How do Hybrid Electric Cars Work?

In today's world of rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, hybrid electric cars are becoming more popular as an economical and eco-friendly choice. But what is a hybrid electric car, and how does it work? In this article, we'll look at the basics of hybrid electric vehicles, from the components that make them work to the benefits they provide. 

So if you're wondering about switching from traditional gasoline-powered cars to hybrids, read on for all the information you need!

Introduction to Hybrid Electric Cars

As the name suggests, hybrid electric cars are a type of vehicle that combines both electric and gasoline power. While many different types of hybrids are on the road today, they all work using the same basic principles. The electric motor in a hybrid car assists the gasoline engine when starting from a stop and during acceleration. The battery powers the electric motor and is recharged by the engine and brakes.

If you’re considering purchasing a hybrid car, it’s important to research to find one that fits your needs and budget. With so many different models today, one will be perfect for you!

Components of a Hybrid Electric Car

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)  is directly responsible for the power generation of the car. 
• Electric Motor is used to provide additional power when needed.
• Battery - Hybrid electric cars use a rechargeable battery to store energy generated by the engine and electric motor. This energy is used to power the electric motor when needed.
• Regenerative Braking is a process in which the electric motor is used to slow down the car and generate electricity. This electricity is stored in the battery and can power the electric motor when needed. 
• Power-Control Unit is the brain of the hybrid electric car. It controls the engine, electric motor, and battery by managing the energy flow between them to ensure the best performance and efficiency.
• The Thermal Regulation System is responsible for managing the heat in the system. It can be either heating or cooling.
• DC-DC Converter converts the power from a high-voltage DC to a low-voltage DC.
• Exhaust System - The exhaust system releases the gaseous by-products due to the operation.

How Do Hybrid Electric Cars Work?

Hybrid electric cars use two sources of power to propel the vehicle.

• A gasoline engine
• An electric motor

• The electric motor is powered by a battery pack, generating enough power to move the car at low speeds.
• The gasoline engine kicks in when more power is needed, such as when the car is driven at higher speeds.
• The electric motor is powered by a battery, recharged by the gasoline engine and through regenerative braking. 
• When the car is in motion, the gasoline engine and electric motor work together to provide power. 
• The gasoline engine is used to generate power for the car, while the electric motor is used to supplement the engine when more power is needed. 
• When the car is stopped or at low speeds, the electric motor is used to power the car. 
• The electric motor is more efficient at low speeds than the gasoline engine. 
• The battery pack in a hybrid electric car is constantly charged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking. 
• The electric motor also starts the car, saving fuel and reducing emissions. 
• Most hybrid electric cars also have a feature called engine idle stop which shuts off the gasoline engine when the car is stopped, such as at a red light. This can save fuel and reduce emissions.
• Several hybrid electric cars, including mild, full, and plug-in hybrids, are on the market today.

Types of Hybrid Electric Cars

The most common type of hybrid electric car is the gas-electric hybrid. 

• These cars have an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. 
• The ICE powers the car when it is first started and when the battery needs to be recharged. 
• The electric motor provides power starting from a stop and at low speeds. 
• It also helps the ICE to power the car when going up hills.

Other types of hybrid electric cars include 

Plug-in hybrids 

• Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery that can be plugged into an outlet to recharge.

Fuel-cell hybrids

• Fuel-cell hybrids use a fuel cell instead of an ICE to generate electricity to power the electric motor.

Maintenance for Hybrid Electric Cars

As with any car, hybrid electric cars need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Here are a few tips on how to keep the hybrid electric car in top performance.

• Need to check the battery regularly. The battery powers the electric motor, so keeping it charged is important. This can be done by checking the voltage with a voltmeter. If it's below 12 volts, it needs to be recharged.
• Changing the oil and filtering every 5,000 miles or as the manufacturer recommends. This will help keep the engine running efficiently.
• Inspect the tires periodically for proper inflation and wear. Worn tires can affect fuel economy and handling.
• The brake pads on hybrid electric cars wear out more quickly than on conventional cars because of the regenerative braking system, so they need to be replaced more often.
• Get regular tune-ups as recommended by the manufacturer. This will help ensure that all the systems in the car are running smoothly and efficiently.

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Electric Cars

There are a lot of considerations to take into account when you’re thinking about purchasing a hybrid electric car. In this section, we’ll go over some of the pros and cons of these types of cars so you can make an informed decision.

Pros  

• Hybrid electric cars tend to be more fuel-efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts. 
• They also emit fewer emissions, which is good for the environment.
• Since they have electric and gas engines and more power and torque than pure electric cars.

Cons 

• They can be more expensive than traditional gas cars. 
• They also require more maintenance since you must keep up with two different types of engines. 
• And, if the battery runs out of power, the car will switch to its gas engine - meaning you’ll have to stop and refuel before you can continue on your journey.

Conclusion

From understanding how hybrid electric cars work to finding out the pros and cons of owning one, we want our readers to be informed consumers who can make decisions that are beneficial both financially and environmentally. To get a clear picture of electric cars and their working, Skill-Lync is here to help you. Check the courses such as the Post Graduate Program in Electric Vehicle Design & Development and Introduction to Control of Electric Vehicle to become one of the industry-leading EV engineers. Book your free demo session to know more!