How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

 
Take a look as you’re driving around Brookfield, CT, and you’re sure to spot a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles are a popular choice for many drivers so we know it may have you thinking about how hybrid cars work. New hybrid vehicles are designed to deliver outstanding performance in addition to the increased fuel savings so you’ve got plenty to look forward to on your Greenwich, CT, adventures.

So, what is a hybrid car and how does it work? We’ll help you find out today at Honda of Danbury. Let us know when you’re ready to trade in your vehicle for an exciting new hybrid model. In the meantime, take a look at the questions we’ll help you answer:

• What is a hybrid car and how does it work?
• What are plug-in hybrids?
• How does a Honda hybrid work?

How Do Hybrid Cars Work? Parallel Hybrids vs. Series Hybrids

You may be wondering, “What is a hybrid car and how does it work?” and we’ve got you covered. Hybrid vehicles are essentially the gap between standard vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE) and fully electric vehicles.

Hybrid vehicles are designed to help you enjoy more fuel savings on your Ridgefield, CT, drives without having to find a charging station. The two most common types of hybrid vehicles are parallel hybrid vehicles and series hybrid vehicles. Here’s how hybrid cars work in the parallel and series hybrid configurations:

• Parallel Hybrids: In a parallel hybrid, the ICE and electric motors both work in conjunction to power the wheels. Typically in a parallel hybrid, the electric motor and ICE are connected to the transmission. Many modern vehicles are parallel hybrids.
• Series Hybrids: Series hybrids also have an ICE and an electric motor. However, the main difference is that the electric motor is connected to the transmission and sends power to the wheels. The ICE is simply used as a generator to charge the batteries for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work?: Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

Parallel hybrids and series hybrids are common hybrid configurations but you may have also heard about plug-in hybrid vehicles. While hybrid vehicles bridge the gap between vehicles with an internal combustion engine and electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles bridge the gap between standard hybrid vehicles and EVs. Here are a few different ways that PHEVs stand out from regular hybrid models:

• Bigger Battery: PHEVs feature a larger battery pack so you can enjoy a short driving range on pure electric power.
• Charging: While you can visit a regular gas station to fuel up a plug-in hybrid vehicle, you also have the option to plug into a charger if you’d like to fully charge the battery.
• Charging Times: Unlike EVs, PHEVs have a quick charging time of usually around one to four hours for a full charge. Of course, the fully electric range of a PHEV isn’t as far as the range of an EV.

How Does a Honda Hybrid Work?

We know how hybrid vehicles work but how does a Honda hybrid work? Modern Honda models feature a two-motor hybrid-electric system. This means that new Honda models with the latest hybrid technology can operate as both a series or a parallel hybrid model. Utilizing both hybrid propulsion systems allows you to enjoy maximized fuel savings when you’re behind the wheel of a Honda hybrid. Here’s when the Honda hybrid model will use each propulsion system:

• Series Hybrid: Most of the time, your hybrid Honda model will operate as a series hybrid, using the electric motor to power most of your drives and turning on the ICE when the batteries run low.
• Parallel Hybrid: Under specific driving conditions, the hybrid system will operate more similarly to a parallel hybrid configuration, where the ICE and electric motor works together to power your drives.

When you choose a new Honda hybrid for your travels, you’ll get to enjoy the Honda Service Pass which offers complimentary maintenance for 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever comes first). Choose a new Honda hybrid today for worry-free maintenance and exceptional efficiency.

Find Out More About How Hybrid Cars Work Near Brookfield, CT!

Are you ready to enjoy more efficient drives around Greenwich, CT, and Ridgefield, CT? We’ve got you covered at Honda of Danbury. Give our team a visit today near the Brewster, NY, area and we’ll help you learn all about Honda hybrid models. Contact us online and before you know it, we’ll have you driving around Watertown, CT, in an incredibly efficient ride!