How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

Have you ever asked, “how do hybrid cars work?” If you answered yes, you’re not alone. The number of hybrid electric vehicles on the road has increased considerably over the last half-decade. Vehicles that Orland Park drivers once considered a rare commodity now exist in numbers that closely rival those of standard gasoline-powered vehicles.

At Bettenhausen CDJR, we’re aware of the increasing demand for these environmentally friendly vehicles, which is why we keep a complete inventory of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Many of these models perform at a level equal to most gas-powered versions, giving you plenty of capability. If you’re still inexperienced in hybrids and EVs, the following few sections should get you up to speed.

What is a Hybrid Car and How Does it Work?

Whether you’re driving a Jeep Wrangler 4xe or a Pacifica Hybrid, making the jump to a hybrid is a great choice. Hybrids have two power sources to keep them going — the traditional combustion engine and a larger battery. The two main configurations that exist for hybrids are parallel and series, both of which are detailed below.

Parallel Hybrid

Parallel hybrids are the most common type of hybrid on the market today. The transmission is powered by the electric motor and the gasoline engine in this particular configuration, regardless of whether it’s an automatic, manual, or CVT setup. Both power sources blend to operate the vehicle.

Series Hybrid

A series hybrid also uses a combination of an electric motor and gasoline engine, but the electric motor only powers the transmission. The electric motor is the sole power source, relying on the gasoline engine to generate its power.

How Hybrid Cars Work Compared to Electric Plug-In Vehicles

Many Mokena drivers confuse hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles. However, these two types of cars or trucks fall under different categories. But what sets them apart?

Hybrid vehicles use a combination of the electric battery and the traditional gasoline engine. EVs solely use electric power, with no gasoline as part of the operation. However, as technology continues to improve, certain brands offer plug-in hybrids, combining all the best elements of hybrids and EVs.

• Because of the increased battery pack capacity, plug-in hybrids go further on solo electric power.
• For short New Lenox trips, plug-in hybrids can be used similarly to how you’d use an EV. Because you’re only traveling a short distance, you can switch to all-electric and recharge the battery overnight with an at-home charging station.
• If you’re expecting a longer commute that exceeds the electric range, fill up on gasoline and switch to standard powertrain mode.
• While full EVs can take up to 12 hours to fully recharge, hybrid plug-ins only take between one and four hours because they don’t rely solely on electricity.

Discover How Hybrid Cars Work at Bettenhausen CDJR

Armed with more information regarding how hybrid cars work, you can confidently test drive one of these models with an understanding of how they operate. In the past, hybrids and EVs were only available in smaller, compact models. Now full-size options are available, with dozens of models to accommodate every type of driver. If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a hybrid or EV, contact us at Bettenhausen CDJR of Tinley Park, and we’ll assist with your transition!