WHAT IS A HYBRID?

The dictionary defines a hybrid as something of mixed origin A hybrid vehicle is one that combines a smaller-than-normal internal combustion gasoline engine with the electric motor of an electric-powered vehicle

HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?

A hybrid car is a passenger vehicle that is driven by a hybrid engine, which is an engine that combines two or more sources of power, generally gasoline and electricity There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrids: Parallel hybrid Series hybrid

HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?

Both use gasoline-electric hybrid technology, but in radically different ways Both have small gasoline engines Both produce much less pollution than standard gasoline cars Both produce much less power generally between 60-90hp (the average gasoline engine produces double that)

HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?

Both are constructed of ultra lightweight materials like carbon fiber or aluminum to overcome the power gap Both are generally designed to be more aerodynamic than most cars, allowing them to slice through the air instead of pushing it out of the way

HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?

Both use a process called regenerative braking to store the kinetic energy generated by brake use in the batteries, which in turn will power the electric motor Both use electric power at starts and stops, low speeds (generally below 15mph) Both use the gasoline engine at cruising or highway speeds

HOW PARALLEL HYBRID CARS WORK

Gasoline engine and electric motor work together to move the car forward

HOW SERIES HYBRID CARS WORK

Gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle, or charges batteries that will power the battery

OTHER HYBRID TERMINOLOGY

Full Hybrid:

Can move solely on electric power

Mild Hybrid: Requires at least some gasoline to power the transmission Stop-Start Hybrids: Use electric power only while idling or during vehicle deceleration

HYBRID VOLTAGE
Did you know that the following voltages are currently used in North American passenger vehicles? 12 Volt ALL vehicles 36 Volts Saturn Vue 42 Volt some conventional and hybrid models 72 Volt NEVs 144 Volt ALL Honda hybrids 300 Volt Toyota first generation Prius hybrids 500 Volt Toyota Prius (second generation) 650 Volt Toyota Highlander SUV, Lexus RX 400h and GS 450h hybrid

HYBRID VOLTAGE
Anyone know why some of the voltages on the previous slide are listed in red?