How Do Hybrid Electric Cars Work?

Hybrid electric vehicles are driven by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that utilizes battery-saved energy. It is not possible to plug in a hybrid electric vehicle to charge the battery. Instead, regenerative braking and internal combustion engine charges the battery. The electric motor's additional energy can possibly enable a lower engine. The battery can also supply additional loads such as noise and headlights, and when paused, decrease engine idling. These characteristics together, without sacrificing efficiency, lead in a stronger fuel economy. Learn more about electric vehicles with hybrids.

Key Components of a Hybrid Electric Car

Battery (auxiliary): The auxiliary battery gives electricity in an electric drive vehicle to begin the vehicle before the traction battery is involved and power vehicle equipment as well.

DC / DC converter: This unit transforms higher-voltage DC energy from the car battery bag to the low-voltage DC energy required to operate car equipment and recharge the additional battery.

Electric engine: generates electricity during braking from the spinning tires, moving that energy back to the battery traction pack. Some cars use engine generators that execute both drive tasks and regeneration features.

Electric traction engine: this engine controls the tires of the vehicle using energy from the traction battery unit. Some cars use engine generators that execute both drive tasks and regeneration features.

Exhaust system: The exhaust system streams through the tailpipe the exhaust gasses from the engine.

Fuel filler: For adding engine to the tank, this is a filler or "nozzle."

Fuel tank (petrol): This tank will store petrol on board the car until the engine needs it.

Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited): fuel is injected into either the intake manifold or the combustion chamber in this configuration, where it is combined with air, and the air / fuel mixture is ignited by the spark from a spark plug.

Power electronics controller: This system controls the stream of electrical energy from the traction battery, regulating the velocity and torque of the electrical traction motor.

Thermal system (cooling): This system retains a suitable engine, electric motor, power electronics and other elements working temperature range.

Traction battery pack: Store energy for electric motor use. 

Transmission: The transmission transfers mechanical energy to control the tires from the motor and/or electric vehicle motor.