How Hybrid Cars Work

“How Hybrid Cars Work”

Have you pulled your car up to the gas pump lately and been shocked by the high price of gasoline?   As the pump clicked past $20, $30, $40 or even $50, maybe you thought about trading in your car for something that gets better mileage. Or maybe you’re worried that your car is contributing to the greenhouse effect.   The auto industry has the technology to address these concerns.   It’s the hybrid car.   In this speech I am going to inform you how hybrid automobiles work?   What goes on under the hood to give you 20 or 30 miles per gallon than the standard automobile?   And does it pollute less just because it gets better gas mileage.   I will help you to understand how this technology works, and give you some tips on how to drive a hybrid car for maximum efficiency.
First let me begin by explaining to you what exactly a hybrid car is.   A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle.   This also refers to hybrid electric vehicles or (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.   Many of us have probably owned a hybrid vehicle at some point.   For example a moped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal of its rider.   In fact, hybrid vehicles are all around us.   Most of the locomotives we see pulling trains are diesel-electric hybrids.   Cities like Seattle have diesel-electric buses, these can draw electric power from overhead wires or run on diesel when they are away from wires.   Giant mining trucks are often diesel electric hybrids.   Submarines are also hybrid vehicles, some are nuclear electric and some are diesel electric.   Most hybrid cars on the road right now are gasoline electric hybrids.
Next I’ll explain to you the differences how gasoline vs. electric power vehicles works.   A gas powered car has a fuel tank, which supplies gasoline to the engine.   The engine then turns a transmission,...