Molly Ayala
Hybrid vehicles combine the benefits of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline, to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, after which the car automatically switches over to using ICE. The transition from electric to gas is seamless, and PHEVs can be charged to run on electric power for the first 25 to 50 miles before reverting to regular hybrid operation.
When do hybrids run on electric?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hybrid type | Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) |
| Power source | Batteries and another fuel, such as gasoline |
| Battery charging | Wall outlet, charging equipment, regenerative braking, or internal combustion engine |
| Battery capacity | 8–16 kWh of electricity |
| Electric range | 10–80 miles |
| Transition between power sources | Seamless |
| Use case | Ideal for short trips and day-to-day driving |
| Performance | Quick acceleration, great torque, and quiet drive in electric mode |
| Fuel economy | Better fuel economy without sacrificing performance |
| Engine size | Smaller engine due to extra power from the electric motor |
| Engine use | The computer decides when to run the engine, based on factors such as speed, use of heat or AC, and initial acceleration |
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What You'll Learn
- Hybrid vehicles run on an electric motor and an internal combustion engine
- The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine
- The computer decides when to run the engine, factoring in use of heat or AC
- Plug-in hybrids can be charged to run on electric power, typically for 10-80 miles
- Plug-in hybrids can also run on gas and electricity simultaneously
Hybrid vehicles run on an electric motor and an internal combustion engine
Hybrid vehicles are powered by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They combine a gas engine, a battery, and an electric motor to save fuel and reduce tailpipe emissions. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. The electric motor is used at lower speeds, while the engine is used at higher speeds, or both power sources can be used simultaneously. The electric motor is also used for regenerative braking, where it slows the car while capturing some of the stopping energy to be used to accelerate the car again. This results in better fuel economy and higher MPG, making hybrids a good choice for those wanting to save money or reduce their carbon footprint.
The electric motor can also be used to provide overnight climate control and power for those living part-time or full-time in their hybrid vehicles. The use of an electric motor means the gas engine can be smaller and still achieve an overall combined horsepower rating comparable to a gas-only car, further increasing efficiency. The wheels of some hybrid vehicles are electrically driven at all speeds, so power delivery always feels smooth and seamless.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can be plugged into a wall outlet or EV charger to charge their batteries, in addition to regenerative braking and internal combustion engines. When the battery is nearly depleted, the car automatically switches over to using the internal combustion engine.
There is some variety between models and manufacturers, but generally, a hybrid car uses an electric motor and battery when it is more efficient to do so and switches to a gasoline engine when appropriate. For example, in a Prius, when the car comes to a stop, the gasoline engine will shut down completely.
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The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) and one or more electric motors, which use energy stored in batteries. Unlike plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), HEVs cannot be plugged in to charge their batteries. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine.
Regenerative braking is a highly efficient process that allows batteries to be used for longer periods without needing to be plugged into an external charger. This technology has been used in railways for decades and was first introduced in tramcars, which used their motors as generators to slow down and keep the vehicles under control on descending gradients.
In hybrid vehicles, regenerative braking systems use a motor/generator to augment the friction braking when the driver applies the brakes through a conventional pedal. This creates braking torque that may provide sufficient retarding force to meet driver demand or supplement the friction braking. This process allows the vehicle to store and reuse energy, reducing fuel consumption and increasing overall vehicle energy efficiency.
The battery charged through regenerative braking powers the electric motor in a hybrid vehicle. This electric motor can provide extra power, potentially allowing for a smaller internal combustion engine and resulting in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The electric motor is most efficient when starting from a stop and during initial acceleration, with the internal combustion engine taking over or combining with the electric motor for higher speeds.
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The computer decides when to run the engine, factoring in use of heat or AC
Hybrid vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, which use energy stored in batteries. The battery in a hybrid vehicle is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. The extra power provided by the electric motor can potentially allow for a smaller engine. The battery can also power auxiliary loads and reduce engine idling when stopped.
The computer decides when to run the engine, factoring in the use of heat or AC. The gas engine is least efficient at starting from a stop and that initial acceleration, and this is when the system uses electric mode only most of the time. This is because electric motors are most efficient at these low speeds. If the computer sees fit, it will run the gas engine and electric motors simultaneously, combining their power to the wheels.
