Sarjahybridijä

Sarjahybridijä refers to a type of hybrid vehicle drivetrain configuration. In a sarjahybridijä system, the internal combustion engine does not directly propel the wheels. Instead, the engine acts solely as a generator, producing electricity to charge a battery pack or directly power electric motors that drive the wheels. This means the vehicle is always propelled by electric motors, regardless of whether the engine is running.

The primary advantage of this design is that the internal combustion engine can operate at its most efficient speed and load, independent of the vehicle's speed and acceleration demands. This can lead to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions compared to traditional hybrid systems where the engine can be directly coupled to the drivetrain. The electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in smooth acceleration and a quiet driving experience.

Sarjahybridijä systems are often found in larger vehicles like buses or trucks, where the weight and complexity of the engine-generator setup are less of a concern, and the benefits of efficient power generation are more pronounced. They are also sometimes referred to as range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs) when the battery is the primary power source for propulsion, and the engine serves only to extend the vehicle's range. The distinct characteristic is the complete mechanical decoupling of the engine from the drive wheels.