A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses two or more different sources of power to move. Most hybrid cars use a combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor.
Here’s how a hybrid car works:
- The internal combustion engine (ICE) runs on gasoline and is used to power the car at higher speeds or when the electric motor is not sufficient to meet the car’s power needs.
- The electric motor is powered by a battery pack and is used to power the car at lower speeds or when the car is stopped. The electric motor can also assist the ICE when the car is accelerating or climbing a hill.
- The battery pack is charged by the ICE and through regenerative braking, which captures the energy that is normally lost when the car is braking and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery.
- The hybrid car has a control system that determines when to use the ICE, when to use the electric motor, and when to switch between the two. This allows the car to operate as efficiently as possible and to minimize fuel consumption.
Hybrid cars offer several benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and the ability to run on electricity alone for short distances.