- Reduced frictional losses due to reduced piston stroke
- Reduced power and fuel wastage at idle stops
- Less noise and vibrations
- Occupies less space
- Has lesser mass
- Zero emissions
- Negligible noise and vibrations
- Good torque at all the operating speeds
- No complex Transmission system is required for power transmission
- Series Hybrid Cars
- Parallel Hybrid Cars
1. Series Hybrid Cars
2. Parallel Hybrid Cars
The electric drive is used at low speeds and city rides, as the motor provides better torque even at lower speeds. The engine can be used to power the vehicle at cruising speeds since engines are more efficient at those speeds. At cruising speeds, the excess power generated by the engine is used to charge the batteries. For high power operation both the drives can be used together. This improves the performance and mileage of the car. This system is very useful if we are driving in traffic. In traffic conditions, one requires to break the car continuously. Using electric drives can be a better option in such conditions. This will not only eliminated the pollution but also save a huge amount of fuel. This system is less complicated than the series Hybrid system. However, they require a very complex transmission system, as it needs to cater to the engine and the motor both.
3. Series-Parallel Hybrid Cars
Series-Parallel Hybrid cars have combined features of the series and parallel both the configurations. They have the IC engine, generator and electric motor connected in series like series hybrid cars. Apart from this, their engine is directly connected to the transmission system and may transfer the power directly to the wheels depending upon the requirements. These cars act as series hybrid cars at lower speeds or city commute while as parallel hybrid cars at high-speed operations. These cars are very efficient and are provides great flexibility to shift between electric and IC engine drives. However, the series-parallel hybrid system is very complex and heavy. A large number of component also make this system costly.
Degree Of Hybridization
- Mild or Micro-Hybrid Cars
- Medium Hybrid Cars
- Strong or Fully Hybrid Cars
- Plug-in Hybrid Cars
1. Mild or Micro-Hybrid Cars
2. Medium Hybrid Cars
3. Strong or Fully Hybrid Cars
4. Plug-In Hybrid Cars
Best Hybrid Cars In The Market
If we talk about the best hybrid cars in the market, the one name which comes to the mind is Toyota Prius. Toyota recently launched the updated Plug-In version it. The Prius Prime is a Plug-In Hybrid car having series-parallel hybrid configuration. The vehicle has a large battery pack capable enough to power the vehicle alone. This car has a range of 25 miles in electric mode while a total range of 640 miles. The charging time for its battery is 5 hours 30 minutes if plugged into household supply, while it takes only 2 hours and 30 minutes if charged using a 240 volt electric supply. Some other great hybrid cars available in the market are Ford Fusion Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid etc.
Hybrid Cars Pros And Cons
The greatest advantage a Hybrid car offer is a comparatively higher mileage as compared to Diesel and Petrol cars. They also produce leaser emission as compared to them. They run smoothly and quietly and offer an extended range as compared to electric cars. Now, let’s talk about some shortcomings of these cars. The biggest problem with the Hybrid cars available in the market is their low Electric range. Most of the Hybrid cars available in the market have a low electric range and their electric drive is used only to assist the engine. The second disadvantage of these cars is their high cost. Since the Hybrid technology is relatively newer, these cars are priced a little higher. Further, the use of a greater number of components makes these cars heavier. The car has to carry the weight of batteries, motor, engine, generator etc which adds a significant amount to the overall fuel cost.
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