What is a Hybrid Car? Types, Benefits and Working

Hybrid cars blend gas and electric power for efficient driving. They use both engines by saving fuel and reducing emissions. Learn its working and their pros and cons.

What is a Hybrid Car? Types, Benefits and Working

EVs have gained so much popularity on the internet nowadays, and it has become a major discussion whether the EV shift will survive. Among the traditional Fuel cars and Electric Vehicles, there is one more type called a Hybrid. Now, what is a Hybrid Car? I suggest considering the hybrid as a bridge between traditional and electric vehicles. It is a safer option for the buyers as it gives the benefit of both the fuel and battery. So, if on the go a hybrid vehicle gets discharged on the go, the driver doesn’t have to bother about the charging infrastructure (which is under development) and can continue the trip with a fuel recharge. Let us understand how this hybrid concept is a way to shift from traditional to EV.

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

A hybrid vehicle uses both an electric battery and a gasoline engine to propel. These two parts can work separately or together. When you brake, it captures energy to charge a high-voltage battery that helps the car use less gasoline and be more fuel-efficient. Hybrids are designed in different ways by car companies for different purposes, like saving fuel or keeping costs low.

Components of a Hybrid Vehicle

A hybrid electric car is made up of various parts that enable the vehicle to use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

Internal Combustion Engine: This engine runs on gasoline, providing power to the car and charging the battery.
Electric Motor: Powered by electricity stored in the battery, the electric motor supports the internal combustion engine during acceleration and other instances requiring additional power.
Battery Pack: This is a high-voltage battery that stores electricity, serving as the power source for the electric motor. It gets charged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine.
Control Systems: Advanced computer systems manage the coordination between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. They analyse driving conditions, battery levels, and power demands to optimise energy flow and efficiency.
Transmission: The transmission transfers power from both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to the wheels, facilitating the movement of the car.
Regenerative Braking System: When the driver applies the brakes, this system captures kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in traditional cars. The captured energy is converted into electricity, contributing to the recharge of the battery.
Power Split Device: The PSD is an important component in some hybrid systems, as it manages power distribution between the internal combustion engine, the electric motor, and the wheels.
Charging System: This system allows the internal combustion engine to charge the battery when necessary and ensures that the battery remains adequately charged.

How do Hybrid Electric Vehicles Work?

The working of a hybrid car depends on the situation of driving, which means the working keeps changing with driving speed, while in traffic, during braking, and more. We have discussed the working in different scenarios for better understanding below.

Hybrid electric cars combine a regular gasoline engine with an electric motor. When driving, the car can use the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both simultaneously.
The gasoline engine operates when you need more speed or power, like when accelerating. It not only propels the car but also charges the battery.
The electric motor takes charge at lower speeds, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. It’s efficient in these situations and emits fewer pollutants.
During braking or coasting, the electric motor acts as a generator. It transforms the car’s motion into electricity, storing it in the battery. This process is called regenerative braking.
The car’s computer automatically decides when to use the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or both. It prioritises electric power for efficiency in city driving and switches to the gasoline engine for higher speeds.
Due to the electric motor assisting the gasoline engine, hybrid cars consume less fuel. This results in increased fuel efficiency and reduced pollution compared to conventional vehicles.

Types of Hybrid Vehicles

The types of Hybrid cars are classified on a different basis:

Based on Internal Combustion Engine
Based on fuel type

Based on Internal Combustion Engine

The types of hybrid vehicles based on ICE can be classified as parallel hybrid, series hybrid, and series-parallel hybrid.

Parallel Hybrid

In parallel hybrids, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are connected to the car’s transmission and can directly power the vehicle. The car can run on either the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or a combination of both.

Series Hybrid

In series hybrids, only the electric motor drives the wheels. The internal combustion engine acts as a generator, producing electricity to recharge the battery or directly power the electric motor. The gasoline engine is not mechanically connected to the wheels.

Series-Parallel Hybrid

This type combines features of both parallel and series hybrids. It allows the vehicle to operate on the internal combustion engine, the electric motor, or a combination. The electric motor and the gasoline engine can work together or independently, offering flexibility in various driving conditions.

Types of Hybrid Cars Based on Fuel Type:

The types of hybrid vehicles based on fuel type can be classified as gasoline hybrid, diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid and flex-fuel

Gasoline Hybrid

Gasoline hybrids use a traditional internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. The electric motor allows the gasoline engine to improve fuel efficiency in low-speed and stop-and-go driving conditions.

