The Hybrid-Electric Technology

What is a Hybrid-Electric Car?

A hybrid-electric car is equipped with two or more different types of energy sources among which it can switch at all times. The most popular and common pair of power in a hybrid car are electricity and petrol. This technology makes the car fuel efficient as can operate on electricity in slow speeds and level grounds. While it can shift to petrol when more power is needed. When the car is moving on the fuel other than electricity, the engine is charging the electric battery through a generator. Mostly the everyday hybrid cars operate on electricity on speeds under 60 km/h and on fuel above 60. Although these cars do not have a very good acceleration normally and do not go very fast on electricity, they are still popular because they normally consume about half the fuel of another car the same size!

How this system works?

A HEV or Hybrid Electric Vehicle uses an internal combustion engine along with an electric motor and a battery. In some types, the battery is charged through the movement of the wheels using a dynamo. Some HEVs can be plugged in and charged.

How the engine and motor join power is also different in models. Some vehicles are totally electric powered till a certain speed and totally fuel powered above it. Sometimes the motor is actually helping the engine to drive at all times. Some models need to be switched manually so they can turn into a completely electric or fuel powered car.

Advantages of Hybrid Electric Cars

• They are environmental friendly. sing much less fuel than normal cars, they produce less smoke.
• Fuel efficient: They reduce the cost of fuel to a very low level. You don’t have to spend a lot on your car fuel.
• The battery gets charged by itself through regenerative braking and/or wheel movement. No need to stop and charge for continuing the ride.
• Can be resold on higher value compared to other cars because of the constant rise in the costs of fossil fuel prices.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Electric Cars

• Hybrid Electric Cars are much more expensive than other models because of the double engine system. They can cost about $5000 to $10,000 more than another car of the same size.
• Have less power than normal cars. Smaller engines and batteries result in lower acceleration and speed.
• The high voltage batteries can be extremely dangerous in case of an accident. They can prove lethal to the passengers and are likely to electrocute them.