How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

Hybrid car technology continues to evolve, providing drivers in High Point and everywhere else with eco-friendly vehicles that reduce their carbon footprints. So what is a hybrid car and how does it work? Learn how hybrid cars work with the team at Terry Labonte Chevrolet today. We cover the different types of hybrid vehicles and discuss how they differ from all-electric models. If you like what you read, contact us to test drive a hybrid car in Greensboro!

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Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

No matter which hybrid model you’re driving, these vehicles are a great choice for improving fuel economy. Just what is a hybrid car exactly, and how do hybrid cars work? A hybrid vehicle actually has two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine, and an electric battery. In hybrid systems, the two work in concert to minimize fuel consumption. Here’s how hybrid cars work in their two most common configurations, parallel and series:

Parallel Hybrid

Most hybrids on the market today are parallel hybrids. In these vehicles, both the electric motor and the gasoline engine are connected to the transmission, whether it’s an automatic, manual, or CVT system. They work by blending both power sources together.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids also use an electric motor paired with a gasoline engine, but only the electric motor is paired with the transmission. In these vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work Compared to Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

We went over how hybrid cars work above, but keep in mind that hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are two distinct categories. So, how do hybrids and EVs differ? While hybrid vehicles run on the combined power of a gasoline engine and electric battery, EVs use electric power only. However, newer vehicles are beginning to blur the lines between the two. Some brands now offer plug-in hybrids, which combine the benefits of both:

With their increased battery packs, plug-in hybrids can go further on electric power alone.
For short distances around Winston Salem, you can use a plug-in hybrid much like you’d drive an EV — relying on 100% electric power all day and recharging at night.
If you’ll be heading out on a longer trip that exceeds the electric driving range, you can fill up on gasoline like you would with a conventional powertrain.
Because they don’t rely solely on electricity, hybrid plug-in vehicles take between 1 and 4 hours to fully charge.

Discover Hybrid Power with Terry Labonte Chevrolet

Now you know the answer to, “What is a hybrid car and how does it work?” If you have any questions about how hybrid cars work or want to take one for a test drive, contact our dealership near Kernersville today. We are here to provide all the hybrid vehicle information you need and schedule your appointment. For more helpful reads, review our guides on hybrid vs. electric cars and how to find free EV charging stations in the area!