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What makes a car a hybrid?
So what is a hybrid car, anyways?
All hybrid cars share at least three common factors. In fact, all three capabilities must be present in order for the vehicle to be classified as hybrid. These three steps include:
- Regenerative braking
- Idle-off capability
- Power Assist
These steps are explained below.
Regenerative Braking
This is the function that allows the battery pack to be recharged without a stationary plug-in. In a conventional car, friction is what causes the car to slow and eventually, to stop. This friction causes heat and this heat energy is simply lost. In addition, the energy from the moving car is also simply lost. In a hybrid car, it is the electric motor that brings the car to a halt. The electric motor works like a generator and is therefore able to recover some of the energy produced by the moving car. It also does not throw away any energy in heat loss. This process turns the energy into electricity that the motor then stores in its batteries.
Idle-off
A hybrid car turns off its gas engine when it is not moving, and it switches it back on when acceleration is initiated. When you stop at a traffic light, wait at the drive up window at the bank, or are stalled in rush-hour traffic, the gas powered engine automatically switches off without the driver even needing to turn the key. During idle-off, the electric motor keeps the vehicle running. When you are ready to move forward again, the gas engine turns back on. Hybrids are designed so efficiently that the switch happens more quickly than the driver even registers the need.
Power Assist
The power assist ability is what was described earlier when one motor helps the other perform the full function of driving. The power assist ability is combined with downsizing the engine. It is this quality that allows a hybrid car to achieve the same level of performance as a car with a larger engine, but with the added advantage of better fuel economy.
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Hybrid Cars
Finally a summary/ break-down/ quick and easy read on how a hybrid car works. I wonder how many politicians have any idea of how a hybrid really works? If they did, they'd probably realize that fuel cells are not the way to go. Electricity/ battery technology is here now, and instead of slowly "phasing out" the oil market, we need to take advantage now. If we don't, China will.
Nice explanation
Gas prices are going back up...
For me is something new
For me is something new. Only once I watched a program about it. But still I didn't quite understand what a hybrid car is. Thanks for the article.
Still worth buying a Hybrid?
Good to know - I was always amazed at how people would quickly jump on a bandwagon and not have much idea of what went on behind what they were getting into. Okay, there was probably a better way to say that, but oh well
Long story short - is it still worth the upfront investment, and high repair costs down the road, of buying a hybrid now that gas prices are so low?
A hybrid for the planet
Good question. I think in terms of cost it may not make as much of an impact today as it did in the last couple years, or will in the next decade. However, in terms of affecting your carbon foot print and helping the environment, it makes a big difference.