* Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): This is a traditional gasoline engine that provides power for the car, just like in a regular gasoline car.
* Electric Motor: This motor is powered by a battery and provides additional power, especially during acceleration and low-speed driving.
Here's how it works:
* Energy Regeneration: When braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. This energy is stored in the battery.
* Power Delivery: The battery powers the electric motor, which can provide power independently or assist the ICE.
* Fuel Efficiency: This combination of ICE and electric power leads to better fuel efficiency compared to a purely gasoline-powered car.
Types of Hybrids:
* Mild Hybrids: These have smaller batteries and electric motors that mainly assist the ICE for better fuel economy.
* Full Hybrids: These have larger batteries and electric motors that can power the car for short distances entirely on electricity.
* Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs): These have larger batteries that can be plugged in and charged from an external source. They can travel a significant distance on electric power alone before using the ICE.
So, hybrid cars use both gasoline and electricity, and the specific ratio of each energy source depends on the type of hybrid.
