How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

With the latest advances in hybrid vehicle technology, more automakers are moving into hybrids as part of their annual lineups. Even Mitsubishi has its new Outlander PHEV. Many Bronx buyers have asked us how hybrid cars work in recent months. To answer that question, we’ve put together a guide showcasing what is a hybrid car and how it works.

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

Great at improving fuel economy around Mount Vernon and New Rochelle, hybrid cars are a unique vehicle to consider. What is a hybrid car and how does it work? A hybrid car has two power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric battery. These two work together to minimize fuel consumption. Here’s how they fare in the most common configurations: parallel, series, and PHEV.

Parallel Hybrid

When most people ask how hybrid cars work, they will probably hear about parallel hybrids. Within these options, both the gas engine and the electric motor are connected to the transmission, whether it’s a CVT, automatic, or manual system. They perform by blending both power sources.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrid vehicles will also use an electric motor paired with a gas engine. However, the electric motor is paired with the transmission. In these vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power and the gas engine acts as a generator for the electric motor. 

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

A recent addition to the available hybrid lineups, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are an emerging part of the hybrid category. While hybrid vehicles run on the combined power of a gas engine and an electric battery, electric vehicles use electric power only. As many of these PHEV models have been released, many have confused them with EVs. Here are some of the benefits: 

• With their increased battery packs, plug-in hybrids can go further on electric power alone.
• For shorter travels around Westchester, you can use a plug-in hybrid much like an electric vehicle, relying on 100% electric power all day, while recharging at night. 
• If you are heading on a long trip, you can fill up on gas, as you can in a traditional gas-powered vehicle. 
• Since they don’t run on electricity alone, plug-in hybrid vehicles take around 1-4 hours to fully charge.

Discover Hybrid Power in Bronx With Victory Mitsubishi 

Now that you have an answer to the question, “How do hybrid cars work?”, Victory Mitsubishi is here to make your hybrid buying experience the easiest it can be. Explore our new vehicle specials and see if you might be able to save on your preferred hybrid trim level. If you are ready for improved fuel efficiency and lowering that carbon footprint, Victory Mitsubishi is the place to go!