2007 Toyota Prius2007 Acura RDX2007 Nissan Altima2007 Lexus GS 450h2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid2007 Ford Escape2007 Honda Civic HybridSilverado Classic Hybrid2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid2007 Honda Accord Hybrid2007 Ford Escape Hybrid FWD2007 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid2007 Lexus RX 400h AWD Hybrid2007 Mercury Hybrid 4WD Hybrid2007 Mercury Hybrid FWD Hybrid2007 Saturn VUE FWD 42007 Toyota Prius Touring Hybrid2007 Toyota Highlander Limited
A hybrid vehicle (commonly known as hybrid electric vehicle) is a motor vehicle that uses two or more power sources (usually an internal combustion engine and electric motor, powered by a large rechargeable battery) to run the vehicles and enable some or all of its multiple functions.
Most hybrid vehicles use a combination of mechanical and electrical power to run the vehicle. Currently, the two most popular designs used by manufacturers for manufacturing hybrid vehicles are; parallel hybrid and series hybrid. Another common design for manufacturing hybrid vehicles is a combination of the above mentioned designs i.e. series/parallel hybrid. A brief overview of the above mentioned designs (of hybrid vehicles) is given below:
- Parallel Hybrid - In a parallel hybrid both the engine and battery are connected to the transmission at all times. Consequently, the engine of a hybrid vehicle (having a parallel hybrid design) can be powered by the battery through the electric motor or through the engine or a combination of both. As evident from the name, a hybrid vehicle having a parallel hybrid design has two power sources to draw on at the same time.
- Series Hybrid – In a series hybrid a generator charges either the batteries or powers an electric motor that drives the transmission. The generator never powers the engine of the hybrid vehicle directly.
- Series/Parallel Hybrid – As evident from the name, series/parallel hybrid is a combination of both the parallel and series designs. The distinguishing feature of a hybrid vehicle having a series/parallel design is a power diverter that can direct the energy from the engine to the wheels or to the generator leading to the conclusion that the engine can either provide propulsion to the wheels directly or charge the battery as per the needs.
Here the question arises as to what makes one design of hybrid vehicle superior to another. There is no correct answer to this question as manufacturers choose the design they think will deliver superior performance, reliability, and operational compatibility. However, all three of these designs have proved their ability to dramatically reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles
Following are some of the most common benefits of hybrid vehicles:
- Fuel Efficiency – Hybrid vehicles are one of the most fuel efficient cars available in today’s market. This is evident from the fact that the top three most fuel efficient cars as per 2004 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Energuide Ratings were all hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles can dramatically reduce fuel consumption by using an electric motor with a battery.
- Reduced Emissions (Greenhouse Gas and Tailpipe Emissions) – Because of their fuel efficiency hybrid vehicles also produce fewer emissions than their conventional counterparts. The release of carbon dioxide is directly proportional to fuel consumption of a vehicle. According to Environment Canada, hybrid vehicles prevent over a ton of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere for each 500 liters of fuel saved. Keeping up with their customers’ environmental concerns and awareness, manufacturers of hybrid vehicles are incorporating various emission reduction technologies in their products.