Hybrid vehicles how do they work

The electric engine is powered by a hybrid battery which, more often than not, is of lithium-ion, thanks to its ability to be rapidly recharged. The battery is recharged when the vehicle is in motion and when the brakes are applied. While the battery of a hybrid car charges itself, the plug-in hybrid can be charged by the driver in order to have some electric-only range. However, this is entirely down to the driver - they may choose to use the conventional engine for the most part. A plug-in hybrid comes with a built-in socket for charging as well as the appropriate cable.

Charging a plug-in hybrid takes hours , depending on the speed of the charging point. For this reason, many plug-in hybrid car owners choose to charge their hybrid car at home overnight. If this is the case, you can always use a public charging station. You can use a charging point map in order to find those closest to your location. Just like conventional cars, hybrid cars do emit greenhouse gases due to the presence of the petrol or diesel engine.

Emissions produced by petrol and diesel engines include carbon dioxide CO2 and carbon monoxide CO. In contrast, electric cars are zero-emission vehicles but it should be pointed out that emissions are produced in the process of generating the electricity.

The key difference is that hybrid cars are much more fuel efficient than conventional cars, requiring less fuel to cover the same distance.

By operating the vehicle at lower speeds, the electric motor increases fuel efficiency which means that a hybrid car produces fewer pollutants over the course of its lifetime. Power Products. Subscribe here. Hybrid cars have been on our roads since the late s, yet they remain something of a mystery to many drivers. Watch the video. With a Hybrid, you get all the power and torque advantages of an electric vehicle so you can go further for less.

Driving around town, the electric motor does the work with dramatically reduced CO 2 emissions [G12]. On the open road, the petrol engine takes over for efficient high-speed driving. Enjoy a smoother drive as state-of-the-art technology delivers controlled braking and smarter automatic gear changes. Enhanced drive power, combined with a stronger pull at lower revs, means you can enjoy your Hybrid on any road, anywhere.

Our Hybrid batteries are smart, robust and backed by decades of research, expertise and high-quality Toyota engineering. When you return your old Hybrid battery and purchase a new one, we will recycle it and give you a cash rebate. Every new Toyota Hybrid battery [W1] bought after 1 January is protected by a maximum year unlimited kilometre warranty, as long as you undertake your annual inspection according to Toyota specifications.

Book a test drive with your preferred dealer and take your driving experience to the next level with Hybrid performance. Toyota Hybrids The best of both worlds. Everyone from Toyota to Porsche sells hybrid cars these days, but which models should you consider and which should you avoid? The Seat Leon, our favourite family hatchback, is now available as a plug-in hybrid. We're living with one to find out if it's the pick of the range. Does that make it a match for its Volvo XC60 rival?

What Car? View all new car reviews. How do hybrid cars work? Parallel hybrid cars. Car deals. View all deals. Range extender hybrid cars These only use their conventional engine to produce electricity for a generator that recharges the batteries. Plug-in hybrids As the name implies, this type of hybrid can be plugged into an electric outlet to recharge their batteries, as well as being charged on the move. What are the benefits of a hybrid car?

Should I buy a hybrid car? Best hybrid cars. News and advice.