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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 and power assist. These steps are explained below in more detail. Read on to learn more about what makes a car a hybrid.
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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14 Comments on "What Makes a Car Hybrid?"
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?
I am not sure that I buy all of that, but still there are some powerful arguments and reasons here. The main argument against, from my point of view, is the higher cost. I am not sure that such a purchase could be justified on pure economic reason. Even if the reduction in gas consumption was as much as 50 percent, it would take years to balance out the higher vehicle price with lower gas costs. Personally, I think that lower gas consumption is an overused tactic for selling these vehicles.
Another advantage is that these cars do not need to have the oil changed as often as conventional vehicles. The hybrid car will probably only need to have oil change every 5000 to 6000 miles, which is typically half as often as a standard gas powered car. The main reasons for this are probably related to the power assist and idle off functions.
The hybrid vehicle also helps to protect the environment. The theory here is that these vehicles use less gasoline. Therefore, there are less harmful emissions given off. The less emissions there are, the less green houses gases there are and the less pollution and damage to the environment. I suppose I can see the logic in this argument, if everything else is equal.
Actually, I discovered that the power assist and idle off features play an even larger part in these vehicles. If you are going less than 15 miles per hour the gas engine will shut itself off. The electric motor can supply all of the power you need to go such a slow speed. The gas engine will turn back on automatically if you press the accelerator. This is also a reason why these vehicles are sometimes called smart cars. This is also a big reason why these cars have excellent fuel efficiency ratings.
It is easy to find mechanics for repairs. While the technology inside these cars is quite advanced, it is also very similar to conventional cars. Therefore, almost any decent mechanic should be able to perform any kind of typical repair or maintenance and body work.
In response to the question posed, the author cites three distinct areas which classify a car as a hybrid. The first of these areas is regenerative braking. Actually, I found this first factor fascinating. In a typical vehicle, the car is stopped due to friction. Friction causes heat within the engine itself, which is basically lost as the car comes to a stop. Additionally, the energy from the vehicle moving is also lost. In contrast, a hybrid vehicle actual is stopped because of the electric motor. This motor works as a generator and is actually able to recover some of the energy produced by the moving car and some of the heat produced. Although I am still a bit fuzzy on how much is defined as some, this is a pretty incredible way for the motor to be recharged while the vehicle is operating. I also wonder if this is a significant producer of recharged power for the operation of the vehicle, or if it must be stored within the battery.
The second area of concern is an automatic idle off. This is another interesting feature. The hybrid car will actually turn off its gas powered engine when the car is not moving. So, whenever you are waiting in line or at a traffic light, your vehicle will turn off its gas engine, saving energy, power and improving efficiency. As you are waiting, the electric motor will keep the vehicle running and powered. Once you are ready to start moving again the gas engine will turn itself back on. All of this happens automatically and incredibly quickly. This is a prefect example of increased fuel efficiency that many people cite when they buy such a car.
The final area that indicates a vehicle is indeed a hybrid is termed power assist. Although the author did not provide a very helpful description of this function, I think I understand. It is basically one motor helping the other to achieve its full level of power and performance. Therefore, as the vehicle is moving, both engines will at times be working. When only one is needed, then this allows the other to relax a bit, as it were. It is an excellent way for a vehicle with a smaller engine to perform equal to one with a larger and stronger (single) engine. Of course, there is the added advantage of increased fuel economy with the hybrid vehicle.
Regards, Michael
Car Repair Houston PRO