Different Types of Hybrid Vehicles to Choose From

The times have changed, people have changed and so have their modes of transportation. Gasoline vehicles are quickly being replaced now by hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are those vehicles that combine internal combustion engines with electric motors to power the car. Hybrid vehicles are now actively being manufactured by automobile companies due to their growing demand across the country. Let's find out more about the different types of hybrid vehicles that exist in the world today!

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Mild hybrid vehicles

Mild hybrid vehicles can be classified as the most basic hybrid vehicles. The starter motor is replaced with a smaller motor called a belt-driven starter generator. The major aim of these motors is to help petrol or diesel engines to work more economically, improving fuel efficiency (like saving fuel when the car is accelerating). Mild hybrid vehicles are also known as MHEVs. These systems are pretty cheap, given that they have basic technologies at work here.

Vehicular coasting is linked with the process of regenerative braking in these vehicles. The energy applied to brake pads is converted to electrical energy, which charges the batteries further.

Examples: Volvo's B4/B5, Honda's IMA, Audi's or Skoda's mHEV

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Series hybrid vehicles

The battery and motor are much bigger and more powerful compared to mild hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are much more fuel-efficient.

The system works very smoothly depending on the conditions. At low speeds or short distances, the motors are enough to power the engine without any need for the engine to provide power to drive the vehicle. At higher speeds or longer distances, the engine is involved in driving the vehicle.

Examples: Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, Subaru's e-Boxer Hybrid, BMW's ActiveHybrid

Plug-in hybrid vehicles

The battery is of much higher capacity thus needs to be recharged regularly. One of the major advantages of these vehicles is that they can travel long distances on batteries alone instead of traditional engines!

The lower emissions from the cars are one of the best things about these hybrids. The engines are restricted in their functioning, thus reducing emissions.

Examples: Audi's TSFle, BMW's eDrive, Porsche's E-Hybrid, Volvo's Twin-Engine

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Range-extender electric vehicles

The major difference between these vehicles and the rest of the hybrids is that the engine doesn't propel the vehicle in any way. The engine purely acts as a generator for the battery of the vehicle. Fun fact, the engines don't come into play unless the battery's charge falls down a certain limit. These are not traditionally refueled in gas stations, unlike how other hybrid vehicles or gasoline vehicles would be filled.

Also, the engines are used when there is no plug-in option available for the driver!

Examples: BMW's Rex, GM's E-Rev

Hybrid engines have enjoyed considerable popularity with car buyers as they ensure better fuel efficiency and driving experience.