The Hybrid Cars: How Do They Work

Crude oil prices worldwide is at its all-time high, some says that it is because of the war in Ukraine, some says that it is just a simple effects of supply and demand, while some says it is due to Geopolitics.

Hence, a lot of people are turning their heads to try to adapt with the predicament.  A lot of people now are exploring the Hybrid Technology.

Automotive hybrid technology became widespread beginning in the late 1990s. The first mass-produced hybrid vehicle was the Toyota Prius, launched in Japan in 1997, and followed by the Honda Insight, launched in 1999 in the United States and Japan.

A hybrid vehicle, just so you know, is one that uses two or more distinct types of power, such as submarines that use diesel when surfaced and batteries when submerged. Other means to store energy include pressurized fluid in hydraulic hybrids.

Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, which uses energy stored in batteries. A hybrid electric vehicle cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. The extra power provided by the electric motor can potentially allow for a smaller engine. The battery can also power auxiliary loads and reduce engine idling when stopped. Together, these features result in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

Mercedes C 300 e

According to one website, the top 10 best hybrid cars of 2022 are as follows:

• Mercedes C 300 e
• Toyota Yaris
• Renault Captur
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Prius
• Skoda Octavia iV
• BMW X5 45e
• Mercedes E 300 e/de
• BMW 330e
• Kia Niro

Most hybrids use several advanced technologies:

Renault Captur

Regenerative Braking. Regenerative braking recaptures energy normally lost during coasting or braking. It uses the forward motion of the wheels to turn the motor. This generates electricity and helps slow the vehicle.

Toyota Prius

Electric Motor Drive/Assist. The electric motor provides power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more-efficient engine to be used. In some hybrids, the electric motor alone propels the vehicle at low speeds, where gasoline engines are least efficient.

Automatic Stop/Start. Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This reduces wasted energy from idling.

Wonder how far will you go on a Hybrid? Most hybrid car manufacturers say a hybrid battery lasts 80,000 to 100,000 miles. However, with the right maintenance and basic auto repair, hybrid owners have reported some batteries lasting up to 150,000 miles and even up to 200,000 miles.

Lithium-Ion Battery for Hybrid Cars

How long can a hybrid car sit without being driven? "If you are storing your vehicle for longer than 30 days without use, we recommend disconnecting the negative terminal of your 12-volt battery," says Taenaka. "This avoids depletion and potential damage to the battery, which runs the internal systems such as heating -- without the need for monthly maintenance."

How much does a hybrid battery cost? Generally, a hybrid battery replacement cost can range from $2,000 to $8,000.

Cheerio!