Hybrid Cars?

  • Switch between electricitiy and petrol to maximise efficiency and fuel saving

  • Internal Combustion Engine and Internal Motor

  • hybrids require less maintenance less wear and tear on engine components resulting in longer life span for brake pads and transmission


3 types of hybrid

SERIES HYBRID

  • (bmwi30)

  • engine does not directly power the wheel but is used as a generator that produces electricity to charge the battery or supply power to the electric motor

  • quieter smoother experience

PARALLEL HYBRID

  • Most common (prius, insight)

  • The engine and motor are connected to transmission

  • Low speeds will use electricity

  • More power needed will use engine

  • Brakes captures energy to store in the battery

PLUGIN HYBRID

  • larger battery that can be charged from external power source

  • can travel longer distances on electricity before needing to switch to engine


How the Battery Works

  • Hybrid use battery pack that stores and provides power to electric motor

  • Regenerative braking, the kinetic energy that was moving the car forward from the moving wheels is converted back into electricity and stored in the battery for later use to extend electric driving range