How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

Are you curious to learn more about how hybrid cars work? If you’ve looked at making the switch to a more environmentally friendly vehicle for your Wichita commutes, you’ve probably wondered, “What is a hybrid car, and how does it work?” So, if you’re new to the world of eco-friendly vehicles, and you’re curious about how hybrid cars work, we’ve got you covered. Find out more with our guide below and then explore our inventory of new vehicles in Merriam today!

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

So what is a hybrid car and how does it work? A hybrid vehicle actually has two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine, and an electric battery. While in hybrid systems, the two work together simultaneously to increase your efficiency. Here’s how hybrid cars work, explained with the two most common types, parallel and series:

Parallel Hybrid

What is a hybrid car, and how does it work? We’ll start our explanation with the parallel hybrid configuration. Most hybrid vehicles available are Parallel Hybrids. Within these cars, the electric motors and the gasoline engine are connected to the transmission, whether it’s a manual, automatic, or CVT system. These work by blending both power sources together.

Series Hybrid

On the other hand, series hybrids also use an electric motor paired with a gasoline engine, but only the electric motor is paired with the transmission. In these vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power, and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the electric motor as you make your way around Omaha, NE.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work Compared to Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

In all this discussion, we should look at the difference between hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles, as we’ve discussed, run on the combined power of a gasoline engine and electric battery. So, how do hybrids and EVs differ? EVs use electric power only. However, with all the newer vehicles, things aren’t always that simple anymore. Some brands now offer plug-in hybrids, which combine the benefits of both:

• With their increased battery packs, plug-in hybrids can go further on electric power alone. 
• For short distances around St. Louis, MO, you can use a plug-in hybrid much like you’d drive an EV – relying on 100% electric power all day and recharging at night.
• If you’ll be heading out on a longer trip that exceeds the electric driving range, you can fill up on gasoline like you would with a conventional powertrain.
• Because they don’t rely solely on electricity, hybrid plug-in vehicles take between 1 and 4 hours to fully charge.

Discover Hybrid Power with Land Rover Kansas City 

Now that you have an answer to the question, “How do hybrid cars work?”, Land Rover Kansas City is here to make your hybrid buying experience the easiest it can be. Explore our new vehicle specials and apply for financing from home to make one of our amazing models yours today! If you’re still searching, feel free to contact us or browse through our manufacturer research for more information.