Right now thier are two basic types of hybrids. Series hybrid and parallel hybrid.
:idea:
In a series type hybrid when ever the vehicle is in motion the gas engine is spinning. When the vehicle stops moving the gas engine stops. The purpose of the electric hybrid drive is to provide additional torque for acceleration. It can also provides regenitive braking with the engine spinning but with no fuel or spark. The Honda insight, and Civic are series hybrids.
In a parallel hybrid eather the electric hybrid drive or gas engine can be running. Or both may be in use at the same time. So at low speeds you may be running only on the electric motor. The engine only starts when additional power is required, or the hybrid tracktion battery needs charging. So the on board computer selects the most efficient method of propulsion. The Prius and the Highlander are parallel hybrids.
A parallel hybrid will produce better gas mileage than a similar size series hybrid vehicle. This is one of the reasons why the Prius gets better gas mileage than the Civic.
This is not a nock on the hybrid Civic. Because it's a cool car also.
:idea:
In a series type hybrid when ever the vehicle is in motion the gas engine is spinning. When the vehicle stops moving the gas engine stops. The purpose of the electric hybrid drive is to provide additional torque for acceleration. It can also provides regenitive braking with the engine spinning but with no fuel or spark. The Honda insight, and Civic are series hybrids.
In a parallel hybrid eather the electric hybrid drive or gas engine can be running. Or both may be in use at the same time. So at low speeds you may be running only on the electric motor. The engine only starts when additional power is required, or the hybrid tracktion battery needs charging. So the on board computer selects the most efficient method of propulsion. The Prius and the Highlander are parallel hybrids.
A parallel hybrid will produce better gas mileage than a similar size series hybrid vehicle. This is one of the reasons why the Prius gets better gas mileage than the Civic.
This is not a nock on the hybrid Civic. Because it's a cool car also.