The use of AC or heat will cause the engine to run more often. This is because running the AC takes work, and the more work the engine has to do, the more fuel it will use. In a hybrid without a heat pump, having the heater on in the city will result in the engine running more than necessary to generate waste heat. In electric cars, electricity is needed to produce heat, either with a heat pump or through resistance.
In vehicles that are not computer-controlled, the vehicle will want to maintain a certain RPM at idle. It will automatically adjust the throttle level to be just enough to maintain that RPM.
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Plug-in hybrids can be charged to run on electric power, typically for 10-80 miles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline, to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electric motor gets its energy from the hybrid battery and can power the car at low speeds, allowing the gas engine to shut off. The gas engine kicks in for higher speeds, climbing hills, or when recharging the battery. PHEVs typically have two fuel economy values: one for when the vehicle operates primarily on electricity (listed in terms of MPGe) and one for when the vehicle operates only on gasoline (listed as MPG).
PHEVs can be charged using a wall outlet or charging equipment, by the ICE, or through regenerative braking. The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to using the ICE. PHEVs produce tailpipe emissions when gasoline is being used as a fuel source. However, total emissions associated with driving PHEVs are still typically less than those for gasoline cars, particularly if the electricity is generated from renewable energy sources like wind.
PHEVs are ideal for drivers who take short trips and can do most of their driving on electricity, reserving the gas engine for longer trips. PHEV owners who charge every day save money because they can avoid using the gas engine. However, PHEVs may not be suitable for long commutes. When the short electric range is depleted, most PHEVs get fuel economy that might be worse than their equivalent regular hybrid due to their added weight. For example, the BMW 330e xDrive sedan gets 25 mpg once its 20-mile electric range is exhausted, which is 3 mpg less than the conventional 330i xDrive's EPA rating of 28 mpg.
Most PHEVs can be charged with a standard 120 V outlet. To charge the vehicle more quickly, a dedicated 240 V outlet or charging system may be used. Additionally, PHEVs can be plugged into more powerful Level 2 chargers at work, home, or many public parking locations. Depending on how far one drives each day, it may be possible to meet all driving needs by plugging in at home. Furthermore, access to public and workplace charging can potentially double one's all-electric range on a daily basis.
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Plug-in hybrids can also run on gas and electricity simultaneously
Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) can run on both electricity and gasoline simultaneously. They are powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) and one or more electric motors, which use energy stored in batteries. The internal combustion engine is fuelled by gasoline, while the batteries that power the electric motor can be charged using a wall outlet, charging equipment, or through regenerative braking.
PHEVs typically run on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, after which the car automatically switches over to the ICE. This transition from electric to gas is seamless, and the vehicle can run on both power sources simultaneously, combining their power to drive the wheels. The electric motor is most efficient at starting from a stop and during initial acceleration, while the gas engine is least efficient during these phases. Thus, the computer decides when and how long to run each power source, combining their strengths.
The ability to run on both electricity and gasoline gives PHEVs the advantage of a longer range compared to pure electric vehicles. They offer all-electric power for short trips and the flexibility to switch to gasoline for longer journeys. This makes them suitable for both daily commutes and road trips. Additionally, PHEVs have quick acceleration, great torque, and a quiet drive in electric mode. They also have lower emissions and better fuel efficiency than conventional gas cars, even when running in gas mode.
However, it is important to note that PHEVs are more expensive than conventional gas cars and may not be cost-effective if they are rarely plugged in and driven mostly on gasoline. In such cases, a standard hybrid or a lighter and cheaper regular electric vehicle may be a more suitable option.
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Frequently asked questions
Hybrid cars are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, which use energy stored in batteries. The battery can be charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine.
Plug-in hybrids can be charged to run on mostly electric power, but they will still operate even if they are never plugged in. The battery can be charged using a wall outlet or charging equipment, by the internal combustion engine, or through regenerative braking.
Plug-in hybrid-electric cars offer both gas-only and electric-only driving, even at relatively high speeds. The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to use the internal combustion engine.
Hybrid cars combine the benefits of electric-only driving with the long range and quick fueling of a gasoline engine. They have quick acceleration, great torque, and a quiet drive in electric mode. They also generally have lower emissions and good miles per gallon ratings, even in gas mode.
The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, is the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car. It is known for its simplicity, versatility, and fuel efficiency.
