How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

Hybrid cars – how do they work? This is a common question we hear at Modern Toyota of Asheboro, and it’s not a bad one to ask. The technology behind hybrid cars has exponentially grown, suddenly enabling Greensboro drivers the chance to own an affordable, eco-conscious vehicle. If you’re new to the world of hybrids and EVs, read on with this guide that will explain how hybrid cars work. 

What is a Hybrid Car and How Does it Work? 

The question remains – just what is a hybrid car, and how does it work? It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving a Toyota Camry or RAV4, hybrids work best for improving fuel economy. A hybrid car relies on two power sources: an internal combustion engine and electric battery. The two join forces to minimize fuel consumption. Hybrid cars work in two configurations seen commonly, parallel and series:

Parallel Hybrid

Most hybrid cars are parallel hybrids. The electric motor and gasoline engine connect to the transmission – no difference whether it’s a manual or automatic system. Both power sources work together to optimize fuel efficiency and performance.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids, on the other hand, only have the electric motor connected to the transmission. The motor is still paired with a gasoline engine, but the electric motor acts alone as the sole source of power. 

Why Choose a Hybrid Car Instead of an EV Plug-In?

Some car buyers confuse hybrid cars with fully electric vehicles. When explaining how hybrid cars work, it’s necessary to mention the differences between hybrid vehicles and EVs. Hybrids run on the harmony of combined power between a gasoline engine and electric battery. EVs use electric power only.

As technology develops, some brands have begun offering plug-in hybrids. Some of the features with plug-ins include:

• Plug-in hybrids can go on longer than electric power alone, thanks to increased battery packs.
• For longer expeditions outside of High Point, you have the option to fill up on gasoline if you think you might exceed the boundaries of the electric driving range. 
• Hybrid plug-in vehicles only need 1 – 4 hours of recharging time, since they don’t rely just on gasoline. 

Discover Hybrid Power with Modern Toyota of Asheboro 

There’s one last question you might have. How do hybrid cars best work for your Durham commutes? Now is the best time to find a hybrid vehicle that suits your lifestyle. Contact us today!