Hybrid Cars Overview

Definition

• A hybrid car combines at least one electric motor with an internal combustion engine.

Types of Hybrid Cars

1. Serial Hybrids

   • Movement through the electric motor only.
   • The petrol motor is not connected to the transmission and only charges the battery when needed.

2. Parallel Hybrids

   • Internal combustion engine and electric motor are interconnected to work together.
   • The electric motor acts as a generator to charge the battery when the car is stopped or moving by inertia.

3. Power Split Hybrids

   • Combine features of both serial and parallel hybrids.
   • Internal combustion engine can drive the car and charge the battery via a separate generator.

4. Distribution between Axles

   • One engine is connected to the front axle and another to the rear axle.

Functionality Classification

• Based on the role of electric motor and internal combustion engine:

1. Mild Hybrids

   • Electric motor assists in startup, acceleration, and vehicle systems when the engine is off.
   • Uses a smaller capacity battery operating at low voltage.

2. Full Hybrids

   • Electric motor can self-propel the vehicle under certain conditions.
   • Higher capacity and voltage batteries for more power.

3. Range Extender Electric Cars

   • Small gasoline engine charges the battery when the electrical grid is unavailable.
   • Kinetic energy converts to electrical energy via regenerative braking and inertial motion.

4. Plug-in Hybrids

   • Can be charged externally through standard grids or specialized fast-charging stations.
   • Possible additional energy generation from solar panels mounted on car park roofs.

Future Topics

• Upcoming episodes will explore detailed structure, diagnostics, maintenance, and repair of hybrid cars.