What is a hybrid car and how do they work?

Hybrid cars have become increasingly popular and more available in recent years, with most well-known brands now offering models that champion hybrid technology. 

But what is a hybrid car, and how do they work? Wave Motor Group answers these questions and more.

What makes a car a hybrid?

What is a hybrid car? A hybrid car is a car that couples at least one electric motor (and battery) with either a diesel or a petrol engine. Sometimes the electric motor/s provide the power, sometimes the combustion engine does all the work, and in some instances, these power options combine to work together. Certain hybrid vehicles enable the driver to select between different power options, depending on the environment and location.

How do hybrid cars work?

As mentioned above, hybrid cars couple a conventional internal combustion engine with at least one electric motor. All hybrid cars are fed electricity stored in a high-voltage battery pack. This battery pack is separate from the car’s standard 12-volt battery, and is recharged through the car’s regenerative braking system. This system captures energy through the heat generated by the brakes, that is then uses to recharge the battery. 

Additionally, hybrid vehicles use their combustion engines to charge and maintain their batteries’ power levels. The larger the amount of battery power on offer, the further the all-electric range of the vehicle.

Different car manufacturers use different hybrid designs to achieve different objectives. These objectives include saving fuel, lowering harmful emissions, and increasing driver convenience. 

The following are three of the main hybrid types available on the market:

Plug-In Hybrids

This type of hybrid is aptly named as it’s plugged directly into a power source or charging equipment, to replenish its battery. The battery is also charged on the move through the aforementioned process of regenerative braking.  

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a great option for those drivers wanting the best of both worlds. This hybrid type allows for combustion engine powered movement, as well as all-electric power. As these hybrids house larger batteries than regular hybrid vehicles, they can travel further - with some PHEV models having an all-electric range of up to 60 miles. This significantly reduces fuel consumption. 

Many well-known brands are increasing the number of PHEV models they’re producing. These models include the 2022 Toyota Rav4 Prime, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV, the 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV, the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge, amongst others.

Range extender hybrid cars

Range extender hybrid cars (REx) house one or two electric motors, plus the battery pack. The battery can be plugged into a power source, or a public charging point, whenever it needs to be recharged. This setup is combined with a diesel or a petrol engine. The combustion engines found in these hybrids are usually relatively small compared to those of other hybrid types. 

If/when the battery runs flat, the combustion engine will kick in. As the wheels of REx cars are always powered by the electric motor, when the combustion engine is engaged, it’ll be feeding energy into the battery, allowing the vehicle to keep moving. 

As REx cars are electrically powered, they’re very quiet rides. The only time you’ll hear any noise at all is when the combustion engine engages in the background, when necessary. 

Parallel hybrid cars

Made famous by the Toyota Prius, parallel hybrid cars are the most common of the hybrid car family. With this hybrid type, the car is powered by the combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine - both of which are connected to a mechanical transmission. The power distribution between the motor and the engine is varied – ensuring optimal operation by both power sources when required. Both power sources can also work together to propel the car – creating a parallel power flow. This is where the parallel hybrid gets its name. 

The well-known Prius, for example, only uses its electric motor for speeds up to 15mph. This is one of the reasons it became so popular, as this makes it very fuel efficient for stop/start driving around town. Once the car exceeds 15mph, the combustion engine kicks in, to better handle the increase in acceleration and speed.

Other brands that produce parallel hybrid cars include Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan, to name but a few.

What makes a hybrid car better?

There’re many qualities that make a hybrid car better than non-hybrid alternatives. Here are nine reasons why a hybrid car is a better buy.

1. Lower Fuel Consumption:

Thanks to the inclusion of at least one electric motor, hybrids can reduce their fuel consumption, thereby saving the owner money. In most cases, these electric motors will power the hybrid from standstill and at lower speeds. This greatly reduces the amount of fuel consumed, especially with stop/start driving around cities and/or towns. 

2. Hybrids can be Powerful 

Hybrid cars have multiple engines. In most cases, these cars combine at least one electric motor with a standard combustion engine, resulting in a more powerful, and faster performance.

3. Hybrids are Easier to Maintain

As hybrids don’t solely rely on their combustion engines for power, fewer oil changes will be required. The brake disks and pads will also last longer as hybrids use generators to decelerate, whilst charging the battery. This means the friction brakes are being used far less than in non-hybrid versions.

4. Hybrid Batteries are Long Lasting

Many would-be hybrid car owners have expressed concerns over the expensive batteries found in these vehicles. But fear not, these batteries have undergone extensive testing with certain reports showing that even after 200,000 miles, these batteries perform as well as when they’re brand new. 

5. Hybrids are Quiet to Drive

Hybrid cars are generally very quiet vehicles. They make very little sound when the ignition is engaged. Additionally, hybrids drive so quietly, that there’s virtually no difference in noise between when the car is stationary and when it is moving.

6. Hybrids are Designed for Inclines

Thanks to the amount of torque produced by electric motors, hybrids can tackle steep gradients with relative ease. Hybrids often house continuously variable transmissions - enabling the engine to perform at the optimum number of revolutions per minute, when tackling hills and other steep roads. This greatly improves their uphill performances. 

7. Hybrids are Kinder to the Environment

Hybrid cars produce up to 80% less air pollution than their combustion engine counterparts. This reduction in CO2 emissions means cleaner air for us humans to breathe.

8. Hybrids Retain Their Value

Although hybrid cars can cost a little more than some non-hybrid models, owners will save money thanks to their high fuel economies. Furthermore, a used hybrid will generally carry a higher price tag than a traditional second-hand car.

9. Hybrid Means Benefits

When opting to buy a hybrid car in the U.K., you’ll receive a few extra perks. These could include lower first year road taxes, decreased company car taxes, tax credits, preferred parking spots, and permission to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.

Can a hybrid handle long distance trips?

Yes, hybrid cars can efficiently handle long distance trips. The fuel economy of a hybrid is at its most efficient when driven under 50mph. However, if you full your tank and fully charge your battery before setting off on a long journey, you’ll be able to maximise your vehicle’s performance, and minimise its fuel consumption. Additionally, hybrid cars have a reputation for being reliable - an important trait for long distance driving.

As the popularity of hybrid cars has increased, so have the number of recharging station across the country. This means you won’t have a problem finding a location to replenish your battery. 

How far can hybrid cars go?

How far a hybrid car can travel depends on a few factors. Firstly, the larger the petrol tank, and the fuller it is, the further the hybrid will travel. Secondly, the larger the capacity of the battery and how charged it is, will also determine how far a hybrid can travel. Lastly, the way in which the hybrid is driven will affect its range. If it’s driven in a fuel- and energy-efficient manner, the hybrid will travel further. 

A PHEV, for example, will only rely on battery power for the first 10 to 50 miles. After that, the combustion engine will kick in and deliver a further 300 miles or so before having to be refuelled. This means that on average, a PHEV will produce a combined range of around 310 to 350 miles on a single full charge, combined with a full tank of either diesel or petrol.  

Should I buy a hybrid?

As we have revealed, there’re many benefits to owning and driving a hybrid car. High fuel-efficiency, less harmful emissions, tax breaks, a good resale value, good performance, easier maintenance, and many other factors all contribute towards making hybrids a great option. So, if you’re asking yourself, should I buy a hybrid car? – we think you should change the question to, why shouldn’t I buy one?

Buy, finance or lease a hybrid car with Wave Motor Group

We want to help you find the affordable car of your dreams. With our large range of approved used cars, we are committed to finding the right car for your leasing or buying needs.