Powertrain: Hybrid cars have two sources of power: the ICE and the electric motor(s). The ICE is typically a gasoline engine, but some hybrids may use diesel or other fuels.
Battery: Hybrid cars store electrical energy in a high-voltage battery.
Electric Motor: The electric motor(s) in a hybrid car help propel the vehicle by drawing power from the battery.
Regenerative Braking: During braking or deceleration, hybrid cars use regenerative braking to capture energy that would otherwise be lost as heat and convert it into electrical energy to recharge the battery.
Modes of Operation: Hybrid cars can operate in different modes depending on the driving conditions and battery charge level:
- ICE only: At high speeds or under heavy acceleration, the ICE provides most of the power, and the electric motor provides assistance if needed.
- Electric only: At low speeds or during periods of light acceleration, the electric motor draws power from the battery to propel the vehicle without using the ICE.
- Combination: In certain situations, both the ICE and the electric motor work together to power the vehicle, maximizing efficiency.
The overall goal of a hybrid car is to use the electric motor and battery to supplement or replace the ICE as much as possible to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Hybrid cars can achieve better fuel efficiency compared to conventional ICE vehicles and produce lower tailpipe emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.
