How Hybrid Cars Work

Created by Guest Blogger on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 ? Leave a Comment?

Touted for their efficient fuel usage, hybrid cars have become the poster child of environmentally conscious drivers and auto manufacturers. Since gas prices are subject to oil availability, and oil availability fluctuates, hybrid cars represent a way to partially stabilize the cost of fuel on an individual basis. The reasoning: The less fuel you use, the less impacted you are by fuel prices. So what exactly is a hybrid car, and how does hybrid technology lessen consumer dependence on oil?

What is a hybrid car?

A hybrid vehicle is one that derives the energy needed for movement from more than one source. A simple example is a moped, which can be powered by pedaling or by a small gas-powered engine. Modern hybrid cars use gasoline and electric motors in concert to produce maximum fuel efficiency.

How do hybrid cars work?

Modern hybrid cars combine multiple processes to power the vehicle while using as little gasoline as possible.

• Regenerative braking ? This type of braking is designed to take advantage of the energy that is lost when a vehicle?s brakes are applied. Traditional cars use the friction of a brake pad against the wheel drum to slow the vehicle, resulting in the loss of its kinetic energy in the form of heat (the energy released by friction). To recapture this energy and put it to work, regenerative braking uses the vehicle?s electric motor as a generator to slow the vehicle, and stores the energy in a flywheel or battery. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the electric motor kicks on using power gathered from regenerative braking to move the vehicle.
• Electric and gasoline motors ? Hybrid cars use two motors: one electric and one gasoline. The electric motor is typically engaged at low speeds, using energy stored in a large battery. Once the driver accelerates beyond a certain speed, usually around 40 miles per hour, the gasoline engine takes over so that higher speeds can be reached.
• Onboard computer ? The component that coordinates all of these functions is a complex onboard computer. Using sensors located throughout the hybrid car, the computer is able to precisely calculate the ratio of electric to gasoline usage to maximize efficiency.

Source: http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2012/02/how-hybrid-cars-work/

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