Diesel Hybrid

Diesel hybrids work with a diesel-powered internal combustion engine. Similar to gasoline hybrids, the electric motor supports the diesel engine, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle or PHEV

PHEVs have a larger battery compared to regular hybrids. They can be charged by plugging into an electric outlet. These vehicles can run on electric power for a certain distance before switching to the gasoline or diesel engine and offering the flexibility of both electric and hybrid modes.

Flex-Fuel Hybrid

Flex-fuel hybrids can use a combination of gasoline and alternative fuels such as ethanol or methanol. These vehicles provide flexibility in fuel choice, contributing to a reduction in overall environmental impact.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Advantages of Hybrid Cars

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Hybrid cars achieve better mileage by combining the power of internal combustion engines with electric motor assistance, resulting in lower fuel consumption and cost savings.
Reduced Emissions: Hybrid cars emit fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to a cleaner environment and a more ecologically conscious driving experience.
Tax Benefits and Incentives: Various countries provide tax advantages and incentives for hybrid car owners, including reduced road taxes and exemptions from specific levies.
Regenerative Braking: Hybrid cars use regenerative braking to transform braking energy into electrical energy, improving efficiency and contributing to fuel conservation.
Quiet and Smooth Operation: The silent functioning of the electric motor offers a calm driving experience, reducing noise pollution, particularly in urban areas.
Resale Value: Hybrid cars tend to retain their value effectively over time, reflecting a robust resale market driven by growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles.
Innovative Features: Equipped with advanced technologies such as regenerative braking, intelligent driving modes, and energy monitoring systems, hybrid cars provide a technologically enriched driving experience.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars

Higher Initial Cost: Hybrid cars have a higher initial price due to advanced technology and components. Long-term considerations of fuel and maintenance savings should be weighed against this upfront cost.
Limited Electric Range: Traditional hybrid cars have a limited electric-only mode range, depending on internal combustion engines for extended journeys.
Battery Lifespan and Replacement: Hybrid cars face the challenge of a limited lifespan for their high-voltage battery packs. Replacing these batteries can incur significant costs, influenced by factors such as usage patterns and environmental conditions.
Weight and Performance: The additional weight of hybrid components can impact the overall performance of the vehicle, influencing aspects like acceleration and handling when compared to some traditional vehicles.
Limited Charging Infrastructure: Access to charging infrastructure is necessary for plug-in hybrids. While charging networks are expanding, there is a need for more availability, like in rural areas.
Maintenance and Repair Costs: Hybrid cars demand specialised maintenance that leads to higher costs. However, with the growing prevalence of hybrid technology, these expenses are expected to decrease over time.

How is a Hybrid Car Different From an Electric Car?

The main aspect that sets both car types apart is the energy used for their propulsion. A few other differences can be understood from the table given below.

Feature	Hybrid Car	Electric Car
Power Source	It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor.	It runs only on an electric motor.
Fuel Dependency	It uses both gasoline and electricity.	It relies entirely on electricity.
Battery Size	The battery is small in comparison to electric cars.	It has a larger battery for an extended electric range.
Charging	It charges while driving and through regenerative braking.	It requires external charging stations.
Driving Range	It has a longer range due to the gasoline engine.	The electric battery range limits it.
Flexibility	It can switch to gasoline when electric power is low or during high-demand situations.	It solely depends on electricity, limiting long-distance travel without charging infrastructure.
Emissions	It produces fewer emissions than traditional cars but still uses some gasoline.	It generates zero tailpipe emissions as it runs solely on electricity.

Conclusion

a hybrid car is like a bridge between regular fuel cars and electric vehicles. It uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to run. This mix helps in saving fuel and being more efficient. The car can switch between the two or use them together. Hybrid cars have parts like an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery, and other systems that work together. They can be of different types based on how they use fuel and the type of fuel they use.

Advantages of hybrid cars include using less fuel, emitting fewer pollutants, and getting tax benefits. However, they may cost more initially, and replacing the battery can be expensive. Hybrid cars have a mix of good and not-so-good points, but they a step towards cleaner and more efficient driving.

FAQs

What are the two main types of Hybrid vehicles?

The two main types of hybrid vehicles are parallel hybrid and series hybrid.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars?

The advantages are fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and regenerative braking. The disadvantages are high initial cost, limited electric range, and dependency on batteries.

What are the major components of a hybrid vehicle?

The major components of a hybrid vehicle are a gasoline engine, an electric motor, a high-voltage battery, a transmission, a regenerative brake system, and a power control unit.