, but how do they compare to plug-in electric vehicles in Steubenville? Hybrid vehicles utilize two different power sources, while electric vehicles (EV) use only electricity. But, the new plug-in hybrid models like the Clarity take the best of both worlds:
- Plug-in hybrids have bigger battery packs, which means you can utilize EV power for longer.
- For a short distance, you can run on pure electricity and recharge your batteries at night.
- For longer distances, you can use the conventional powertrain for a longer range.
- Charging takes between one and four hours, since the plug-in hybrid doesn’t rely on electricity alone.