How Does a Hybrid Car Engine Actually Work?

HOW DOES A HYBRID ENGINE WORK? We've all heard of how great hybrid The price of gas is a major reason 75% of those who say 4X why sales of green cars - including hybrids - are expected to increase cars are at conserving gas, and with they would consider fuel prices on the rise, many consumers a hybrid cite lower fuel are considering making the switch. 4X by 2016. costs as the main reason. THE HYBRID REVEALED The Toyota Prius is the world's most popular hybrid car. Here is how it works: A hybrid vehicle uses a combination of an internal combustion engine and a battery electric drive system to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions. Electric motor Power-split transmission Electric motor/generator Fuel tank 1.3 kWh NIHM battery Pack Small gasoline engine: 1.8 Iliter, 70 HP HOW THE ENGINE AND THE MOTORS WORK TOGETHER WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP DURING NORMAL CRUISING The electric motor powers the car, drawing on the battery for power. Only the gasoline engine is used because this is when it is most Up to 15 MPH, the vehicle uses only the electrical motor for power. This efficient. During cruising, the gasoline engine can also power the is one of the reasons why hybrids are more efficient during city driving generator, which produces electricity and stores it in the batteries for than on the highway. later use. DURING HEAVY ACCELERATION DURING BRAKING AND CRUISING Both the gasoline engine and the electric motor work together to When the brakes are applied or the pressure is released from the gas increase power to the wheels. The joint effort of the engine and motor pedal, the hybrid uses a clever system known as 'regenerative braking. working together is only possible because of the power-split Since the vehicle is already slowing down, it doesn't need to keep the transmission, which combines the torque that each one puts out. At this gasoline engine or the electrical motor running. The hybrid stops time, the gasoline engine also powers the generator. The electric motor feeding power to the wheels and allows the spinning wheels to power uses electricity from the battery and the generator as needed. the vehicle's generator. The generator then produces electricity and stores it in the battery for later use. WHEN REACHING A COMPLETE STOP THIS EXPLAINS HOW THE PRIUS REACHES: 51 MPG / CITY 48 MPG / HIGHWAY The car emits 71% less oo CO2 than a Hummer H3, and 20% less methane Both the gasoline engine and the electric motor turn off. The vehicle gas than an adult sheep. uses the battery power to run all the auxiliary vehicle systems, such as air conditioning, radio, lights, etc. THE FUTURE OF THE HYBRID The most fuel-efficient hybrid is the Volkswagen diesel Hybrid L1 concept. 11.8 $3.82 (100 KM The L1 is due to hit the market in It can travel 100 kilometers on a The VW L1 could make it from New York City to 2013, but with regular gas priced single liter of fuel, That's 235 MPG. Los Angeles, California on just 11.8 gallons of fuel. around $3.82/gallon, the technology is needed now more than ever. Sources: gas2.org | consumersearch.com | car-emissions.com hybridcars.com | green.autoblog.com | GreenCarReports.com AutoMD Shifting the Power to You