UNIT ONE : Recent Trends In Automobile Industry

 Hybrid Cars :
Definition: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a type of hybrid vehicle that combines
a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) system with an electric propulsion system
(hybrid vehicle drivetrain)
 Three main reasons for which the automotive manufacturers are developing and selling
HEVS-
1.Reduction of the CO2 emissions (by reduction of the fuel consumption)
2.Reduction Of The Exhaust Gas Toxic Emissions
3.Improvement of the powertrain dynamics (by increasing total
power and torque)
 The most common form of HEY is the hybrid electric car. although hybrid electric trucks
(pickups and tractors) and buses also exist.
 Depending on the level of hybridization, it needs two energy sources, the fuel tank for
the engine and a battery for the electric machine.
 Main components of a Hybrid vehicle:
1. An internal combustion engine (ie. Petrol engine/Diesel engine): In most of the hybrid
vehicles, IC engine acts as the main source of power.
2. Electric motor. It transforms the electric energy stored in a battery into mechanical
energy ie. it drives wheels with the help of electricity stored in a battery.
3. Electric battery: Its function is to store electric energy and supply it
whenever necessary
4. Inverter: Electricity stored in an electric battery is in the form of Direct Current (DC)
while the majority of the motors used in the present day hybrid vehicles require
Alternating Current (AC) to run. So, an Inverter performs the function of converting the
DC from the battery to AC for the motor
5. Electric Generator (Exclusive for series & series-parallel hybrids): The function of a
generator is to produce electricity when driven by an external power source. Series
hybrids use this component where an IC engine drives a generator to produce electricity
which then charges the battery
6.Control Module: It is the most important component of the hybrid vehicle. It controls
the entire operation of the vehicle by synchronizing all the power sources employed

 Types of Hybrid Cars:

 Classification of Hybrids:
Hybrids are mainly classified based on the following criteria:
1. The structure of drive-train
 Parallel Hybrid
 Series Hybrid
 Series Parallel Hybrid/power split hybrid
2. The degree of hybridization
 Micro Hybrid
 Mild Hybrid
 Strong Hybrid/ Full Hybrid
 UNIT ONE : Recent Trends In Automobile Industry

 Classification Based On The Structure Of Drive Train

 Series Hybrid:
In this type of hybrid vehicle, wheels are powered only by an Electric
motor which ultimately derives its power from the electric battery. The IC engine
installed in the vehicle does not supply power to wheels directly. So, these vehicles need
large capacity batteries.
The series hybrid vehicle is more efficient in low-speed driving involving frequent
start-stop.

 Parallel Hybrid:
In this type of a hybrid vehicle, wheels get power from both the IC
engine and an Electric Motor. The drivetrain of these vehicles is so designed that it can
receive power from both the IC engine and Battery simultaneously. However, the IC
engine serves as the main source of power in the Parallel hybrid vehicle. As electric
battery's role is only to support the engine, these vehicles need a smaller capacity
battery. A parallel hybrid is more effective in high-speed driving.
 UNIT ONE : Recent Trends In Automobile Industry
 Series-Parallel Hybrid/Power split Hybrid:
This recently developed system is a combination of a series hybrid
system and parallel hybrid system. Thus, it takes the best from both the wolds
Depending upon the load on the vehicle, it can act like a parallel hybrid vehicle or a
series hybrid vehicle The control module governs the selection of the most suitable
mode Almost all the modern hybrid vehicles belong to this category. Eg Toyota Prius,
Toyota Camry, Honda Civic etc.

 Classification Based On The Degree Of Hybridization

 Micro hybrid:
Micro hybrid technology is the lowest level of vehicle hybridization It contains
mainly start stop technology. Here, energy stored in an auxiliary battery is used to quickly start a
vehicle at the traffic signal. In India, a common example of micro hybrid is the Mahindra Scorpio.

 Mild Hybrids:
These hybrids cannot run on electric battery alone. They always need the
support of an IC engine to run as the battery used in these vehicles is of a small capacity.

 Strong Hybrids/ Full Hybrid:

This vehicle can run on either the IC engine or the electric battery alone as the
battery used in them is of a higher capacity.
The next level of hybridization is the mild hybrid where electrical energy is
used for start stop and also for driving vehicle for short distance at low speed or to aid in
acceleration. Above this there are full hybrid and plug in hybrid vehicles where the vehicle can
move considerable distance using batteries
 UNIT ONE : Recent Trends In Automobile Industry

 Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs):

plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), also known as a plug-in hybrid, is a
hybrid electric vehicle with rechargeable batteries that can be restored to full charge by
connecting a plug to an external electric power source. A PHEV shares the characteristics of both
a conventional hybrid electric vehicle, having an electric motor and an internal combustion
engine, and of an all-electric vehicle, also having a plug to connect to the electrical grid PHEVs
have a much larger all-electric range as compared to conventional gasoline-electric hybrids, and
also eliminate the "range anxiety" associated with all-electric vehicles, because the combustion
engine works as a backup when the batteries are depleted.

 Hybrid Vehicle Manufacturers:

1.Mahindra E-Verito - https://www.cardekho.com/mahindra/e-verito/specs
2.BMW I8 - https://www.cartrade.com/bmw-cars/i8-2015-2019/1-5-hybrid/
3. Volvo XC-90 T8 - https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/xc90-hybrid/
4. Lexus LS500h - https://www.lexusindia.co.in/en/models/ls/ls-500h.html#specifications
5.Toyato Camry - https://www.toyotabharat.com/showroom/camry/

 Limitations of HEV:
 The series hybrid vehicle propulsion is entirely dependent on the battery source.
 The energy conversions happening in each stage result in the overall efficiency loss.
 All these propulsion devices need to be sized to sustain maximum power requirements. In
the case of long-grade ability conditions, the vehicle's performance is poor. So a powerful
motor is required in this situation, making the Series HEV expensive.
 This system may require a battery and motor with a large capacity to meet its power
needs, which adds to the vehicle's weight and decreases the vehicle's overall driving
range, Thereby, making it undesirable for consumers to use.
 It is recommended for short trips as the corresponding IC engine set with a lower power
rating is used.
 Benefits of HEV over ICE
 They are less expensive than full hybrid vehicles.
 They have less complex components. Hence, cheaper to repair.
 Mild HEVs enhance fuel efficiency.
 Cleaner Emission: Compared to the internal combustion engine, hybrid cars employ both
electric and internal combustion engines. The result is reduction in emissions and is
environmentally friendly.
 Less Fuel Dependency: With an electric motor to support the primary petrol engine, there
is additional power available. Hence, there is less dependency on fossil fuel.
 Smaller and Efficient Engine: Since smaller engines don't have to power the hybrid car
alone since there is an electric motor. Also, petrol engines used in hybrid cars are smaller
in size and comparatively fuel efficient.
 Regenerative Braking: Every time the brake is applied in a hybrid vehicle, the electric
generator generates electricity and recharges the battery. This eliminates the need to stop
the vehicle to charge the battery pack.