Hybridelectric

Hybridelectric refers to a propulsion system that combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with one or more electric motors, drawing energy from onboard energy storage such as batteries or capacitors. The aim is to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, especially in urban driving, by sharing power between the ICE and the electric motor and by recovering energy during braking.

Vehicle architectures include series, parallel, and series-parallel configurations. In a series hybrid, the ICE primarily powers a generator to charge the battery, while the electric motor drives the wheels. In a parallel hybrid, both ICE and motor can independently or jointly drive the wheels, with energy stored in batteries. Series-parallel hybrids blend both.

Key components: ICE, electric motor(s), generator, battery pack, inverter, transmission, and a power-management system. The battery is typically NiMH in older designs and Li-ion in newer designs; plug-in hybrids add external charging and larger batteries.

Types: mild hybrids use a small electric motor mainly to assist and enable start-stop; full hybrids can run on electric power alone at low speeds and may travel a certain distance before the ICE engages; plug-in hybrids have larger batteries and can be charged from the grid to extend electric-only range.

Advantages and drawbacks: pros include higher efficiency, lower emissions in city driving, regenerative braking; cons include higher cost, added weight, complexity, and reduced interior space; battery lifecycle and recycling considerations. Hybridelectric systems are commonly used in passenger cars and light trucks, with Toyota’s Prius among the early mass-market examples.