Hybrid vehicles, which have impressive features in terms of environment and sustainability, offer low emissions for a more livable environment. While doing this, it does not compromise on performance. Hybrid vehicles, which work much more efficiently thanks to the developing technology, stand out as an economical and environmentalist choice. Let’s answer questions such as “What is a hybrid car?” and “How does a hybrid car work?”, which many users have voiced.
What is a Hybrid Car?
Hybrid vehicles, which we have been accustomed to hearing much more frequently in recent years, are in the minds of users, “What is a hybrid car?” gave rise to such questions. The concept of hybrid is used in the automotive industry to express vehicles that combine electric and gasoline engines. Contrary to popular belief, hybrid vehicles, the first examples of which appeared in the same date range as standard gasoline vehicles, have become a rapidly spreading type today due to increasing emissions and environmental pollution.
The first hybrid car was made by Austrian-born German automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche at the age of 27. Working with Ludwig Lohner and introducing the first hybrid vehicle, which he named “Mixte-Wagen” in 1902, Porsche added a battery, generator and electric motors to a 4-cylinder engine in its project, allowing the vehicle to continue its movement even when the gasoline engine is stopped. This revolutionary vehicle has led to the emergence of advanced models by minimizing the dependence of automobiles on fossil fuels.
How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
Aiming to provide the most suitable efficiency for the performance needs of the vehicle, the hybrid system is based on activating the appropriate engine in different usage conditions. By keeping the engine power at the optimum level, energy savings are achieved and emissions are reduced. The working principle of hybrid vehicles, together with its stages, can be explained in more detail as follows:
- Take-off: The electric motor of the vehicle is used during the first start of the vehicle and in situations where high speeds are not transitioned.
- Driving: Electric and petrol engines work together for high speed while driving. While this provides a much more effective performance, it provides a more economical driving experience thanks to reduced fuel consumption and produces low emissions for a cleaner environment.
- Deceleration: The brake used during deceleration of the vehicle provides regenerative charging of the vehicle’s electric motors. In this way, the power produced by the vehicle is evaluated without wasting it.
- Standstill: When the vehicle shifts to lower speeds, the electric motor is reactivated by itself, and when the vehicle is stationary, all engines stop.
The engines, which act according to the speed requirement while driving, help hybrid vehicles to operate in the most effective way. Hybrid vehicles, which have become much more efficient thanks to the developing engine technologies today, manage to keep fossil fuel consumption at the lowest level, helping to prevent the pollution of nature and providing vehicle owners with an economical experience.
How Do Hybrid Cars Charge?
The question “How does a hybrid car charge?” is frequently asked by drivers who are considering owning a hybrid vehicle. Self-charging hybrid cars transfer the engine power obtained during the operation of the vehicle and the power generated in the brake system to the batteries. In this way, all the power produced in the vehicle is effectively used and recycled. In addition, hybrid vehicle models called Plug-In can be charged from an external electricity source. Plug-In hybrid vehicles with much larger battery sizes can use electric power for longer distances.
By knowing more about hybrid and electric cars, you can have an effective and environmentally friendly vehicle, and contribute to a more livable world while having a pleasant driving experience. Incentives by governments and organizations around the world support the widespread use of hybrid and electric vehicles.
