Sarjahybrideistä

Sarjahybrideistä, sometimes referred to as range extenders, are a type of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) where the electric motor is the primary source of power for the wheels. The internal combustion engine (ICE) in a sarjahybridi does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, its primary function is to generate electricity to charge the battery or power the electric motor when the battery charge is low. This means the gasoline engine can operate at its most efficient speed, independent of the vehicle's speed.

In a typical sarjahybridi, when the driver accelerates or when the battery runs low, the gasoline engine starts up and acts as a generator. This generated electricity is then used to either charge the battery or directly supply power to the electric motor that drives the wheels. This design allows for a purely electric driving experience for a certain range, depending on battery capacity. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine seamlessly takes over the role of power generation.

The advantage of this architecture is that the internal combustion engine doesn't need to be sized for peak performance demands, allowing it to be smaller and more fuel-efficient. It also enables a more consistent electric driving experience compared to other hybrid types. However, sarjahybrideistä can be more complex mechanically due to the presence of both an electric motor and a generator driven by the internal combustion engine. Examples of vehicles that have utilized this technology include some models from BMW (i3 with range extender) and Chevrolet (Volt). The technology aims to combine the benefits of electric propulsion with the convenience of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.