How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

With current leaps in technology, hybrid electric cars have progressed a long way, making hybrid cars a more realistic and affordable option for drivers in Reading and beyond. At our dealership in Woburn, you can find a range of hybrid and hybrid-electric vehicles to enhance your local driving experience. Are you ready to enter the world of hybrids and EVs? You may be wondering how hybrid cars work. Learn more about how hybrid cars work and more with our team at Woburn Toyota.

Parallel Hybrid vs. Series Hybrid Vehicles

No matter whether you’re interested in a Toyota RAV4 hybrid or a Toyota Camry hybrid, these are great options to improve your fuel economy in Burlington. So what exactly is a hybrid model and how does it work? A hybrid model has two different power sources: a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric battery. With hybrid models, the two work together to minimize fuel consumption. There are two different types of hybrid model, here’s how they work:

Parallel Hybrid

A majority of hybrid models on the market today are what are known as parallel hybrids. These models have the electric motor and gas engine connected to the transmission, no matter whether it’s an automatic, manual, or CVT system. These hybrid models blend both power sources together.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids also use an electric motor paired with a gas engine, but the transmission is only paired with the electric motor. In these types of vehicles, the electric motor is the sole source of power. The gasoline engine acts as a generator for the electric motor.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work Compared to Plug-In Electric Vehicles?

So how do electric cars work in comparison to how hybrid cars work? How do hybrids and EVs differ? Though hybrid vehicles run on combined engine and electric battery power, EVs use only electric power. However, newer vehicles are beginning to blur the lines between electric vehicles and hybrids. Some models are even plug-in hybrids which combine the benefits of both types of vehicle:

• With their increased battery packs, plug-in hybrids can go further on electric power alone. 
• For short distances around Burlington, you can use a plug-in hybrid much like you’d drive an EV — relying on 100% electric power all day and recharging at night.
• If you’ll be heading out on a longer trip that exceeds the electric driving range, you can fill up on gasoline like you would with a conventional powertrain.
• Because they don’t rely solely on electricity, hybrid plug-in vehicles take between 1 and 4 hours to fully charge.

Discover Hybrid Power with Woburn Toyota 

Explore our online inventory to find a new hybrid or EV for sale that you want to show off around Stoneham. If you have more questions about the financing process or want to get pre-approved for financing today, apply for financing online. Not sure which model is right for you? Schedule a test drive and visit our team.