Hybrid Vehicle

 Hybrid Vehicles

What is Hybrid Vehicle ?

A hybrid vehicle is a type of automobile that employs a blend of two or more different power sources to move. Generally, these power sources consist of an internal combustion engine, often fueled by Petrol(gasoline) or diesel, and an electric motor, complemented by a battery pack for energy storage. By integrating these power sources, hybrid vehicles can attain better fuel economy, lower emissions, and occasionally superior performance when compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Types of Hybrid Vehicles :-

Following are the types of Hybrid Vehicles 

• Parallel Hybrid
• Series Hybrid
• Mild Hybrid
• Plug in Hybrid
• Full Hybrid
• Hybrid Fuel Cell Vehicle (HFCV)

1. Parallel Hybrid :- In this configuration, both the engine and the electric motor are connected to the transmission, allowing them to work together or independently to propel the vehicle. This design enables the vehicle to seamlessly switch between the internal combustion engine, the electric motor, or a combination of both based on driving conditions and power demands. During acceleration, the electric motor assists the internal combustion engine, providing additional power and torque to the wheels. This helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, particularly during stop-and-go city driving where the electric motor can operate efficiently at lower speeds. Additionally, parallel hybrid vehicles often employ regenerative braking, where the electric motor functions as a generator to capture energy during deceleration, storing it in the battery pack for later use. Honda Civic Hybrid is the example of parallel hybrid
2. Series Hybrid :- In a series hybrid, the internal combustion engine does not directly power the wheels; instead, it acts solely as a generator to produce electricity. This electricity is then used to power the electric motor, which propels the vehicle. In essence, the internal combustion engine in a series hybrid operates independently of the wheels, functioning primarily to generate electricity rather than directly driving the vehicle. This setup allows for more flexibility in how the vehicle's powertrain operates, as the engine can run at its most efficient operating point to charge the battery or provide supplemental power to the electric motor when needed. Series hybrid vehicles often offer advantages such as reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency, particularly in urban driving conditions where the electric motor can operate efficiently at lower speeds. Additionally, regenerative braking is typically employed to capture energy during deceleration, further enhancing efficiency. eg. Toyota Prius
3. Mild Hybrid :- In this vehicles are a type of hybrid automobile that incorporates a small electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine, primarily during acceleration and low-speed driving. Unlike full hybrids, mild hybrids cannot operate solely on electric power; instead, the electric motor provides supplementary power to the engine. In a mild hybrid system, the electric motor is typically integrated into the vehicle's powertrain, assisting the engine during periods of high power demand, such as acceleration from a stop or during hill climbing. This electric motor is powered by a small battery pack, which is recharged through regenerative braking and surplus energy from the engine. One of the key features of mild hybrid vehicles is their ability to implement engine start-stop technology. This feature shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, such as at traffic lights or in heavy traffic, and restarts it quickly and seamlessly when the driver releases the brake pedal. This functionality helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in urban driving conditions where frequent stops and starts are common. eg. Ford Puma
4. Plug in Hybrid :- What sets PHEVs apart from conventional hybrids is their ability to be charged from an external power source, such as a wall outlet or charging station. eg. Ford Fusion
5. Hybrid Fuel Cell vehicle :- A hybrid fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) is an innovative type of automobile that combines hydrogen fuel cell technology with an electric powertrain to propel the vehicle. Unlike conventional hybrid vehicles that use an internal combustion engine, HFCVs utilize a fuel cell stack to generate electricity, which then powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. eg. BMW i Hydrogen NEXT
6. Full Hybrid :- A full hybrid vehicle, also known as a strong hybrid, is a type of hybrid automobile that utilizes both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to propel the vehicle. Unlike mild hybrids, full hybrids are capable of operating on electric power alone, gasoline power alone, or a combination of both, offering greater versatility and efficiency.                          e.g Toyota Camry 

          Key features of full hybrid vehicles include:

• Electric Propulsion
• Regenerative Braking
• Automatic Start-Stop
• Battery Management
• Synchronous Operation